Clinical Education Overview

ITHACA COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CURRICULUM

The curriculum in physical therapy provides students with comprehensive professional academic instruction and a thorough background in basic sciences related to physical therapy. Emphasis is on the development of skills to address problems encountered in practice. The goal of this program is to produce a physical therapist with a broad general knowledge base and one who is a lifelong learner. Students develop professional skills as well as an appreciation of the liberal arts. The curriculum is approved by the University of the State of New York and was re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education in 2006.

Students are admitted to the program as freshmen or transfer students. The first five years of the program are offered in Ithaca, New York ending with a B.S. in Clinical Health Studies at the end of the fourth year. The final (sixth) year is offered at Ithaca College’s Rochester Center and at clinical education facilities on a twelve-month schedule. At the end of the final Clinical Education course, the student is awarded a D.P.T. in Physical Therapy.

CURRICULUM CONTENT- Professional Courses

Completed prior to each Clinical Education Course

Clinical Education I: PDPT-59000                  First Clinical Experience (8 weeks)

                                                                Student has completed Professional Year 1 coursework.

Clinical Education II: PDPT-59102                 Second Clinical Experience (8 weeks)

                                                                Students is midway through Professional Year 2 coursework

Clinical Education III: PDPT-69200                Third Clinical Experience (8 weeks)

                                                                Student is 2/3 of the way through Professional Year 3 coursework.

Clinical Education IV: PDPT-69300                Fourth Clinical Experience. (12 weeks) All coursework has been completed.

               OR                                                                                              

Clinical Education V/VI: DPT694/69500         Clinical Education V and VI are options for the final placement 

                                                                (total no less than 12 weeks.)