You are in the official 2002-2003 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Physical Therapy
The College of Health and Human Services
KATHLEEN A. CURTIS, Chair
ORA SHIPE, Administrative Support Coordinator
McLane Hall, Room 186A
(559) 278-2625
KATHLEEN A. CURTIS, Chair
ORA SHIPE, Administrative Support Coordinator
McLane Hall, Room 186A
(559) 278-2625
http://www.csufresno.edu/physicaltherapy
Faculty
Kathleen A. Curtis, Chair
Janet K. Duttarer
Joanne M. Laslovich
Gary L. Lentell
Robert K. Martin
Peggy Trueblood
Toni Tyner
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists, or PTs, are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or biomechanical dysfunction. Physical therapists are integral members of the primary care team and are involved in prevention of disability and promotion of positive health. They are also acting consultants in restorative care.
Physical therapy includes the following:
- examining and evaluating patients with health-related conditions, impairments, functional limitations, and disability in order to determine diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention;
- alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions;
- preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability while promoting and maintaining fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations; and
- engaging in consultation, education, and research.
Career Opportunities
Physical therapists practice in acute care or subacute care hospitals, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, industrial health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, or pediatric centers. Others work in research institutions or teach in colleges and universities.
Faculty and Facilities
The faculty is composed of physical therapists that collectively have advanced preparation in all major areas of physical therapy. Most have earned doctorates or advanced specialty certification. Together they represent extensive years of clinical experience. Many faculty members continue to engage in practice in tandem with their faculty responsibilities. Several have held significant positions of leadership in professional associations and have authored textbooks used nationally; several also publish regularly in professional journals. Their efforts have been recognized frequently with prestigious awards from the profession and the community.
Clinical laboratory experiences are conducted in a variety of health care facilities throughout the state of California and out of state on a limited basis.
Physical Therapy Courses