You are in the official current online General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Physical Therapy
The College of Health and Human Services
PEGGY R. TRUEBLOOD, Chair
PAHOUA (PEA) VANG, Administrative Support Coordinator
McLane Hall, Room 186A
559.278.2625
http://www.csufresno.edu/physicaltherapy
D.P.T., Doctor
of Physical Therapy
Entry-level D.P.T. (for becoming
a practicing clinician)
Post-professional Joint D.P.T.
(for experienced and licensed clinicians)*
* The post-professional D.P.T. is jointly conferred with UC San Francisco.
Faculty
Peggy R. Trueblood, Chair
Harshavardhan Deoghare
Cheryl Hickey
Gary L. Lentell
Robert K. Martin
Jenna Sawden-Bea
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 Education
The Department of Physical Therapy offers an entry-level postbaccaulareate Doctor of Physical Therapy which meets professional education requirements to become a licensed physical therapist in all 50 states. In addition, until 2014, the Department of Physical Therapy will continue to offer its self-support joint post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program with the University of California, San Francisco. This D.P.T. is available for experienced, licensed physical therapists with a master's degree in physical therapy.
Physical Therapy Courses