Physical Therapy

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Degrees:

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Chairperson and Graduate Director: Professor Lana Svien P.T., Ph.D.

Program Description

The University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department offers a graduate level program for individuals seeking entry-level professional education. Physical Therapy is concerned with the prevention of disability and the restoration of function following disease, injury, or loss of function. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients reach their maximum performance potentials while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Physical therapy, the science of healing and art of caring, involves evaluation, treatment planning, performance of tests and measures, client education, consultative services, and supervision of support personnel.

The American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits the University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department. The mission of The University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department is to provide professional education which will enable the graduate to enter a variety of settings. Graduates are encouraged to serve individuals living in rural settings who otherwise may not have access to physical therapy services. The professional development of the program graduate emphasizes participation in life-long learning and leadership involvement in the community at large.

Graduate Faculty

Patti Berg, Assistant Professor. P.T., M.A., University of Kentucky. Specialization: Pediatric Neurologic Physical Therapy

Patrick Cross, Assistant Professor. P.T., D.P.T., Creighton University. Specialization: Rural Health

Richard Ekstrom, Associate Professor. P.T., D.Sc., O.C.S., Rocky Mountain University. Specialization: Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Patrick Hauer, Associate Professor. P.T., Ed.D., The University of South Dakota. Specialization: Differential Diagnosis, Gait, Orthotics, and Prosthetics.

Joy Karges, Associate Professor. P.T., Ed.D., The University of South Dakota. Specialization: Clinical Education, Lymphedema Issues.

Roy Osborn, Associate Professor, P.T., M.S., O.C.S., University of Nebraska Medical Center. Specialization: Knee and Shoulder Problems.

Lana Svien, Professor, P.T., Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center. Specialization: Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Admission Requirements

• Specific prerequisite courses are required. The prerequisite course work needed is (this sample is based upon The University of South Dakota curriculum):

ANAT 142 Anatomy 3 credit hours
BIOL 163 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology 4 credit hours
BIOL 164 Principles of Organismal Physiology 4 credit hours
  Or BIOL 481 Vertebrate Anatomy & Embryology 4 credit hours
BIOL 528 Comparative Physiology 3 credit hours
CHEM 112 General Chemistry I 5 credit hours
CHEM 114 General Chemistry II 5 credit hours
PHYS 111 Introduction to Physics I 3 credit hours
PHYS 112 Introduction to Physics I Lab 1 credit hour
PHYS 113 Introduction to Physics II 3 credit hours
PHYS 114 Introduction to Physics II Lab 1 credit hour
  Or PHYS 211 University Physics I 4 credit hours
PHYS 212 University Physics I Lab 1 credit hour
PHYS 213 University Physics II 4 credit hours
PHYS 214 University Physics II Lab 1 credit hour
PHGY 210 Human Physiology for Allied Health Professionals 4 credit hours
STAT 281 Introduction to Statistics 3 credit hours
PSYC 101 General Psychology 3 credit hours
PSYC 322 Psychology of Human Development 3 credit hours
PSYC 451 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior 3 credit hours

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale.
• A basic science GPA of 3.0 (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology prerequisites)
• The GRE General test is required.
• Completion of personal statements.
• Physical Therapy Observation and/or experience (minimum of 50 hours).
• An invitation for a personal interview with the USD Physical Therapy Department is offered once all prerequisites are met.
• Additional requirements exist for international students.

Application Deadline

• Applications for admission are available beginning in August of each year for fall admission.
• Applications are accepted during the period August 1 through May 31 of each academic year for fall semester admission. Admission is competitive.

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
Department of Physical Therapy 
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion SD 57069
(605) 677-5915
E-mail: usdpt@usd.edu   
http://med.usd.edu/med/pt/     

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