Chatham University (A4, D6, F1, PR) Last Updated by Program: 12/10/2009 Address:   Physical Therapy Program Chatham University 114 Dilworth Hall Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2826 Phone:   (412)365-1409 Fax:   (412)365-1213 Admissions/Student Inquiry Phone:   (800)837-1290 Financial Aid Phone:   (412)365-1849 Web Address:   http://www.chatham.edu/departments/healthmgmt/graduate/pt/index.cfm Program E-mail:   downey@chatham.edu PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Patricia Downey, PT, PhD, OCS Director    INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION:   Accreditor:   Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools   Carnegie Classification:   Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs) PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM ACCREDITATION:   Date of Initial Accreditation:   Masters degree, May 1996 (no longer offered); DPT degree, April 2005   Current Accreditation Status:   Accreditation   Next Visit   2009   Five Year History:   Accreditation DEGREE CONFERRED: Doctor of Physical Therapy GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: As an integral part of Chatham University, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is housed within the College of Graduate Studies. The mission of the program is to educate doctors of physical therapy who will advance the quality of human life through excellence in clinical practice. The Program educates autonomous practitioners who will meet the challenges of a dynamic health care environment and supports scholarly activity that bridges science and clinical practice. Our vision is to provide an exceptionally innovative and integrated curriculum that promotes active and student-centered learning and produce professionals who are guided by integrity and committed to excellence in practice. The program offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the completion of seven full-time semesters of study. The program stresses clinical decision making through the study of patient problems typically encountered in the clinical setting in a problem-based learning format. The study of normal structure and function provides the background for students to study altered function and its effects on movement. The modified problem-based curriculum presents the clinical arts and science of physical therapy in an integrated manner organized around body systems. Students also complete a community service project that involves service to the wider community beyond one's professional role. The curriculum design prepares graduates to practice as generalists.   CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: The DPT program includes 36 weeks of clinical experience integrated into the academic program at the completion of major areas of study. The program assigns students to clinical sites based on academic need, site availability, and student preferences. In addition to sites located in the Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania area, the program offers sites throughout the United States in acute care, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, pediatric, sub-acute, home health, and rehabilitation settings.   FACULTY: There are seven full-time and two part-time faculty along with our basic science faculty (anatomy, physiology and neuroscience). Four of the current faculty are certified as clinical specialists in the following areas: neurological, orthopedic and pediatric . The majority of the faculty maintain clinical practices.   ENROLLMENT: Chatham University has approximately 2200 students enrolled in its undergraduate (women only), and graduate (coeducational) programs. The Physical Therapy Program admits approximately 30 students each Fall.   ADMISSION: Admissions requirements for the DPT are as follows: - Completed application through PTCAS including: Official transcripts - Evidence of community service unrelated to healthcare, - Evidence of volunteer/work experience in a physical therapy setting, - Three references: two academic and one Physical Therapist; A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; On-site interview, overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale; cumulative prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale; Graduate Record Examination (GRE); Required prerequisite courses include -General Biology with lab (two terms), - General Chemistry with lab (two terms), - Physics with lab (two terms), - Anatomy (one term), - Physiology (one term), Introduction to Psychology (one term), and Developmental Psychology (one term), - Statistics (one term).   OUTCOMES: 94% of admitted students graduate from the program (3 year average). 100% of graduates who responded to our survey were employed (often with multiple job offers) within 6 months. The licensure exam pass rate is 98% (3 year average).   TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID: Full-time tuition for the 2008-09 academic year is $8,990 per semester (seven semesters total). Applicants wishing information on federal and state financial aid programs should contact the Financial Aid Office at 412/365-1777. The majority of students enrolled in the program receive some type of financial assistance.   STUDENT LIFE: The University consists of 30 buildings on 32 acres in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh. A state of the art Athletic and Fitness Center includes a large aerobic exercise and weight training room, Olympic-size pool, climbing wall, gymnasium and dance studio. Chatham's location, close to Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, provides students with the advantages of housing, social, and intellectual activities inherent in a large academic community. Pittsburgh offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities and is home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Discounted public transportation is available to all students with a valid ID. Attention Program Directors, corrections to program data should be directed to the Accreditation Department at Accreditation@apta.org or 1-800-999-2782 x3245.