 Welcome to our web site. The profession of physical therapy is moving to the clinical doctorate. This change in degree status is a result of the changes that are occurring in the delivery of health care services that require more independence of physical therapists. Over the next several decades, more than ever, physical therapists will be essential in providing a continuum of care through both direct access and the referral systems. Columbia University's Program in Physical Therapy is the proud educator of physical therapists since 1942. As one of the oldest schools of physical therapy in the country, the faculty is proud of the excellent education they provide for physical therapy students. Program graduates can think critically, exercise technical competence and have made significant contributions in improving the health status of their patients/clients by embracing evidence-based practice. They have advanced the profession through their contributions as clinical researchers and educators in collaboration with other health care disciplines, and have served as advocates for change within the health care delivery system. I welcome you to share the excitement and deep satisfaction of becoming a physical therapist. The Program in Physical Therapy is located on the Medical Center campus of Columbia University (168th Street and Broadway), amid the world famous New York Presbyterian Hospital Academic Health Center, creating one of the nation's most dynamic educational environments. The Program in Physical Therapy, as part of Columbia Medical School, shares the campus with the Dental School, School of Nursing and Mailman School of Public Health. This collaborative environment brings a holistic, patient-centered approach to improving motion dysfunction, quality of life and injury prevention in a caring and humanistic fashion. These contributions to health care emphasize qualities highly regarded in medical education and the Program in Physical Therapy is a valuable supplement to the interdisciplinary atmosphere on the Medical Center campus. As an entry-level student in the DPT program, you will study with a talented cadre of classmates, drawn from all parts of the country and abroad. The faculty brings excellent academic, research and patient-care experience into the classroom and laboratory. For your clinical education experiences you will be able to select from a myriad hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities and school-based programs, nation-wide, providing both generalist and specialist services that mirror today's practice environment. Although the material on this web site will answer many of your questions about our DPT program, please do not hesitate to contact me (rg2135@columbia.edu) or the program's Admission Coordinator, Cynthia Worthington (cw75@columbia.edu), or call the program at 212-305-0470. I look forward to receiving your application. With best wishes, Risa Granick, EdD, MPA, PT |
