Reed Humphrey, Chair
The professional program in physical therapy grants the Doctor or Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. The following section describes the profession and the pre-professional requirements and application procedures. This information also is available on the program website at www.health.umt.edu/pt.
The Profession
Physical Therapy is a health care profession concerned with the habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals having limitations resulting from pathological, surgical, or traumatic conditions. The profession is also concerned with prevention of disability in an effort to promote maximal use of an individual's capacities. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and integumentary disorders. Exercise and physical agents, such as heat, cold, light, electricity, and massage are used to promote healing, relieve pain, maintain or restore strength, and improve joint range of motion and functional capabilities. Physical therapists play key roles in: 1) the physical therapy diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, 2) wellness and injury prevention, 3) rehabilitating injured workers to return to their jobs, 4) rehabilitating senior citizens after debilitating disease to enable them to remain independent 5) helping handicapped children to live within the least restrictive environment, 6) preventing and treating sports related injuries, and 7) conducting research in the basic and clinical sciences. Knowledge of the psychological and social ramifications of disability affecting the individual and his or her family is an integral part of physical therapy intervention.
Physical therapy is practiced in diversified settings, including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine programs, public schools, and private practices. Legislation in Montana permits direct public access to physical therapists for evaluation and treatment without a physician referral. Even so, physical therapists remain committed to functioning as an integral member of the health care team.
The physical therapy educational program at The University of Montana seeks to prepare physical therapists who have a broad base of skills upon graduation, and who will be able to implement physical therapy services in many settings, especially rural environments. Rural settings require a physical therapist to serve not only as a provider of direct patient care, but to fulfill the roles of administrator, supervisor, teacher, consultant, and researcher. Students successfully completing the professional program meet the competencies for physical therapy as determined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and are prepared for state licensure.
The Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
High School Preparation:
Specific high school courses are not required but a background is recommended in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, English, and other communication skills.
Pre-Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum and Application Process
Students wishing to apply to the professional physical therapy program at The University of Montana-Missoula may select any major as their undergraduate major. While pre-physical therapy is not a degree-granting major at the University, prospective applicants should list pre-professional physical therapy (PPPT) as their second major. This will allow them also to receive advising from the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in order to assure adequate preparation for the professional program. In addition to completing a baccalaureate degree, applicants must take the following prerequisite courses and meet the additional application requirements listed. All prerequisite courses must be taken for a traditional letter grade and must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00) or better.
Prerequisite Courses and Credits
Biological Sciences: Students should note that these courses may require prerequisites, also. Four semesters to include:
- one semester of microbiology
- one semester of human anatomy
- one semester of human physiology (One year of sequential courses combining human anatomy and physiology are acceptable. Comparative vertebrate anatomy may be substituted for human anatomy.)
- one semester of advanced biology (Course must be offered by a biology, zoology, or physiology department.) Courses in advanced physiology, cell biology, histology, genetics, or developmental biology are recommended.
Chemistry: two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory Physics: two semesters of general physics with laboratory
Statistics: one semester of statistics
Exercise Physiology: one semester of exercise physiology. Laboratory recommended. This course is usually available on The University of Montana-Missoula campus during the summer prior to beginning of the professional program.
Social Sciences: two semester courses in the social sciences. Must include abnormal psychology or developmental psychology. Courses in sociology, psychology, anthropology are recommended.
Adult, child, and infant CPR certification is assumed.
Computer literacy is assumed.
Suggested Prerequisite Courses at The University of Montana-Missoula
| BIOL 106N Elementary Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL 312-313 Anatomy/Physiology | 8 |
| BIOL 460 Medical Physiology | 3 |
| CHEM 151N-152N, 154N General | |
| Chemistry and Laboratory | 8 |
| PHYS 121N-122N General Physics | 10 |
| HHP 377-378 Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| PSYC 100S Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 330S Abnormal Psychology or 240S | |
| Child and Adolescent Development or 245 Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
| MATH 241 Statistics | 4 |
| HHP 288, 289 Advanced First Aid/CPR. | |
| Computer literacy required. |
Additional Requirements for Application
Because the professional program is sequential, students must enter the program in the autumn semester of the first professional year.
Online application and information about admissions policies for the professional program are available from the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science website www.spahs.umt.edu/pt. An application fee is required. Questions about admission should be addressed to physical.therapy@umontana.edu.
The application form is submitted online and the supporting documents for admission to the first professional year must be forwarded directly to the Chair, Student Selection Committee, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, no later than January 15, preceding the autumn semester of the year for which admission is requested.
Some preference will be given to Montana resident students. To be considered for admission, an applicant must have obtained a cumulative grade average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) in all college courses for which the applicant has registered, as well as a minimum of 3.00 in the required pre-professional courses. To qualify as a resident applicant, the student must be a Montana resident on the closing date for submission of the application for admission.
In addition to these requirements, applicants must demonstrate an appreciation and knowledge of the practical duties and responsibilities of the physical therapist through direct exposure in a variety of clinical settings (a minimum of 80 hours of work or observation under the direct supervision of a physical therapist before application).
After completed applications have been received, the Selection Committee will screen the applications based on grade average in required courses, overall grade average, GRE scores, stated purpose, evidence of leadership, honors, community service, and letters of recommendation. Based upon the results of this screening, only those applicants who appear best qualified will be invited for a personal interview.
Although an invitation to appear for interview does not assure the applicant a place in the class, the final selection will be made from those interviewed. All applicants will be notified in writing of their status.
All applicants to the program must submit GRE scores.
Professional Physical Therapy Program
The professional D.P.T. program is 33 months in length. Enrollment is limited to 32 students in each class. Refer to the tuition and fee schedules for additional tuition and fees charged to students in the Professional Physical Therapy Program.
Special Degree Requirements
Once admitted into the Professional Physical Therapy Program, all students must achieve a 2.00 (C) grade or higher (or a CR, in credit/no credit) in all required courses in the physical therapy curriculum. Because courses in the curriculum are sequential, a student who fails to achieve a 2.00 (C) grade (or a CR, in credit/noncredit courses) in any course may not be allowed to continue in the next semester of the professional program. The student must retake the course at the next offering. Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 grade average while in the professional D.P.T. program. Students who do not maintain this average will be on academic probation and must achieve the 2.50 grade average in order to graduate. Students who fail to progress in the expected manner for two consecutive years will be dismissed from the Physical Therapy Program subject to review by the Academic Requirements Committee and the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences. Students also must comply with all school academic and professional conduct policies as outlined in the Physical Therapy Program Student Handbook. All students enrolled in the program are expected to maintain a full-time academic course load (minimum of 12 semester credits) during each semester of the program.
Professional Physical Therapy Curriculum
| First Professional Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| PT 503 Physical Therapy and Health Care System | 4 | - |
| PT 503 Physical Therapy and Health Care System | 4 | - |
| PT 510 Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology | 5 | - |
| PT 516 Musculoskeletal Evaluation I | 5 | - |
| PT 519 Musculoskeletal Evaluation II | - | 5 |
| PT 520 Development Through the Life Span | - | 3 |
| PT 526 Physical Therapy Interventions I | 4 | - |
| PT 527 Electrophysiological Testing | - | 2 |
| PT 528 Physical Therapy Interventions II | - | 4 |
| PT 529 Biomechanics and Exercise Interventions | 2 | - |
| PT 536 Neurosciences | - | 5 |
| PT 560 Introduction to Research | - | 1 |
| PT 582 Clinical Experience I | - | 1 |
| 20 | 21 |
| Summer Session | |
|---|---|
| PT 587 Clinical Internship I | 4 |
| Second Professional Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| PT 525 Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology | 3 | - |
| PT 561 Research in Physical Therapy | 2 | - |
| PT 562 Scholarly Project I | 1 | - |
| PT 563 Cardiopulmonary PT | 3 | - |
| PT 565 Physical Therapy for Children | 2 | - |
| PT 566 Advanced Anatomy Laboratory | (1) | (1) |
| PT 567 Neurorehabilitation I | 3 | - |
| PT 568 Neurorehabilitation II | - | 2 |
| PT 569 Orthopedic Physical Therapy I | 2 | - |
| PT 570 Psychology of Illness and Disability | 2 | - |
| PT 572 Practice and Administration | - | 2 |
| PT 573 Orthopedic Physical Therapy II | - | 1 |
| PT 575 Physical Therapy Interventions III | - | 4 |
| PT 576 Synthesis of Clinical Evaluation and Intervention | - | 1 |
| PT 578 Physical Therapy Interventions IV | - | 4 |
| PT 588 Clinical Internship II | - | 4 |
| PT 671 Scholarly Project II | - | 2 |
| Total | 18-19 | 20-21 |
| Summer Session | |
|---|---|
| PT 589 Clinical Internship III | 5 |
| Third Professional Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| PT 626 Primary Care in Physical Therapy | 3 | - |
| PT 627 Prevention, Wellness, and Education | 2 | - |
| PT 672 Research in Physical Therapy II | 2 | - |
| PT 673 Practice & Administration II | 2 | - |
| PT 676 Clinical Mastery in Physical Therapy | 4 | - |
| PT 679 Trend in Clinical Practice (may be repeated) | 4 | - |
| PT 690 Clinical Internship IV | - | 12 |
| Total | 17 | 12 |
Four credits of professional elective course work are required for the D.P.T. These may be satisfied by PT 679 sections or courses outside the school. Only 2 credits may be independent study.
Total credits required for graduation: 118
Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G= for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Physical Therapy (P T)
U 496 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-12) Offered intermittently.
UG 497 Research 1-10 cr. (R-10) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.
G 503 Physical Therapy and the Health Care System 4 cr. Offered autumn. An introduction to physical therapy and its relationship to the health care system. Topics include introduction to the PT literature, medical terminology, medical records, communication, ethics, and professional issues in physical therapy.
G 510 Applied Clinical Anatomy and Kinesiology 5 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., course in human anatomy and consent of instr. Anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system and body cavities in relation to movement, function and clinical correlates.
G 516 Musculoskeletal Evaluation I 5 cr. Offered autumn. Coreq., PT 510, 529. Principles of physical therapy musculoskeletal examination and evaluation including pathology, patient interviews, measurement of ROM, strength, special tests.
G 519 Musculoskeletal Evaluation II 5 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 510, 516. Continuation of PT 516. Physical therapy musculoskeletal examination and evaluation including screening and functional evaluation.
G 520 Development Through the Life Span 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 510, 511. Process-based learning course covering human development with emphasis on motor development including pediatrics and geriatrics and a review of geriatric care programs.
G 525 Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Pathology, evaluation, differential diagnosis, pharmacology, management of oncological, endocrine, metabolic, GI, renal, and immunological pathology.
G 526 Physical Therapy Interventions I 4 cr. Offered autumn. Coreq., PT 516, 529. Basic skills of transfers, bedmobility, gait assistive device use, soft tissue mobilization, and application of physical agents.
G 527 Electrophysiological Testing and Therapeutics 2 cr. Offered spring. Physiology, indications, contraindications, and application of physical agents. Theory and application of electrodiagnosis and electrotherapy procedures.
G 528 Physical Therapy Interventions II 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 526, 529. Coreq., PT 519. Continuation of PT 526. Basic principles of PNF. Application and prescription of therapeutic exercise to various patient problems and environments, including gait functional training, and aquatics. Emphasis on equipment analysis and patient education.
G 529 Biomechanics and Exercise Interventions 2 cr. Offered autumn. Coreq., PT 516, 526. Principles of upper extremity biomechanics, exercise prescription, and exercise and other therapeutic interventions for the upper extremity and cervical spine.
G 536 Neurosciences for the Health Professions 5 cr. Offered spring. Anatomy of the head and neck, and neuroanatomy of the human nervous system with emphasis on evaluation of central nervous system lesions and pathological conditions, clinical applications to physical therapy.
G 560 Introduction to Research 1 cr. Offered spring. Introduction to the research process in physical therapy including evidence based practice, faculty research tracks, and laboratories. Includes beginning literature review for special/research project.
G 561 Research Methods in Physical Therapy 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., MATH 241. Research design and statistical analyses in physical therapy and related sciences.
G 562 Scholarly Project I 1 cr. Offered autumn. Directed research with individual faculty advisor to develop proposal for research/special project.
G 563 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PT 528, PT529. Cardiovascular and pulmonary pathology, pharmacology, and differential diagnosis. Physical therapy assessment and interventions for patient’s with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease.
G 565 Physical Therapy for Children 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PT 520, PT 536. Evaluation and intervention of neuromotor and musculoskeletal physical therapy rehabilitation of children. Physical therapy for children in school systems.
G 566 Advanced Anatomy Laboratory 1 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., PT 510, 511. Regional dissection and study of the back, neck, upper extremity and lower extremity, including clinical correlates.
G 567 Neurorehabilitation I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PT 536. Neurologic physical therapy assessment and intervention of adults with cerebrovascular accidents, Parkinson disease, or multiple sclerosis. Motor control and motor learning and application to physical therapy neurorehabilitation. Includes wheelchair and home assessment.
G 568 Neurorehabilitation II 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 536. Neurologic physical therapy assessment and intervention of adults with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.
G 569 Orthopedic Physical Therapy I 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PT 510, 516, 519, 528, 529. Patient/Client management of orthopedic condition of the extremities.
G 570 Psychology of Illness and Disability 2 cr. Offered autumn. Psychological response to illness and disability to include patient motivation, patient/professional interaction, and treatment of persons with chronic pain.
G 572 Practice and Administration 2 cr. Offered spring. Organization and management of the physical therapy department with emphasis on the therapist's role as administrator, supervisor and consultant.
G 573 Orthopedic Physical Therapy II 1 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 516, 519, 569. Patient/Client management of orthopedic conditions of the spine.
G 575 Physical Therapy Interventions III 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 528, PT 529. Coreq., PT 578. Includes units in burns and wound care, prosthetics, plus the American Disabilities Act and the management of chronic disability.
G 576 Synthesis of Clinical Evaluation and Intervention 1 cr. Offered spring. Synthesis and analysis of PT evaluation and intervention through case reports.
G 577 Applied Clinical Anatomy and Kinesiology Teaching 1-2 cr. Offered autumn. Teaching experience in practical application of clinical anatomy and kinesiology.
G 578 Physical Therapy Interventions IV 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 528, PT 529. Coreq., PT 575. Physical therapy assessment and interventions are addressed in the areas of occupational health, pelvic floor dysfunction, obstetric client care, advanced orthotics and activities of daily living.
G 582 Clinical Experience I 1 cr. Offered spring. Clinical experience in physical therapy departments.
G 587 Clinical Internship I 4 cr. Offered summer. Prereq., PT 582. Seven weeks of full-time clinical experience with emphasis on developing patient treatment skills.
G 588 Clinical Internship II 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 587. Five weeks of full-time clinical experience with emphasis on patient evaluation and continuation of developing patient treatment skills.
G 589 Clinical Internship III 5 cr. Offered summer. Prereq., PT 588. Eight weeks of full-time clinical experience with emphasis on learning about administrative issues, problem-solving, time management, and communication skills. Continuation of development of patient treatment and evaluation skills.
G 594 Seminar Variable cr. (R-6) Offered autumn and spring.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-4) Offered autumn and spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered autumn and spring.
G 597 Research 1-10 cr. (R-10) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.
G 626 Primary Care 3 cr. Offered autumn. Differential diagnosis of system pathology including basic verbal and physical screening, diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests and pharmacological intervention. Infectious diseases and cancer as related to physical therapy.
G 627 Prevention, Wellness, and Education 2 cr. Offered autumn. Nutrition, health promotion, patient and support network education, exercise/fitness, disease and injury prevention, life span emphasis.
G 671 Research in Physical Therapy I 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., D.P.T. student. Data collection for research/special project.
G 672 Research in Physical Therapy II 2 cr. Offered autumn. Data analysis, writing of research manuscript, presentation of project.
G 673 Advanced Practice and Administration II 2 cr. Offered spring. Topics build on content presented in PT 503, and PT 572. Emphasis on identifying key niches in health care and development of a business plan.
G 676 Clinical Mastery in Physical Therapy 4 cr. Offered autumn. Learner-centered course synthesizing PT examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, outcomes, reimbursement, education, delegation, and wellness.
G 679 Trends in Clinical Practice 1-2 cr. (R-4) Offered autumn. Focus on advanced clinical topics in physical therapy.
G 690 Clinical Internship IV 12 cr. Prereq., PT 589. Custom-designed clinical internship of 15 weeks. Includes writing and presentation of case study or special project.
G 696 Independent Study 1-4 cr. (R-4) Offered intermittently.
G 697 Research 1-10 cr. (R-10) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.
Faculty
Professors
- Richard Gajdosik, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1989; P.T., University of Kentucky, 1971
- Reed Humphrey, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 1986; P.T., Virginia Commonwealth University, 1994 (Chair)
- Charles Leonard, Ph.D., Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1985; P.T. , Duke University, 1978
Associate Professors
- Carrie Gajdosik, M.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1986; P.T., University of Kentucky, 1971
- Beth Ikeda, M.S., D.P.T., Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, 1989, 2004, P.T., Mayo School of Health Related Science, 1981
- James J. Laskin, Ph.D., University of Alberta, 2001; P.T., University of Saskatchewan, 1987
Assistant Professors
- Steve Fehrer, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1984; P.T., Beaver College, 1995
- David L. Levison, M.H.S., Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy, 1996; P.T., University of Montana, 1986
- Sheng Li, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2002
- Kimberly J. Mize, D.P.T., Rocky Mountain University of Health
- Professions, 2006., P.T., University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, 1996
School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science Clinics
Nora Staael Evert Physical Therapy Clinic
- Brenda Mahlum, D.P.T., Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, 2006; P.T., University of North Carolina, 1984
- Mary Coar, B.S., P.T., University of Montana, 1993
New Directions Wellness Center
- Susan Ostertag, B.S., P.T., University of Montana, 1993
- Molly Blair, B.S., University of Montana, 2002