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Mission
Statement
The
mission of the Master of Health Science degree
program is to provide educational opportunities
that allow physical therapists to develop
specialized clinical competencies and critical
inquiry skills to enhance patient care beyond
basic professional preparation and experiences.
|
The
University's post-professional Master of Health
Science (MHSc) program seeks to develop both the
professional and the profession in which he or she
practices. High priority is placed on an attitude
of active inquiry, critical thinking and reflective
practice.
Program
Objectives
To graduate physical therapy clinicians who demonstrate
the following:
 |
Effective
oral and written communication skills in the
presentation of theories on the science of healing
and rehabilitation. |
|
A
scientific and systematic approach to solving
clinical and theoretical problems in the science
of healing and rehabilitation. |
|
Leadership
in clinical expertise. |
|
A
depth of knowledge and competency in at least
one major area of clinical theory and techniques. |
Program Information
This
distance education, post-professional 36-credit
degree builds upon the University's Continuing Professional
Education and Certification programs. Tracks are
currently offered in Manual Therapy, Sports Physical
Therapy, and Primary Care. Certification testing
(including oral, practical, and written examination)
must be completed in the chosen specialty track.
After
Certification, additional required courses are completed
during two separate Academic Residencies. Scientific
Inquiry and Proposal Development are taken during
the first Academic Residency and are the prerequisites
for the Research Proposal courses that complete
the required research component of the program.
Elective
hours are available which allow individualization
of the course of study. Several options are available
for electives, including pure home study courses,
directed study, directed readings and clinical internships.
Several courses are offered online.
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CURRICULUM
1. Completion of a USA Certification (17-19
credits):
| Choose
From: |
Credits |
| Manual
Therapy |
19
credits |
| Primary
Care |
18 credits |
| Sports
Physical Therapy |
17 credits |
2.
Required Courses (12-16 credits)
Two academic residencies held on the University
campus are attended, during which other required
courses are taken:
| During
the 1st academic residency, you will probably
take: |
| Scientific
Inquiry |
2
credits |
| Proposal
Development |
3 credits |
| Medical
Diagnostics |
2 credits |
| Professional
Communications-I |
1
credit |
|
During
the 2nd academic residency, you will probably
take: |
| Extremity
Readings, Treatment & Clinical Management
(Not
required for Primary Care track students) |
2 credits |
| Professional
Communications-II |
1
credit |
| Basic
Cranio-Facial (TMJ) is a required online course
for Manual Therapy track students. |
2 credits |
Research
Proposal
After
taking Proposal Development at the first academic
residency, completion of a formal research
proposal is done by distance education. You
will work closely with your primary faculty
advisor throughout this process. The proposal
is defended before University faculty. |
3
credits |
3.
Electives
(1-5 credits)
Elective
credits will be taken as necessary to complete the
required 36 credits.
Up to nine graduate credits may be transferred in
from outside programs if approved by the University
Graduate Council. Electives may be from other Certification
tracks or courses such as:
| Electrotherapy |
2
credits |
| Spinal
Instability |
2
credits |
| Directed
Readings on Approval |
1-4
credits |
| Directed
Study on an approved topic |
1-4
credits |
| or
any other approved post-professional courses
listed in the University catalog. |
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GRADING
The home studies for each seminar attended must
be completed before a grade is earned. A "B"
average must be maintained for you to remain in
the program. The home studies are scheduled by semester
and begin the first of the semester following your
registration. If coursework is incomplete at the
end of the scheduled semester, you will receive
an Incomplete "I" grade report. You must
then complete the work by the end of the immediate
next semester to receive a final grade.
TUITION
& FEES
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Tuition
charges are reviewed annually. The estimated cost
of the degree, including seminar tuition, home study
fees, administrative fees, and books is approximately
$15,435. The costs of any travel and hotel accommocations
are not included in these figures.
If
you would like information on financial assistance,
please contact our Student
Services Coordinator at the University with
any questions.
For
more information or if you have any questions about
the program, please email dboyce@usa.edu
or call the Master of Health Science Program at
1-800-241-1027.
Frequently
Asked Questions
