Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take to become a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “Is a degree in physical therapy worth it?” The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal career goals. Some people choose to become physical therapist assistants because only a two-year associate degree is required. It’s true that pursuing a doctorate takes time and effort; however, there are countless advantages to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. To that end, let’s look at some of the factors that make a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree the best first step on an exceptional career Read more
February Student Spotlights
OT Students Participate in Low Vision Day
Second term OT students participated in a low vision day as part of their Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance course. Students wore goggles simulating a variety of low vision conditions and engaged in numerous household and community activities. It was a good opportunity for future clinicians to have a deeper understanding of the lived experience of individuals with low vision disorders and the role OTs play in low vision rehabilitation and environmental modification.
Austin Students Making Connections and Application in OT Human Movement Course
Students arrived to class to find 21 baby dolls sitting on their desks. The dolls are helping students learn about developmental reflexes, such as:
- how to test for the reflexes (stimulus)
- what is expected response to stimulus
- what is the significance of the reflex to normal development
- what is the significance of the reflex to OT
Clayton Fun Fitness Event
Austin OT and PT students attended Clayton Fun Fitness at Clayton Elementary School.
An equal ratio of 63 elementary school kids and 63 USAHS students attended this year’s Clayton Fun Fitness Event.
The total list of activities for the day included:
- 6 station warm up
- Obstacle course
- Cone maze
- Exercise
- Ball Toss
- Limbo
- Cotton Challenge
It was a great pediatric learning opportunity for both OT and PT students. They did an excellent job of learning how to adapt the activities to meet the physical abilities of the child based on grade level. For example, they had a station for throwing and catching balls for the 5th graders, but chose to have the pre-kindergartners and kindergartners roll the ball instead. This provided enough challenge, while also encouraging success.
EdD On-Campus Residency Held in St. Augustine
Students from the online EdD program met up in St. Augustine for their on-campus residency over the weekend. There was a unique mix of clinicians, educators and healthcare professionals. Author and educator Steve Piscitelli led the group through a motivating and inspirational day of activities.
Austin Students, Faculty Participate in Student Honor Association Signing Ceremony
On February 8, 2019, The Texas Student Honor Association held a signing ceremony for incoming physical and occupational therapy students.
The Student Honor Association is a student-directed association on campus that promotes the ethical and professional reputation at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Under the guidance of faculty advisors Dr. Emily Frank and Dr. Derrick Campbell, the association fosters a campus-wide atmosphere of trust, respect, integrity and dignity in and out of the classroom. The signing ceremony promotes a personal commitment to institutional values on professionalism as a thread throughout the curriculum and for life as a health care professional. By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and support, the Student Honor Association values and appreciates the strengths afforded by the different styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each individual.
Miami Campus Participates in Special Olympics Event
M
iami faculty and students participate in Special Olympics event and presented with award for their support.
Dr. Somarriba, Dr. Salmon, Dr. Marinas, Dr. Pilgrim and students participated in a FunFitness screening event for the Special Olympics. Screenings included assessments of Balance, Strength, Flexibility, and Aerobic Capacity.
USAHS SPTA made an $800 donation to the Special Olympics of South Florida. The organization presented USAHS with an award for their continued support, collaboration and partnership.
Students and Faculty Visit Texas Capitol for TPTA Legislative Day
Students take time out of Spring Break to participate in Legislative Day.
On February 19th, the Texas Physical Therapy Association sponsored a Legislative Day at the Capitol in Austin. The TPTA Legislative Day attendees met starting at 8:00 AM at the Paramount Theater to get briefed and receive assignments. They then visited legislators at the Capitol to glean support for patient direct access to physical therapy and allow physical therapists issue disability related certifications. A big thanks goes out to the USAHS participants for taking time from break to attend. The objective is to get these bills passed!
Some OT students were in attendance as well.
They visited their senator Kirk Watson and house representative Vikki Goodwin. The issues on the table were 1) educate the legislators on the value of OT as a distinct service 2) pass resolution in the House to make Feb 19 the state wide OT day, which was passed; and 3) to advocate for expansion of Medicaid funds for Texans who would benefit from OT services.
DPT Students Perform Community Outreach Event
On Valentine’s Day, a group of therapists (Bonnie Rogulj, Diana Holloway, and Ashley Rahner) assisted DPT students in screening older adults in Palm Coast, FL. It was a community outreach project as part of the Geriatric Physical Therapy course. During the event, 15 seniors signed up for an evidence-based community fall prevention program, and several were interested in pursuing other PT services. A community partner (A1A Grab Bars) was also present to provide fall prevention and home safety education.
Special Olympics FUNFitness Event in Austin
A dozen PT students volunteered last Friday and Saturday, conducting health & movement screenings for over 100 Special Olympic athletes. The event offered USAHS students and faculty a great chance to work with other PT professors and students from Texas State and UTSA.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
February 11-15 Austin PT and OT students checked blood pressure and conducted other heart health screenings as a part of Cardiac Rehabilitation Week. They also educated participants on the risk factors for metabolic syndrome and promoted exercise.
SOTA Hosts Valentine’s Day Party for Fisher House
San Marcos SOTA group supports the Fisher House attached to Balboa Medical Center. Nicole Frediani recently hosted a Valentine’s Day party to support family members of injured military members.
San Marcos SPTA Lunch-N-Learn
Over 40 students attended the Medical Spanish Intro “Lunch N Learn” with Instructor J. Sarmiento, MSPT, MBA-HCM, CCI, sponsored by SPTA. Students learned basic evaluation, instructions, and “how to know when you’re in over your head.”
