Physical Therapy Profession

Who are Physical Therapists?

Physical Therapists provide services to patients and clients of all ages. Through a comprehensive process of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcome assessment, Physical Therapists provide care to patients to alleviate impairments and functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes. Physical therapists also have an active role in consultation, education, critical inquiry, administration and supervision of physical therapy services as well as provision of prevention and wellness services, including screening and health promotion. Physical Therapists interact and practice in collaboration with a variety of professionals, including nurses, physicians, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists and dentists. Physical Therapists work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing, extended care or sub-acute facilities, home, education or research centers, schools and playgrounds (preschool, primary and secondary schools), hospices, corporate or industrial health centers, industrial work place or other occupational environments, athletic facilities (collegiate, amateur, and professional), fitness centers and sports training facilities. (Adapted from the American Physical Therapy Association Guide to Physical Therapist's Practice, 1999)

Licensure

Students must be graduates of a Physical Therapy Program accredited by CAPTE in order to be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Licensing Exam. Graduates of Sage's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are eligible to sit for the licensure exam. Each state's licensing board has rules and regulations concerning the requirements for licensure application. All states require that candidates apply for licensure prior to becoming employed. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will provide you with the addresses of each state's licensing board. When a physical therapist moves from state to state, licensure by endorsement is exercised. Over the last 3 years students in Sage's PT program have had a 97% pass rate, which is higher than the New York State and National averages. For more information, go to www.fsbpt.org

Program Accreditation

The DPT has been granted continued accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703-684-2782). Continued accreditation was awarded in May, 2001. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to sit for the national professional licensing exam.