Thursday, October 18, 2007

Personalise Things

In my college essay I needed to highlight aspects of my life that led up to my decision of becoming a PT major. I mentioned the normal things. My cousin has CP and a severe case of it. He has spent his life in OT and PT. He also has a Speech Therapist. Without his PT, however, he would not have the ability to walk. What I didn't mention is I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for PT. My dad was in a tragic accident, where three of his friends died, the driver and him lived. However, my dad was in a coma for months, his head was split open, his eye was split open, he broke both legs and feet, and had numerous other injuries. The first hospital he went to refused him, said there was nothing that they could do, but notified the Boston hospital that they sent him to. He almost died, right after graduation. Because he had the motivation, he worked through PT with the determination to walk again. He was a paraplegic but worked his way out of it. If he didn't have the determination he did and the amazing PT, I wouldn't be here so I have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to PT and I want to be the person who makes that happen for someone else. Physical Therapy can truely change someones life or even the way things are supposed to happen, people aren't meant to recover from paralisys. However, it does happen and it only happens with PTs and OTs that care!

A Day In The Life, Personal Experience

In January on Job Shadow Day I shadowed a ski club coach/friend. He works at St. Francis hospitol in the ICU. That day showed me that critical care is where I want to be when I get out of college. One patient inparticular stuck out in my mind. He was 18 years out and was shot numerous time, I think it was 7, up and down the spine and neck. The bullet holes, somewhat healed when I saw them, we about half an inch around, I was told they were a little over an inch around when the bullets were removed. Needless to say he was lucky to be alive. However, he was a quadripledic. All I wanted to do was cry, the cops were their every day checking on him, waiting until they could answer his questions and suspecting the crime was drug related. I wanted to help him, I wanted to make his paralysis disappear, but I didn't have that power. I was thinking about this poor kid everyday, wondering what happened to him, I would ask the therapist about him everytime I saw him, until I got an answer that would lead to no more. The kid is doing better, with a special thanks to his physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. When I was there he had no idea what was wrong with him, he had a neck brace one due to broken bones that he was constantly wiggling out of, not understanding why he could feel any part of his body unless he saw someone touch it. Now he his in a wheel chair, most likely for the rest of his life. He did get some feeling back, I believe it was an electric wheel chair that he can control with his hands, which at the time was a huge accomplishment.

Fun Facts

Significant Points
Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average, as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited functioning spurs demand for therapy services.
Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.
After graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program, therapists must pass a licensure exam before they can practice.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists work in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists.


Nature of the Work
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (Physical therapist assistants and aides are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient’s progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides tracking the patient’s progress, such documentation identifies areas requiring more or less attention.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

Working Conditions
Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities, or they treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools.
In 2004, most full-time physical therapists worked a 40-hour week; some worked evenings and weekends to fit their patients’ schedules. About 1 in 4 physical therapists worked part time. The job can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.


Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in 2004. Of the accredited programs, 94 offered master’s degrees, and 111 offered doctoral degrees. All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. FYI: just a fact that now in every college setting it is mandatory that a student majoring in physcial therapy must complete the doctoral program aka DPT which lasts approximately 6.5 years.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient’s family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.


Employment
Physical therapists held about 155,000 jobs in 2004. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another health care facility.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in home health care services, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians.
Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Physical therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.

Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapists. However, over the long run, the demand for physical therapists should continue to rise as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function spurs demand for therapy services. Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings, because the elderly receive the most treatment in these settings. The growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Further, young people will need physical therapy as technological advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects.
Future medical developments also should permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. In addition, growth may result from advances in medical technology that could permit the treatment of more disabling conditions.
Widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical therapy services. A growing number of employers are using physical therapists to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries in the workplace.

Earnings
Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $60,180 in May 2004. The pay scale is now going up, since it became mandatory to obtain a DPT. This is occuring slowly, starting off with moving bonuses. When I visited Springfield College many of the jobs on the Career Board were out of state, offered the therapist pre-arranged paid housing, a 10-20 thousand dollar moving bonus, and a starting rate of 70-80 thousand a year plus benefits. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,330 and $71,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,580. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapists in May 2004 were:
Home health care services
$64,650
Nursing care facilities
61,720
Offices of physicians
61,270
General medical and surgical hospitals
60,350
Offices of other health practitioners
60,130

Related Occupations
Physical therapists rehabilitate persons with physical disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include audiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

for more information

visit www.apta.org this is the American physical therapy association

just a few visuals





































Survery Says...

PTs Among Most Satisfied Professionals, Survey SaysThe results are in, and physical therapists report one of the highest job-satisfaction levels in the country! So says a recent National Opinion Research Center survey, which was chronicled in an April 17 article of the Chicago Tribune. With more than three-quarters of physical therapists polled reporting to be "very satisfied" with their occupations, PTs were second only to clergy, and were the only health care professionals in the top 5. Click here to read more.
PARADE Magazine Recognizes Physical Therapists (Again) As Having Hot JobIn the April 15, 2007 issue of PARADE Magazine, physical therapists were found to have one of the six "Hottest Jobs For College Graduates." The magazine cited the aging baby boomer generation behind the increased demand for physical therapist services. This is the second year in a row PARADE has identified these healthcare professionals as having a "hot career." Physical therapists were also featured as one of six in "Hot Jobs in 2006 and Beyond" in the March 12, 2006 issue of the magazine. Click here to read more.
Patient Interaction Among the Positives of Being a PTAPTA member Matt Wanex, PT, was the subject of a May 16 career profile in the Business section of the Baltimore Sun. A sports injury was the inspiration for the one-time biology major to switch to physical therapy. As a staff physical therapist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, his work ranges from pediatrics to oncology, and he helps patients recover from strokes, heart attacks and hip replacement surgeries. "I liked the interaction you had with patients, the time you spent with the patient versus the paperwork and getting someone through the recovery process," Wanex says in the profile.
Patient Interaction a Physical Therapy Hallmark"The best health care happens when patients, health care professionals and community groups work together," writes APTA student member Josh Olinick in a commentary for the Burlington Times-News in North Carolina. Olinick, of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Elon University, describes the thrill of putting away the school books and getting out in the community to educate the public. "We spend a lot of time studying and going to class," Olinick says, "but most of us chose physical therapy because we like working with people. Being able to share what we know with people in the community is something that benefits everyone." Click here to read more.
APTA Applauds Bill to Provide PTs Student Loan ReliefPhysical therapists who practice in areas where there are shortages of health care providers could become eligible for relief from student loan debt, thanks to legislation introduced in Congress in 2007. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most," said APTA president R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. Click here to read more.
Survey Says: PTs Have One of the "Best Careers"In 2006 the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com participated in a survey of U.S. adults about which job qualities led to "highly satisfied career-focused people." According to the survey, physical therapists were determined to have one of the "eight best careers" based on the following categories: intellectual stimulation, strong job security, level of control and freedom, and extensive direct contact with customers/clients. Click here to read more.
"Becoming a physical therapist involves devoting a significant amount of time in education and clinical experience, including completing graduate and in many cases doctoral degree programs. Due to the extensive education and clinical training requirements, many students begin their careers with a significant amount of debt load," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most."

Select Colleges

Springfield College: Ap. Deadline December 1st
Tuition, residence charges, and fees change on a yearly basis. Springfield College has been able to keep its tuition among the lowest of comparable independent colleges. For planning purposes, here’s a sample budget for a residential student in the 2007-2008 academic year:
Tuition and required fees:
$24,075
Room and board:(Double occupancy / basic meal plan)
$8,650
Total Direct Cost
$32,725
Books/supplies (estimate)
$900
Personal/travel (estimate)
$1,800
University of New England rolling admissions recommended date thanksgiving
Deposits
First-Year Admission DepositA $500 non-refundable Admission Deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition:
Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14 to submit their deposit.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
Those accepted between January 15 and June 14 will have 14 days.
Those accepted on or after June 15 will be asked for an immediate deposit.
First-Year Tuition InstallmentA $1,000 First-year Tuition Installment deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition. It is refundable subject to withdrawal policies.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 60 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.
Those accepted beyond January 15 will have 30 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.

Tuition and Fees
The costs listed and described below are for the 2006-2007 academic year.

First Year Tuition
$36,740

General Service Fee
$505

Malpractice Insurance
$85

Microscope Rental (first-year only)
$85
General ServicesFeeThis mandatory fee is billed to all medical students and provides the following services:
Graduation activities including cost of receptions, speakers, diplomas.
Student Government activities including support for clubs, programs, cultural events, etc.
Orientation activities.
University Health Care (basic) services.
Campus Center featuring a gymnasium, running track, fitness center with racquetball courts, snack bar, and bookstore.
Athletic events including intramural programs and all intercollegiate home games.
Transcripts available at no charge.
Malpractice InsuranceA group malpractice insurance policy insures medical students in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
Microscope Rental (First Year Only) $125

Other variable fees
Health InsuranceMedical students must enroll in UNE's Student Medical Insurance Plan unless they can demonstrate proof of comparable medical insurance. Refer to the insurance brochure and website for instructions and rates. Students are required to maintain health insurance coverage throughout their tenure at UNECOM. Students electing to enroll in comparable plans should be careful to ascertain their coverage for hazards inherent to physicians, such as hazards associated with needle sticks or blood-borne pathogens.
MSPR/Dean's LetterInstitutional letters of recommendation, Medical Student Performance Review, for prospective postgraduate programs, such as internships, residencies, and fellowships are provided to graduating students. The first ten requests for letters shall be free of charge. All additional requests shall be assessed a $3 fee.
Parking FeesStudents wishing to park a vehicle on campus must purchase a parking permit from the Student Accounts Office at a cost of $60. Failure to register a vehicle will result in a fine.
Special Examination FeeAll students are required to take Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) part I, part II CE, and part II PE. All fees are determined by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and are paid directly to the Board.
Special Student TuitionUNE undergraduate students are permitted to enroll in UNECOM courses as non-matriculating students on a space available basis. Tuition will be $825 per credit hour. Students who later become UNECOM matriculated students will pay the full-time rate.

Payment ScheduleFall and spring tuition and fees are due the first day of classes.
Late Payment ChargeThe balance due each semester will be considered overdue if not paid by the specified date, and any unpaid balance will be subject to a late charge of 12% per annum or 1% per month. Students with unpaid bills will not be placed on the official school roster nor can they attend classes until they have received clearance from the Business Office. Students with overdue account are not eligible for academic credit, transcripts, or degrees.

Refund PoliciesOverpayments - The University will refund overpayments to students with Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with Federal regulations. Students may elect to have their overpayment directly deposited into a checking or savings account.Note: It is customary for medical students to borrow from several sources or to sign agreements with third-party payers such as the Armed Forces, state or federal governments to cover their educational costs as well as living expenses. The University realizes that payments are not always received in a timely fashion because of delays at the bank or governmental agencies. In the event a student's loan proceeds are not received by the start of classes and the student does not have adequate resources for living expenses, a petition for exception to our refund policy can be submitted. This petition will need to be evaluated by the Office of Financial Aid, and must clearly demonstrate financial hardship. The University will refund up to one month of living expenses, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, in anticipation of student loan and/or government checks.
Withdrawal RefundA student who intends to withdraw from the University will be required to go through the withdrawal process. He/she must first see the UNECOM academic dean to obtain the necessary forms. Verbal notice is not sufficient. For purposes of computing refunds, the date of withdrawal recorded by the dean after receipt of withdrawal forms will be used by the Business Office to compute any refund due the student.Refunds will not be permitted for withdrawals during summer remedial courses.

Fall Tuition Refund*


June 1 to orientation
90%

During the first and second week of classes
50%

During the third and fourth week of classes
25%

After fourth week of classes through Christmas Break
None




*First year only - Refund calculated after deducting admission deposit.




Spring Tuition Refund


During the first four weeks of classes after Christmas Break
25%

After fourth week of classes after Christmas Break
None
Refunds will not be made in the case of absence, suspension or dismissal.Adjustments to students’ financial aid awards will be made according to federal refund policies as well as specific program policies. Students who withdraw during their first semester at the University and received federal financial aid, may be entitled to a refund under the federal rules labeled “pro-rata.” Students who receive federal Title IV financial aid may be entitled to a refund under the federal refund policy. The federal refund policy allows students a refund based on the percentage of time they were in attendance up to the 50% point within the semester. Details are available in the Financial Aid Office.Leave of Absence Tuition CreditIn the event a student desires to apply for a leave of absence, a Leave Form must be submitted to the Academic Dean's Office. The form will include the reason for leaving, as well as the expected date of return. An approved leave of absence during the on-campus portion of the curriculum will result in a refund per the Withdrawal Tuition Refund Policy. No penalty is assessed for a leave of absence during the Clerkship Training Curriculum. A student in the military reserves will be granted a full leave of absence tuition credit should the student be called to active duty while attending courses during any given semester.
Notes
Students should expect annual increases in the cost of attending UNECOM since the University is subject to the same inflationary pressures that affect the rest of society.
UNE will continue to make every effort to contain costs from the date they are announced through the current academic year. The Board of Trustees, however, reserve the right to make changes in tuition and fees at any time.
For their own protection while at the University, it is recommended that students carry their own local checking accounts to provide funds for incidental expenses and emergencies. The University recommends that students open a checking account with TD BankNorth, who have installed a full-service ATM machine on campus. Checks may also be cashed daily at the Student Accounts Office and Bookstore ($75 maximum).
The University will not be responsible for the loss of property on or off campus although it strives to safeguard students’ property on campus.
Textbooks usually cost about $600 per semester. Students are expected to pay for those books at the beginning of the semester. Books, supplies, and other items available at the University Bookstore may be paid for with cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover credit cards. NOTE: First-year textbook costs are considerably higher.
The University offers direct deposit to its students. Students with credit balances can have the excess funds directly deposited in the bank of their choice. The sign-up form is available here.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.
American International College
Costs
Overview
AIC remains among the nation's most affordable, private colleges. Sound fiscal management has enabled us to maintain our affordable costs. Our competitive price and generous financial aid program translates into superior value for our students and their families.
Costs
Tuition and Fees: $22,500 (2007-2008)Room and Board: $9750 (2007-2008)Books and Supplies (approx.): $1000Total, Resident Student: $33,250 (2007-2008)Total, Commuter Student: $23,500 (2007-2008)
Simmons College
TuitionIn 2007-2008, the expenses for a typical full-time undergraduate resident student are $39,440.

Fall
Spring
Total
Undergraduate Full-time Tuition
$13,734
$13,734
$27,468
Part-time Undergrad. / Dix Program Tuition
($857 per credit)
($857 per credit)

Health Center Fee
$312
$312
$624
Activity Fee
$105
$105
$210
Undergraduate Room/Board
$5569
$5569
$11,138
Graduate & Dix Scholars Room/Board
($6224)
($6224)
($12,448)
Undergraduate Total
$19,720
$19,720
$39,440
Merrimack College pre-pt program





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TUITION AND FEES 2007-2008
Merrimack College Class 2011
Tuition $ 29,310
Room (Deegan/Ash Traditional Double)and Board $ 11,790
Fees $ 700



Seton Hall University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860
Sacred Heart University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860





The University of New England's Physical Therapy Program at the Westbrook College Campus in Portland, Maine, began enrolling students in its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum in fall 2004.Physical therapy education is in a rapid state of transition. Although entry into the profession today requires a master's degree, the vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association states that by the year 2020, "physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are Doctors of Physical Therapy…." Most of the physical therapist education programs in the country have completed or are in the process of preparing for the transition to the DPT entry-level degree.