Arcadia's Physical Therapy Program Moves Up To 7th In Nation In U.S. News

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 31 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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U.S. News & World Report ranked Arcadia University's Physical Therapy program 7th in the nation among the more than 200 graduate PT programs.

"This new ranking reflects on the quality of our faculty and the students in the physical therapist program! It means so much to me that the vibrancy, intellectual capacity and hard work of our faculty members were recognized by our peers," says Dr. Rebecca L Craik, Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. "It is not easy to meet our professional standard for scholarship in a small university setting, but the University leadership has been cooperative and creative in supporting our research efforts. The integrated curriculum including the global pro bono physical therapy experiences has attracted incredible students who inspire us to reach for the next star." Craik is also Editor-in-Chief of Physical Therapy , the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Arcadia offers both the entry-level and transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. The entry-level program begins in September and runs over a 2½-year period. The transitional program soon will be offered online. The D.P.T. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. All graduates of Arcadia's program to date have passed the licensure examination in their state of choice. Arcadia PT students have taken their profession around the globe, both administering pro bono care and delivering professional instruction for medical personnel in the field. Their next scheduled abroad experience is in Peru in August.

"This ranking is a testament to the innovative nature of the integrated, evidence-based curriculum that underlies Arcadia's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the quality of the professors who teach in it, and the practical, hand-on experience that our students gain in their placements in multiple health care settings," says Dr. Michael L. Berger, Academic Vice President and Provost.

"Arcadia's Physical Therapy graduates are leaders-expert clinicians, educators, researchers, practice owners/managers, authors and legislative liaisons-maintaining the integrity of the profession, advancing knowledge and impacting rehabilitation and wellness," adds Craik.

Arcadia University is a top-ranked private university in metropolitan Philadelphia and a national leader in study abroad. More than 3,700 students choose from 75 fields of study. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia University among the top 25 master's universities in the North and recognizes it as one of the top 20 study abroad programs in the nation. Arcadia University promises a distinctively global, integrative and personal learning experience that prepares student to contribute and prosper in a diverse and dynamic world.

Arcadia University