2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsDepartment gains doctorate program
Rebecca Roman
Issue date: 1/15/08 Section: Features
The Department of Physical Therapy is the home for Missouri State University's second doctorate program.
Until now, the physical therapy department offered every degree except a doctorate.
"In the beginning, the university wanted this program (physical therapy) to be at the (doctorate of physical therapy) level," Physical Therapy Department Head Akinniran Oladehin said. "But because of some constraints, some political I'm not sure, the program stayed (masters of physical therapy) until now."
As of now, there are 71 students in the physical therapy program with about 24 in their third year. However, the department expects an increase in student interest now that the new doctorate programs are available.
"At the beginning of last year, this was the only (masters of physical therapy) program in the state," Oladehin said. "Now the (doctorate of physical therapy) makes us more competitive because of our low in-state cost. Most of the other schools that offer this program are private universities and cost a lot more."
Three years is usually the amount of time it takes to finish the physical therapy masters program. However, students pursuing a doctorate will have to prolong their course of study an extra six weeks.
"Adding only two electives and one of six internships for all students in the program, presently the students complete the entire program in March and graduate in May. However, because of the new (doctorate of physical therapy), (they) stay until May," Oladehin said.
Offering a doctorate in physical therapy has the ability to bring more students to Missouri State as well as give the university more accreditation.
"The prestige of this institution helps accredit us," Oladehin said. "It increases the number of doctoral programs at the university. This program at the University of Missouri and ours are the only public universities; the other programs are private."
A doctoral program doesn't only mean advances for Missouri State, but also for the students receiving this degree. A doctorate of physical therapy is the preferred degree for new physical therapists in the field.
"According to American Psychiatric Association Vision 20/20, all physical therapy programs graduate students with independent practice," Oladehin said.
Students with independent practice can practice without a referral and can look to practice on their own.
"We are fortunate to have this program, and it will be one of the most competitive programs in the state," Oladehin said.
This is the latest of only two doctoral programs offered at Missouri State. The other program is in audiology.
Until now, the physical therapy department offered every degree except a doctorate.
"In the beginning, the university wanted this program (physical therapy) to be at the (doctorate of physical therapy) level," Physical Therapy Department Head Akinniran Oladehin said. "But because of some constraints, some political I'm not sure, the program stayed (masters of physical therapy) until now."
As of now, there are 71 students in the physical therapy program with about 24 in their third year. However, the department expects an increase in student interest now that the new doctorate programs are available.
"At the beginning of last year, this was the only (masters of physical therapy) program in the state," Oladehin said. "Now the (doctorate of physical therapy) makes us more competitive because of our low in-state cost. Most of the other schools that offer this program are private universities and cost a lot more."
Three years is usually the amount of time it takes to finish the physical therapy masters program. However, students pursuing a doctorate will have to prolong their course of study an extra six weeks.
"Adding only two electives and one of six internships for all students in the program, presently the students complete the entire program in March and graduate in May. However, because of the new (doctorate of physical therapy), (they) stay until May," Oladehin said.
Offering a doctorate in physical therapy has the ability to bring more students to Missouri State as well as give the university more accreditation.
"The prestige of this institution helps accredit us," Oladehin said. "It increases the number of doctoral programs at the university. This program at the University of Missouri and ours are the only public universities; the other programs are private."
A doctoral program doesn't only mean advances for Missouri State, but also for the students receiving this degree. A doctorate of physical therapy is the preferred degree for new physical therapists in the field.
"According to American Psychiatric Association Vision 20/20, all physical therapy programs graduate students with independent practice," Oladehin said.
Students with independent practice can practice without a referral and can look to practice on their own.
"We are fortunate to have this program, and it will be one of the most competitive programs in the state," Oladehin said.
This is the latest of only two doctoral programs offered at Missouri State. The other program is in audiology.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Joshua Morrison
posted 1/15/08 @ 6:38 AM CST
As a proud alumni of Missouri State (BA, Philosophy, 2001), I write to congratulate the Physical Therapy program for its permission to grant the doctorate. (Continued…)
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