Findlay, Ohio, May 23, 2002 — The University of Findlay’s traditional, weekday master of physical therapy (MPT) program has received accreditation from the American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Although the weekend master of physical therapy program has been accredited for several years, the traditional program was under a candidacy status until its first class graduated in May 2002.

The traditional master of physical therapy program operates on a three-plus-three model. The first three years are spent completing the pre-professional curriculum and general education requirements. Students apply for admission to the professional phase of the program in their junior year. They must have a 3.0 grade point average, 100 volunteer hours in two settings, three reference letters and complete and application/interview process.

Upon acceptance, students begin the three-year professional program in physical therapy. After the first year in the professional program, students are awarded a bachelor of science in health sciences degree. After the sixth year, the master of physical therapy degree is awarded.

At the May 2002 commencement exercises, 10 students earned their master of physical therapy degrees, completing a process they began in the fall of 1999 when they enrolled in the professional phase of the program.

The University of Findlay has been involved in physical therapy education since 1995 when it began offering a weekend college program in physical therapy for individuals who were already certified physical therapy assistants. That program, which began as a bachelor’s degree completion program, is now offered at the master’s degree level as well.

More information on the physical therapy program is available by calling Lisa Dutton, Ph.D., director of physical therapy and assistant dean of the College of Sciences, at 419-434-4677.