Findlay, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2004 – Students in The University of Findlay’s master’s degree in physical therapy weekend program will come from all over the country to present a fall research forum Thursday, Nov. 4.

UF’s master’s degree in physical therapy weekend program, in which students take classes every other weekend over the course of two-and-a-half years, is one of the few weekend-only programs in the United States that allow physical therapy assistants to earn their master’s degrees. A master’s degree is required to gain certification as a physical therapist.

Because of the rarity of such weekend programs, UF’s program draws students from all over the country. Half of the 35 students enrolled in the program come from out of state, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana and Nebraska.

The weekend master’s program boasts a 100-percent job-placement rate for graduates.

The research forum, which begins in the Alumni Memorial Union’s Multi-Purpose Room at 4:15 p.m., will be conducted in partnership with the Ohio Physical Therapy Association Northwest District Meeting.

UF’s physical therapy program, recognizing the importance of clinical research in the physical therapy profession, sponsors the research forum as an opportunity to develop and promote clinical research among its students, faculty and community.

From 4:15-5:15 p.m., 20 students will be on hand to answer questions about topics including “The Effects of Tai Chi on Arthritis: A Pilot Study” and “Treatment, Rehabilitation and Outcome of a Patient with Osteoporosis and Multiple Hip Fractures.” Posters detailing the students’ research will be on display.

Susan L. Whitney, Ph.D., will present a keynote address, “Evidence in Practice: How all of us can contribute,” from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Dr. Whitney is an assistant professor in physical therapy and otolaryngology (treatment of ears, nose, throat and neck disorders) at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also program director of the Centers for Rehab Services Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The evening will conclude with six students conducting three 20-minute presentations on various research projects from 6:40-7:40 p.m.

UF also offers a traditional program physical therapy master’s degree program, in which students take three years of prerequisites, then three years of professional study, for a total of six years. At the end of the fourth year, students receive a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. After successful completion of the sixth year, students receive a master of physical therapy degree.