#United States #Tempe #Southern California University #Doctor of Physical Therapy #Physical Therapy Education

Southern California University's New Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Arizona

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is making waves in the medical education sector with the launch of its accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, designed specifically for the Arizona region. Set against the backdrop of rising demand for healthcare professionals, this initiative aims to equip aspiring physical therapists with the skills and training needed to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

This innovative program will combine online coursework with hands-on laboratory training and in-person clinical education, providing students with a well-rounded learning experience that emphasizes both theoretical and practical knowledge. The program's first cohort is slated to start on August 30, 2027, and applications are now open for those interested in shaping the future of physical therapy.

In recent years, the demand for physical therapists has skyrocketed, driven by an aging population and the increased prevalence of chronic health conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET, employment for physical therapists is projected to grow by an impressive 31 percent between 2022 and 2032, highlighting the urgency to train more professionals in this essential healthcare domain.

Dr. Kellee Harper-Hanigan, the Program Director for SCU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy – Phoenix Metro program, emphasized the importance of this new course in responding to the escalating healthcare needs of communities. She stated, "The need for physical therapists continues to grow, and their role reaches far beyond recovery from injury. Developing this new SCU program in Tempe will prepare more practitioners to help patients manage pain, improve function, and maintain independence throughout their lives."

Enduring six consecutive terms spanning two years, the program is notably accelerated compared to the traditional three-year timeline observed in most Doctor of Physical Therapy educational tracks. The program will include:

• - A significant portion of online coursework coupled with in-person lab immersions at SCU's Tempe, Arizona location.
• - Clinical education experiences through a network of over 500 sites across the country, which encompass various settings such as inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, home health services, sports medicine centers, neurological rehabilitation, and community-based environments.
• - A curriculum designed to instill critical thinking skills and adaptability within students, enabling them to customize care methods according to unique patient needs.
• - A holistic approach to patient care, addressing individual goals, daily routines, personal environments, and support systems.
• - Interprofessional education opportunities alongside peers from other health disciplines, promoting collaboration in healthcare.

As Dr. Harper-Hanigan aptly stated, “As a wound care therapist, there is a saying that you 'treat the whole patient, not just the hole in the patient.' That principle is an integral part of our approach to PT education.” This philosophy will resonate throughout the program, as students develop into well-rounded clinicians prepared to extend the same comprehensive care to their future patients.

With SCU already offering a DPT program at its Los Angeles Metro campus in Whittier, California, the expansion to Phoenix Metro marks a significant step in its commitment to enhancing physical therapy education footprint. For prospective students seeking information, virtual information sessions, or application processes, detailed resources can be found on SCU’s dedicated Phoenix Metro DPT program page.

Established in 1911, SCU stands out as one of the world's leading integrative health universities, dedicated to fusing conventional medicine with complementary approaches to treat the entire individual – body, mind, and spirit. By offering a diverse range of graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs, SCU continues to challenge conventions and advance the healthcare narrative for over a century.