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Assumption
Partners with Simmons College for Collaborative Doctor of Physical
Therapy Program
May, 2005—Good
news for Assumption’s aspiring physical therapists: A new
collaboration with Simmons College will help them achieve their
professional goals more quickly than they ever imagined.
Assumption has partnered with the Boston institution to provide
an accelerated seven-year curriculum of undergraduate and professional
education leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in
Biology from Assumption College and the Doctor of Physical Therapy
degree from Simmons. Students will complete three years of study
at Assumption, followed by three years in study of physical therapy
at Simmons—essentially spending their senior year as a first-year
doctoral student working toward the DPT degree. Consideration for
admission to the doctoral program will also be given to students
who have completed a full four years of study at Assumption.
Third-year Assumption students are eligible for admission at Simmons
if they have completed all physical therapy prerequisites and core
liberal arts courses; have maintained a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
and a minimum prerequisite science GPA of 3.0; and have completed
30 hours of health-related paid or volunteer experience by the end
of the junior year. If admitted to Simmons as juniors, these students
will receive a Dean’s Scholarship from the college if they
earned a final GPA of 3.3 at Assumption. Credit earned for successfully
completed Simmons courses during the first year of the physical
therapy program will transfer back to Assumption to fulfill the
final year requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Dr. Steven Theroux, professor of biology and advisor for the health
professions, believes that this new relationship will attract strong,
highly motivated students who have a sincere interest in physical
therapy as a career.
“Students who hope to go into physical therapy usually have
an interest in anatomy and physiology, and they want to help others,”
he said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of physical therapy
is that it helps give patients back their freedom.”
While advanced professional education—beyond a baccalaureate
degree—is now required for practicing physical therapists,
Dr. Theroux believes that Assumption students will benefit greatly
from their liberal arts backgrounds.
“Physical therapists must work with people from diverse backgrounds,
often at a time of great personal difficulty," he said. "A
liberally educated, well-rounded individual is in a better position
to succeed at this task, and this is why it is so important that
health care professionals have a broad liberal education."
The growing and changing field of physical therapy calls for professionals
in nearly every setting involving the promotion of health. Therapists
typically find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, school systems,
rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, and research institutions.
Some open private practices as owners or partners. Depending on
the venue, most physical therapists enjoy flexible hours.
This Assumption/Simmons partnership is an excellent chance for forward-thinking
students to complete their education and begin their professional
careers sooner than they thought possible.
“We want our students to know of this program,” said
Theroux. “This is a great opportunity that combines the strengths
of Assumption with those of Simmons.”
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