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The practice of physical therapy (PT) is rapidly changing, and the concept of autonomous PT practice is growing. Contemporary PT practitioners are expected to have a higher level of knowledge and skills needed to meet this new demand, and to fulfill the professional desire for evidence-based practice.
A direct response to this trend is the on-going development and implementation of transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Entry-level DPT programs prepare persons with baccalaureate degrees to become physical therapists. The tDPT degree offers licensed physical therapists with bachelor´s or master´s degrees the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to meet contemporary practice demands.
Value to the Professional Physical Therapist:
This offering will enable the professional physical therapist to:
► Take courses to assist them in meeting the requirements for the US-licensing examination
► Obtain a DPT degree from NYIT following licensure.
► Apply for employment as a physical therapist in the US and in the international market.
Program format
The tDPT-Brazil program has been designed specifically for physical therapists who have been trained and are licensed in Brazil. The NYIT department of physical therapy has partnered with Brazilian universities and institutions to offer this innovative program. Classes are offered in either an online format or as an extended week/weekend course. All instructors are approved by the NYIT department of physical therapy and meet our stringent requirements. Many of the instructors are the same as those teaching in NYIT´s New York tDPT program, and most classes will be offered in conjunction with the New York-based course. This program is not accredited by CAPTE, and as such, does not automatically entitle the graduate to take the US licensing exam. However, courses taken in this program may help to make the candidate eligible to take the exam. See the section on graduation requirements for more information.
Admission requirements
For admission to the tDPT-Brazil program, applicants should submit the following:
► Proof of licensure to practice physical therapy in Brazil (CREFITO)
► All official college transcripts
► Proof of at least one year/1500 hours of postgraduate clinical practice
► Resume/ curriculum vitae
► Two references from clinical colleagues
► Statement of personal goals for tDPT study
► TOEFL score of 550 or satisfactory completion of the NYIT English Placement Exam
► Completed application
Valid notarization
A copy of any original diplomas (bachelor and master) must be sent directly by the educational institution that granted the degree to the Department of Physical Therapy of NYIT. Also, CREFITO must send to NYIT one declaration that the candidate has legal license to practice physical therapy in BrazilThe applicant must also give authorization for NYIT to have access to all documentation from your institution and CREFITO. NYIT will accept the translation of any documentation by authorized authorities, including CREFITO.
REQUIRED COURSEWORK
For licensed therapists with a bachelors`s degree
► Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists (3 credits)
► Physical Therapy Differential Diagnosis (3 credits)
► Clinical and Outcome Measurements (3 credits)
► Pharmacology (3 credits)
► Research (3 credits)
► Evidence-based Practice (3 credits)
► Five electives (10-12 credits total)
For licensed therapists with a master´s degree
► Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists (3 credits)
► Physical Therapy Differential Diagnosis (3 credits)
► Clinical and Outcome Measurements (3 credits)
► Pharmacology (3 credits)
► Research (3 credits)
► Evidence-based Practice (3 credits)
► One elective (2-3 credits)
Electives
► Learning Theory
► Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
► Nutrition for the Health Professions
► Health Administration and Management
► Motor Learning and Development
New electives are being planned for the near future.
Duration of the DPT Program
The requirements for the DPT can be completed in one year of full-time study. A student may request a portfolio evaluation for prior learning/life experiences, such as university-level teaching, presentation at a conference or publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Up to 6 credits of coursework can be waived in exceptional circumstances.
Graduation and other requirements
In order to be offered the DPT degree from NYIT, you must first pass the US National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE). To apply for this test, you must submit your credentials to a United States state board of education for review. It is your choice which state you choose to submit your credentials. After submission, the state board will inform you as to the classes you will need, if any, to be eligible to take the exam. After submitting proof of satisfactorily completing those classes, you can take the NPTE. The DPT degree cannot be awarded until the NPTE is passed. It is your choice when to submit your paperwork for the exam. It can be done at any point throughout your enrollment in the program. The courses taken through the tDPT program may assist you in meeting eligibility requirements.
Course Description
PHTH 630 Motor Learning and Development: Current concepts and theories concerning the learning of motor skills; normal motor development from the embryo to old age are addressed. Review of research theory; evaluation of gross and fine motor development; and the influence of perception, vision, and auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input in the acquisition and development of motor skills are included. The impact of motor dysfunction as it applies to growth, development and learning is explored. 2 credits
PHTH 715 Pharmacology: This course will present the students with the fundamentals of medical pharmacology with implications to the practice of physical therapy. The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be presented. Specifically addressed are drugs affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, nervous, respiratory, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. Medical reasons for the drug treatment, specific actions of therapeutic agents and their adverse effects are covered. Problems related to polypharmacy, especially in the geriatric population, will be emphasized. Particular attention will be given to those prescription drugs affecting motor control, movement function, cardiovascular function, and neurological impairments. 3 credits
PHTH 800 Research Design: An introductory study of scientific inquiry; topics covered include, scientific principles and methods, library and multimedia information resources, measurement theory, research design, statistical concepts, research ethics, and critical review and analysis of research publications. Throughout emphasis is placed on clinical research pertinent to physical therapy. Prerequisites: Admission to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program and permission of instructor. 3 credits
PHTH 805 Evidence-based Practice: This course will introduce the student to the utilization of best evidence in the practice of Physical and Occupational Therapy. The course will explore how to access databases and apply the evidence in the practice arena. Using case examples, the students will perform literature reviews and discuss how critical evaluation of the literature can influence clinical practice. 3 credits
PHTH 840 Diagnostic Imaging: This course will introduce the student to diagnostic imaging as it applies to physical therapy practice. Students will learn principles and techniques for various imaging modalities, including radiography, MRI, arthrography, CT scans and nuclear medicine. 3 credits
PHTH 880 Differential Diagnosis: Using case examples, the student will be introduced to screening and differential diagnosis of physical therapy patients. The patient management model will form the foundation and framework for the methods used in clinical decision-making and reasoning. Discussion will also address the appropriateness of referral to other health care providers when the signs and symptoms are outside the scope of physical therapy. 3 credits
PHTH 810 Measurement/Outcomes: This course is designed to help students become familiar with the principles of measurement as they relate to physical therapy practice. Specifically, the principles of reliability and validity are introduced as they relate to the selection, use and interpretation of a variety of physical therapy measurement tools. Students will critically evaluate the literature to assist them in determining appropriate clinical tests and measures related to specific patient scenarios. 3 credits
PHTH 751Learning Theory: This course will introduce students to the principles and practice of teaching and learning applied to many different audiences, including patient, family, community and physical therapy students. Different learning theories and learning styles are presented. 2 credits
PHTH 752 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: This class will teach health professionals the matrix of factors influencing wellness, including physical, social, environmental, occupational, and intellectual elements. Students will be introduced to the concept of influencing behaviors and attitudes that affect overall wellbeing. Students will be expected to develop a health promotion/disease prevention program worthy of presentation to the community. 2 credits
PHTH 753 Health Administration and Management: The health professions student will be introduced to managerial policies in the management of healthcare facilities, budgeting, and cost-effectiveness analysis, and development of health information systems. Of particular focus is the effect and impact of managed-care and insurance reimbursement/restrictions on the practice of physical therapy. 2 credits
PHTH 754 Nutrition for the Health Professions: This course will cover the theory, application and impact of nutritional support on disease and health. The role of vitamins and minerals is stressed for health promotion and disease prevention. The pathogenesis, altered requirements due to disease states, and interactions between drugs and nutrients will be addressed. Common medical diagnoses and the nutritional implications of those diagnoses will be explored. 2 credits
American culture courses and general education requirements as deemed necessary by the credentialing agency for licensure will be available though NYIT.
Faculty
► Gil Lúcio Almeida, PT, PhD - Professor and Director of NYIT Programs in Brazil
► Peter Douris, PT, EdD - Associate Professor
► Ahmed Elokda, PT, CTL-LANA, PhD - Associate Professor
► Chukuka S. Enwemeka, PT, PhD, FACSM - Professor and Dean, School of Health Professions,
Behavioral and Life Sciences
► Karen Friel, PT, DHS - Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy
► John Handrakis, PT, MS - Assistant Professor
► Nechama Karman, PT, MS, PCS - Instructor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
► Howard Makofsky, PT, DHSc, OCS - Associate Professor
► William Werner, PT, EdD - Assistant Professor
Cost
The tuition for the entire program is less than $15,000.
Contact information
For further information or to apply, please contact Dr. Gil Lúcio Almeida, director of NYIT programs in Brazil, at nyitbrazil@nyit.edu. Admission is offered on a rolling basis, depending on the number of candidates admitted by NYIT.
Program information Brochure
Click Here to Download Program Brochure
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if the participant does not pass the US licensing examination?
Participants may retake the licensing examination several times. However, without passing the licensing examination, the participant will neither receive a permanent license nor the DPT degree from NYIT. If the exam is not passed prior to completion of the program, a MS degree will be awarded.
What is the advantage of pursuing the DPT at NYIT?
1. A DPT degree from NYIT is widely regarded and recognized. NYIT graduates are highly sought after for employment.
2. Moreover, this is the only program designed to prepare you to:
► Meet the cultural requirements for licensure in the US.
► Fulfill the employment expectations and level of competency needed to function as a physical therapist in the United States, and above all
► Gain the ability to deliver state of the art physical therapy services in the US.
What is the advantage of taking the DTP from NYIT in Brazil?
► Students enrolled in the program will receive automatic tuition discount of 32% off the regular NYIT tuition.
► The program has been designed as a “pay as you go” program, which you only pay for the actual credits taken each semester
► Students can take advantage of the low cost of living in Brazil while studying for the DPT versus living and studying in the US at a higher cost and paying the regular tuition of NYIT. |
