CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY DPT NEWS

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY DPT NEWS Volume 1 Issue 2 June 2017 Chapman Universityʼs Physical Therapy Program receives 10-year accreditation Chapman University Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Practice their musculoskeletal evaluation skills. In this Issue: Chapman University s Physical Therapy Program receives 10 year accreditation DPT Healthcare Sympsium PT Faculty Member Dr. Jo Armour Smith Granted Margaret L. Moore Award Financial Responsibility National Combined Sections Meeting Student Voices Graduate Outcomes Early Decision Requirements Chapman University s Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has received a 10 year reaccreditation by its accrediting body, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A 10 year accreditation reflects the program s deep commitment to physical therapy education and the resulting reputation DPT has in the region for graduating extraordinary clinicians, said Janeen Hill, Ph.D., dean of Chapman s Crean College of health and Behavioral Sciences. This accreditation reflects sustained effort by DPT to produce a strong self-study and to demonstrate excellence to the site visiting team from CAPTE. Many congratulations to the DPT faculty and staff for this achievement. The notification letter included the following commendation: The Commission commends the program for the quality of its Self-study Report. The program submitted a well-written, thorough, concise and comprehensive Self-study Report that clearly conveyed the nature and scope of the educational experience. Chapman s physical therapy program enjoys the title of the oldest continually accredited program in California. Since 1928, Chapman s Department of Physical Therapy is one of the longest running physical therapy programs in the United States. All of the faculty are licensed practitioners with advanced degrees, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing a highly personalized education. In 2017, the program received 1,450 applicants for a coveted 80 openings. Chapman s first-time licensure pass rate for PT graduates in 2016 was 100 percent, in addition to our overall pass rate for the past five years also being 100 percent, making the PT program one that aggressively prepares our graduates for success in the work force. The graduate program offers two degrees: the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for students interested in becoming a physical therapy professional; and the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for physical therapists with baccalaureate or master degrees seeking to further their education to achieve the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Chapman s brand new, state-of-the-art health science campus offer s students access to top-of-the-line labs and physical therapy equipment, including a traditional motion analysis lab, an anti-gravity treadmill, and a state-of-the-art 180 degree Virtual Reality (VR) Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) by Motekforce. The VR motion analysis laboratory comes with a dual-belted instrumented treadmill with a self paced option and 6-degrees of freedom, integrated 10 camera and EMG systems. The GRAIL provides the DPT program faculty instrumentation to conduct cutting edge human movement system intervention studies. Author: Sheri Ledbetter

DPT Healthcare Symposium Focusing on the Future of Healthcare for Physical Therapy Editor: Dustin Domingo, MBA, MA Assistant Editors: Daniela Cavallo, SPT (Class of 2019) Katelyn Penfold, SPT (Class of 2017) Content Contributors: Sheri Ledbetter, BA Katelyn Penfold, SPT (Class of 2017) Jennifer Romeo, MEd Hillary Bibeau, SPT (Class of 2017) Preston Angstrom, SPT (Class of 2020) Brian Bahn, SPT (Class of 2019) Daniela Cavallo, SPT (Class of 2019) March 14th through Thursday March 16th 2017 Chapman University s Doctor of Physical Therapy program conducted a curriculum review symposium. For the morning of the first day of the symposium, students were invited to attend in order to hear from professionals in physical therapy and the local community regarding current issues in educating health care providers, as well as current issues in the physical therapy community. Those invited to speak at the symposium the first morning included: Katherine Sullivan, PT, Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, OCS, APTA President; Jan K. Richardson, PT, PhD, OCS, FAPTA, President (1997-2000); Charlotte Royeen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Christopher Powers, PhD, PT, FAPTA; and Steven Cramer, MD. The purpose of this event was to assess how the DPT program can change the curriculum to best equip future physical therapist graduates. One of the main topics discussed is that current physical therapist students need to know and be aware of the current challenges that face physical therapists in the workplace today. As Dr. Dunn explains, health care today is in an uncertain state resulting in disruption, as well as a need for innovation and discovery. Dr. Dunn states, the way to prepare graduates is to teach them how to thrive in changing environments. Physical therapy is a profession that has value and graduates must know and advocate for physical therapy in the medical world. Dr. Powers explained that physical therapy, as a profession, is in need of defining what it is and what makes it unique from other health care providers. The importance of this is so that the public knows and understands what physical therapists do and why they are important in the management of health care. In order to do this, Dr. Powers explains that each therapist must know what a movement system is as it is the core of the education and practice of physical therapy. Therefore, this idea and knowledge of what a movement system is should be integrated into the physical therapy education early on in the curriculum, especially since physical therapist students are trained to become movement system specialists. Dr. Powers states that a movement system represents the collection of systems that interact to move the body or its component parts. Another topic discussed is how to utilize what is occurring in healthcare currently, as well as what is thought to emerge in health care in the future, to assist with deciding what needs to be included in the curriculum. Dr. Royeen explains that there are three main aspects that curriculum renewal needs to incorporate in order to best guess what the future of health care and physical therapy will be for graduates. These include: (1) educating for the future, (2) educating using active learning, and (3) educating based upon skill sets needed for the next couple of decades. While the future is unknown in health care, especially with consistent changes in the governmental position of what healthcare reform should look like, there is still a sense of unknown in graduates could encounter in the future of physical therapy. In order to best incorporate the three main aspects talked about Dr. Royeen explains that there are three ways learning should be designed and one concept that the process of learning must foster. Dr. Royeen states that learning should be: (1) based upon active learning, ongoing assessment, and being application oriented, (2) evidence based and brain based learning, and (3) including technology, team collaboration, and teacher facilitation. Dr. Royeen explains that changing a curriculum with a focus on what she explains is a process that requires time and intentionality. One final topic discussed by Dr. Powers and Dr. Cramer, which applied more to current students, was the fact that there is a great need for more physical therapists to go into doing research, as well as a great decrease in DPT graduates furthering their education with a PhD. The most common cause of this is due to financial burdens from just getting through undergraduate at graduate school. The desire is to find a way to get more physical therapists to engage in research, as well as continuing their education by getting a PhD. The first morning of this symposium was filled with many ideas to help faculty and staff be best equipped when the current curriculum for the Chapman University DPT program would be reviewed a couple days later. It also gave students an idea of what goes into creating and changing the curriculum, as well as what is currently going on, and what is hopefully going to change, for the physical therapy profession. Author: Katelyn Penfold 17, DPT Student 2

DPT Faculty Member Dr. Jo Armour Smith Granted Margaret L. Moore Award Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member This is an outstanding achievement for Dr. Smith, the Department of Physical Therapy, and Crean College. - Dean Janeen Hill, PhD Dr. Jo Armour Smith, an assistant professor of physical therapy since 2015, has received the Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member, by the American Physical Therapy Association. This highly prestigious national award is given annually to one physical therapy faculty member in the United States. The award recognizes exceptional merit in research, teaching, and service to physical therapy. Dr. Alison McKenzie, professor of physical therapy, nominated Dr. Smith. This nomination was reviewed by the Board of Directors of the APTA, and based on the overall merits of the nomination, selected Dr. Smith as the 2017 recipient. Dr. Armour Smith commented that being a recipient of this award, is a huge honor and I was even more excited to be nominated by Alison. The fact that she thought I was worth nominating was beyond my expectations. Crean College Dean Janeen Hill noted that this is an outstanding achievement for Dr. Smith, the Department of Physical Therapy, and Crean College. DPT Students utilizing balance machines in DPT lab for research The winner of this award receives $1,500 at the next APTA Conference and Exposition where an official announcement and presentation will be made about Dr. Jo Armour Smith. With this award, Dr. Armour Smith is excited to continue her research and working with students. She currently works with a few group of students who are looking into different aspects of back pain research. One group of students that she is mentoring is studying back pain in break dancers, a population that has not been studied in detail. A second group that Dr. Armour Smith advises is investigating factors that predict back pain in young adults. With this award, Dr. Jo Armour Smith will be able to continue providingresearch opportunities for DPT students. When asked to comment on the meaning of this award to her, she said, when I saw people who had been awarded this in the past and I recognized the names of people who had helped me in my career and shaped my research field to be what it is today, I became extremely excited and grateful to have been considered a part of this group. Hopefully this will put Chapman on the map in the Physical Therapy world. Congratulations Dr. Jo Armour Smith on such a prestigious accomplishment! Author: Jennifer Romeo 3

Joseph Reinke (photo from healthywealthysmart.com) Physical therapist students today graduate, on average, with $83,000 in student loan debt (1). If other loans or credit card debt is included, a graduate student s total debt may be more than $96,000 (1). Financial Responsibility: Tips for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Loans it is a word that can give people hope, but it is also a word that can bring people a great deal of fear and anxiety. For students completing their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at institutions including Chapman University, using loans to pay for each semester may be inevitable. Not being able to work while being in the program; lack of financial assistance from parents/family; and having to utilize loans to pay for living expenses on top of tuition may be some contributing factors to looming debt. Furthermore, current literature suggests that one large factor leading to debt is that students may simply not be aware of how loans work (accepting the appropriate amount, repayment options, amount of bill each month when repayment begins) due to a lack of financial education throughout all schooling, from elementary school to graduate school (1). Recognizing the need for education on financial responsibility, the Chapman University Student Association brought in Joseph Reinke, a representative from Fitbux, a financial management platform, this past spring to discuss loans and options for loan repayment. Reinke explained various repayment plans along with their disadvantages and advantages in order for students to understand the purpose, function, possible ramifications, and caveats to each common loan repayment option. Author: Katelyn Penfold 17, DPT Student According to Reinke, the time between finishing the program and taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) is absolutely critical. This is a prime period to get one s finances in order. Joseph Reinke discussing financial responsibility for Chapman s Doctor of Physical Students Enlightened after their session with Reinke, Chapman DPT students came up with the following tips for any PT student nearing graduation: 1. Consider working in physical therapy or another temporary job to assist with basic financial demands. 2. Understand your debt-to-income ratio. A monthly payment for loans/debt in general should only be approximately 15% of one s paycheck in order to be able to still pay for the other essentials in life (rent, electricity, internet, etc). 3. Acknowledge the difference between your needs and your wants. Reference (1) Loria, K. Financial Literacy and the New DPT Grad. PT in Motion. February 2017; (1): 34-38. Available at: http://www.apta.org/ptinmotion/2017/2/feature/financialliteracy/. Accessed May 1, 2017. 4

DPT Students Attend National Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) Presented by the American Physical Therapy Association Every year the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) holds a national Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) where thousands of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Physical Therapy students attend. This year over 11,000 people attended CSM in San Antonio, Texas to hear from keynote speakers, see new research, check out new treatment technology and meet other Physical Therapists from all over the country. Chapman students and faculty were there to hear what is new in the world of Physical Therapy. Chapman Unviersity DPT Students and Faculty at CSM We asked third year student Alex Brown if he could reflect on his experiences at CSM this year. Q: Why did you want to go to CSM? A: I wanted to go to CSM for the experience to see what the conference was all about, and to get some information on potential job opportunities in the future. It was also a chance to see a new city and do a little traveling. Q: What did you learn while you were there? A: CSM gave me more of a renewed excitement to get into the field, seeing how passionate everyone was about new information and new ideas for becoming better therapists. Q: Do you have advice for students who would like to go next year? A: For the students going next year, I would say think about what your interests are before you go, that way you can be more intentional with the talks that you re attending and plan accordingly. I d also recommend taking time to talk to the reps at any booth that catches your eye. It s rare to have so much information available to you and a human to talk to about it. You might find an interest you didn t know you had. Next year, CSM will be in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 21-24th, 2018. Hope to have some Chapman representatives again next year! Author: Hillary Bibeau 17, DPT student I wanted to go to CSM for the experience to see what the conference was all about, and to get some information on potential job opportunities in the future. - Alex Brown 5

Our students are encouraged to help one another along their educational path. Not just between classmates, but between cohorts; making it less of a drab school environment and more of a family community. - Preston Angstrom Student Voices From the US Marine Corps to Chapman University While the pace of classwork seems a bit overwhelming, I know that I have made the right decision; both to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and attending Chapman University to obtain my education. I was first exposed to the world of therapy while serving in the United States Marine Corps. I was injured one night when our tactical convoy encountered an I.E.D., leaving me with a massive laceration to my right index finger. It was during my rehabilitation that I became interested in therapy. At Chapman University, the inclusion of our community is very important. I have come to know several of the perspicacious and by: Preston Angstrom easily approachable professors while volunteering at the community outreach program called Stroke Survivor Boot Camp. It is an excellent opportunity for people of the community to receive amazing care and an invaluable tool for Physical Therapy Students to gain real life experience, prior to our clinical rotations. Our students are encouraged to help one another along their educational path. Not just between classmates, but between cohorts; making it less of a drab school environment and more of a family community. These are just a few of the many reasons that I chose to attend Chapman University. Preston Angstrom Fall Class of 2020 Preston Angstrom serving in the US Marine Corps...It is also important to find a healthy balance with the other aspects of life such as being a good father, mother, brother, or sister. Important aspects of becoming a responsible adult are clearer once students can find that healthy balance between life and school. - Brian Bahn Dr. Vogel (left) and Dr. John (right) after presenting Brian with his white coat Husband, Student, Father: Balancing Roles Physical Therapy school encompasses lots of hard work, preparation and perseverance. Many students can agree on the challenges faced while being considered for graduate school admission. Achieving academic honors during my undergraduate studies was a personal goal set for myself in hopes that schools would consider my application. I was full of excitement when I learned that Chapman accepted my application. During orientation, I found out that the university would hold a white coat ceremony for students of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I promised myself that I would not miss the ceremony for the world. This was an event my parents would really enjoy attending and a chance for me to appreciate my own hard work and discipline throughout my college career. During the first semester, I had trouble balancing social life with academics, especially with significant family circumstances occurring. My wife and I were expecting the by: Brian Bahn birth of our first daughter around the time of finals week during my second trimester at Chapman. I was certain that she would be born during my 2 week break and I would still be able to attend my white coat ceremony however, that was not the case. My wife was induced into labor during the time of the ceremony and I was faced with a tough but obvious decision to make. I remained by my wife s side throughout her delivery process, skipping the white coat ceremony. The ceremony was important to me, but I realized when it was appropriate to set school aside and tend to my family. I am writing this to let students know that being a physical therapy student may take lots of investment and perseverance, but it is also important to find a healthy balance with the other aspects of life such as being a good father, mother, brother, or sister. Important aspects of becoming a responsible adult are clearer once students can find that healthy balance between life and school. 6

Doctor of Physical Therapy GRADUATE OUTCOMES GRADUATION RATE EMPLOYMENT RATE 2015 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 100% 100% 100% 97.8% 95.8% 94.2% LICENSURE EXAMINATION OVERALL PASS RATE 2016 100% FIRST TIME PASS RATE 98% 100% 100% 2015 2015 2016 7

Doctor of Physical Therapy 2017-2018 Admissions Cycle Summer (starting April 2018) Fall (starting August 2018) GRE Quantitative 148 GRE Verbal 152 EARLY DECISION REQUIREMENTS Analytical 4.0 GRE GPA Cumulative 3.5 Prerequisite 3.5 GPA CONTACT US: FOLLOW US: 714-744-7620 cudptadmissions@chapman.edu twitter: @chapmanunivdpt instagram: @chapmanunivdpt facebook: facebook.com/chapmanunivdpt 8