Physical Therapy and Clinical Laboratory Science
College of Health and Social Sciences
Dean: Don Taylor
Physical Therapy Program
GYM 105
Phone: 415-338-2001
Fax: 415-338-0907
E-mail: gppt@sfsu.edu
Web Site: www.pt.sfsu.edu
Director: Linda Wanek - San Francisco State University
Director: Kimberly Topp - University of California, San Francisco
Graduate Coordinators: L. Wanek, K. Topp
Faculty:
Professors: Byl, Hallum, Noble, Radtka, Topp, Wanek
Associate Professor: Allen
Assistant Professors: Lee, Rosi, Souza
Assistant Clinical Professors (UCSF/SF State): Galvan, Jaramillo, Pawlowsky, Smoot
Lecturers: Andrade, Carlisle, Galvan, Scalise, Sokolski, Hutto
Programs
D.P.T. (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
D.P.T.Sc. (Doctor of Physical Therapy Science)
Clinical Laboratory Science Internship Program
SCI 202
Phone: 415-338-2332
Fax: 415-338-7747
Program Director: Geraldine Albee
Faculty:
Lecturers: Albee, Haas, Kazarian, Kouyoumdjian, Nusrat, Phan, Scott, Stone
Program
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science
Program
Physical Therapy degrees are offered jointly with the University of California, San Francisco.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Students planning to become a physical therapist apply to the Entry Level DPT Program. This is a three year program (36 months) including 32 weeks of full time clinical affiliations. The DPT Program is accredited by the APTA Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. It has also been approved by the University of California, California State University, California Post-Secondary Education Committee (CPEC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
This program is designed to prepare scholarly clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers and community leaders. The program accepts 32 - 42 students and requires 36 months of study (including summers). The curriculum is built on a strong theoretical foundation in basic, medical and applied sciences. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning are woven into all aspects of the program and creative problem solving skills are developed to work with patients to mitigate disability, optimize function and maintain positive health.
Courses are held at San Francisco State University and the University of California, San Francisco. Clinical clerkships occur at affiliated agencies throughout California but are primarily located in the northern and central regions of the state. Graduates are well prepared to pass the State Licensing Examination and are considered top applicants for positions in a variety of physical therapy venues.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for physical therapists is very good with graduates employed in acute and rehabilitation hospitals, private practice, outpatient clinics, schools, community agencies, and academic programs.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Science
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Science degree prepares physical therapists for careers as clinical educators, clinical researchers, clinical specialists, and/or academic educators within physical therapy-related educational programs. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation in which to develop clinical research skills. The 36-48 month program (including summer semesters) consists of academic course work, laboratory studies, teaching practica, and participation in original research. Courses are held at San Francisco State University and the University of California, San Francisco. Course work and research opportunities make full use of the expertise available at these two campuses.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for physical therapist educators is excellent with opportunities for graduates to work in academic settings, specialty clinical settings and/or research medical centers.
Entry Level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Admission Requirements to Program
Between 32 to 42 students are admitted to the DPT program each June. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet all general admissions requirements for graduate study at both San Francisco State University and the University of California, San Francisco. Although any undergraduate major is acceptable, for students in the initial stages of undergraduate preparation, a major in kinesiology or the biological sciences tends to be the most direct route into a physical therapy program. All applicants must have completed the program prerequisites before entry. Students taking combined anatomy/physiology courses must complete two semesters or three quarters of work. Applicants without a strong science background should take additional science courses to demonstrate an ability to succeed in science-based course work.
Required Basic Prerequisite Courses
| Title | Units |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry with laboratory (1 Year) No survey courses | 10 |
| General Physics with laboratory (1 Year) No survey courses | 8 |
| Human or Comparative Anatomy with laboratory | 3 |
| Human Physiology with laboratory | 4 |
| Microbiology or Cell Biology or Vertebrate Histology (or other upper division biology course) | 3 |
Social/Psychological Sciences
| Title | Units |
|---|---|
| Abnormal Psychology or Psychology of Disability | 3 |
Applied Sciences
| Title | Units |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
Highly Recommended Courses
| Title | Units |
|---|---|
| Biomedical Ethics | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| Motor Learning or Motor Control | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology or Motor Development | 3 |
| Introduction to Computers (for students who do not have word processing; spread sheet and statistical package skills) | 3 |
| Neurosciences/Neuroanatomy (1 year recommended) | 3 |
| Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Structural or Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
To be eligible for admission consideration, students must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Meet the Graduate School requirements of the University of California and the California State University. More specifically, students must have an overall baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or above.
- A 3.0 GPA or above in college course work in the basic sciences including the prerequisites specified above.
- Submit Graduate Record Examination scores. Scores must be no more than five years old. As of August 2011, scores must be at 50th percentile or higher; and a score of 4.5 in the writing (analytical) section is required. Scores are due by October 15 of the year the application is submitted.
- Be able to demonstrate understanding of the work and profession of physical therapy, gained through paid or volunteer experience (minimum of 150 hours) in a variety of settings under the supervision of a physical therapist.
- Supply three strong letters of recommendation regarding potential to complete the program and personal compatibility with physical therapy as a profession. At least one letter must be from a physical therapist.
Application Process
Students must submit two applications, which are submitted separately, but in parallel. Application materials consist of: 1) The Centralized Physical Therapy Application (PTCAS), and 2) The UCSF Supplemental Physical Therapy Application. Both applications are accessible at UCSF P.T. Website at https://graduate.ucsf.edu/application/apply/eldpt/ for application instructions. The deadline for both applications is OCTOBER 1 (midnight, PST) of the year prior to desired entry (i.e. by October 2012 for admission in June 2013).
Following preliminary evaluation, 80 – 100 applicants will be invited to interview. Students who are offered an interview are required to mail their official transcripts for their SF State application to the graduate program in physical therapy office at SF State. Following an interview and an assessment of writing skills, 32 - 40 students will be accepted for admission to the physical therapy program. Once accepted into the program, students will then complete an online application for admission to SF State.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Students must meet the first level of proficiency in written English as a condition of admission to the physical therapy program. Students must complete the GRE analytical writing section prior to enrollment. Evaluation of writing skills are also based upon an essay written at the time of the applicant's scheduled interview.
Level Two: The second level of written English proficiency is demonstrated through course projects involving written manuscripts during years one and two of the program, and the culminating experience project during the student's final year in the program.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students are advanced to candidacy based on a Qualifying Assessment that consists of: 1) overall 3.0 GPA in academic coursework; 2) satisfactory performance on all practical exams in clinical coursework; 3) satisfactory performance in all clinical clerkships as judged by meeting all required milestones on the Clinical Performance Index; and, 4) score of 80% or better on each of three clinically based, board style examinations that evaluate critical thinking and problem solving.
Culminating Experience
Students research and write an in-depth evidence based review of a clinical problem following the criteria established in PT 209 and PT 910 courses. The manuscripts must be prepared in a publication-ready journal format as well as presented orally to an audience of faculty and peers.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Course Work
Courses shown with quarter-unit values are taken at the UCSF. Courses shown with semester-unit values are assigned to SF State. At SF State, courses numbering 700 or higher are graduate courses. At the UCSF, courses with numbers between 100 and 199 are at the upper division level; courses with numbers between 200 and 399 are graduate courses.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program
Basic and Applied Sciences
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 200 | Neuromusculoskeletal Anatomy | 6 | |
| PHYS 121 | Mammalian Physiology | 5 | |
| PHYS 122 | Mammalian Physiology | 3 | |
| ANAT 207 | Neuroscience for Physical Therapists | 5 | |
| KIN 746 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 3 | |
| PT 706 | Structure, Function and Motion in Physical Therapy | 2 |
Medical Sciences
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 110 | Pathophysiology of Disease: Orthopedics | 2 | |
| PT 111 | Pathophysiology of Disease: Neurology | 3 | |
| PT 112 | Human Growth and Development Across the Life Span | 3 | |
| PT 210 | Radiology for Physical Therapy | 2 | |
| PT 211 | Pharmacology for Physical Therapy | 2 | |
| PT 700 | Comprehensive Physical Therapy Management | 3 | |
| PATH 135.01 | Pathology | 3 |
Applied Social Sciences
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 735 | Psychosocial Aspects in Rehabilitation Sciences | 3 | |
| PT 736 | Ecological and Organizational Issues of Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| PT 704 | Education, Learning, and Memory in Physical Therapy | 2 | |
| PT 705 | Administration and Organization in Physical Therapy | 2 |
Research/Teaching
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 251 | Research Design | 3.5 | |
| PT 183 | Biostatistics | 4.5 | |
| PT 419 | Mentored Clinical Research Clerkship | 9 | |
| PT 899 or PT 206 |
Independent Study Independent Study |
2 |
3 |
Physical Therapy Sciences
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 201 | Physical Therapy Assessment | 3 | |
| PT 202 | Principles of Therapeutic Modalities | 2 | |
| PT 741 | Musculoskeletal Pathokinesiology I | 4 | |
| PT 742 | Musculoskeletal Pathokinesiology II | 4 | |
| PT 743 | Musculoskeletal Pathokinesiology III | 3 | |
| PT 710 | Neurological Pathokinesiology I | 4 | |
| PT 711 | Neurological Pathokinesiology II | 3 | |
| PT 720 | Cardiopulmonary Pathokinesiology I | 2 |
Evidence Based Practice
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 209 | Evidence Based Practice | 3 | |
| PT 910 | Evidence Based Practice | 4 | |
| PT 212 | Muscle Nerve Biology | 3 | |
| PT 213 | Movement Science | 2 | |
| PT 208 | Professional Colloquium (Spring Symposium) |
1.5 | |
| PT 908 | Professional Colloquium | 1 |
Clinical Care
| Course | Title | S F State Semester Units | UCSF Quarter Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT 801 | Clinical Clerkship I | 6 | |
| PT 802 | Clinical Clerkship II | 6 | |
| PT 803 | Clinical Clerkship III | 6 | |
| PT 930 or PT 418 |
Mentored Clinical Clerkship Mentored Clinical Clerkship |
6 | 9 |
| PT 920 | Case Reports | 5 | |
| PT 400 | Grand Rounds | 3 | |
| PT 207 | Physical Diagnosis | 4.5 |
Total semester unit equivalent: 119
Doctor of Physical Therapy Science (DPTSc)
Admission to Program
This program is designed for licensed, experienced physical therapist clinicians who are interested in leadership roles in the clinic or academic teaching and clinical research. Although it is not necessary to have a master’s degree to apply, students without a master’s degree may need to take additional coursework to bring their knowledge base to the equivalency of the current entry level of study in physical therapy (e.g. Radiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, statistics, and evidence-based practice). One to four students are admitted to the program each year. Applicants must:
- Hold a degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution.
- Meet the Graduate School requirements of the University of California and the California State University. More specifically, students must have an overall baccalaureate or masters degree GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Submit Graduate Record Examination scores. Scores must be no more than five years old. As of August 2011, scores for the verbal and quantitative sections must be at the 50th percentile, and a score of 4.5 in the writing (analytical) section is also required. Scores are due by the April prior to the expected fall admission period.
- Be licensed or eligible for licensure to practice physical therapy in California.
Application Process
Students must submit applications by April for entering class the following semester. Online application materials will be available from January 4 to April 1 to download from the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy web site at https://graduate.ucsf.edu/application/apply/dptsc/start.html for application instructions. All initial application materials must be submitted to UCSF.
On receipt of all application materials, students may be asked for an interview, review of research interest compatibility with faculty. Students accepted for admission to the DPTSc program are then required to apply online to SF State.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Students must complete the GRE Analytical Writing Section with a score of 4.5 to meet the first level of proficiency in written English as a condition of admission to the DPTSc program.Level Two: The second level of writing proficiency is met with the culminating experience of an original research project that consists of a manuscript suitable for publication and an oral defense of the research.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students are considered for advancement to candidacy for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Science after completing course work in one's area of emphasis, teaching practica, preparation of a written research proposal, and a comprehensive oral qualifying examination.
Culminating Experience
Students develop an original research project guided by a faculty member and thesis committee. The student completes an oral defense of the research and writes a manuscript suitable for publication.
Program
The DPTSc program is designed to allow students to select courses, under advisement, in their area of interest. Students must complete 12 - 15 units in their area of emphasis, three or more laboratory rotations, two to three semesters of teaching practicum, grand rounds, and the doctoral colloquia. Students also take Directed Research throughout the program until completion of their research requirement. All students serve as teaching assistants in the classroom situation and in the clinic.
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science
Advisers: Albee, Scott
Program Scope
The SF State Clinical Laboratory Internship Certificate program (CLS) provides students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to work in hospitals, clinics, or biomedical research environments. The program prepares students at the post-baccalaureate level to sit for licensure as Clinical Laboratory Scientists. In addition, the program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for clinical laboratory sciences (NAACLS) and meets the educational standards required for licensure as a CLS by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services (LFS). The program seeks to develop critical thinking skills for clinical and administrative decision making in the complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.
Career Outlook
Clinical laboratory scientists are employed in healthcare settings such as medical laboratories within large medical centers, community hospitals, public health, clinics and private industry. Excellent employment opportunities exist in research and development, medical informational technology, laboratory administration and education.
Admission to Program
Requirements are:
- Earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university in related clinical science major of microbiology, biology or equivalent. Students with international degrees should check the CLS website for more information (https://chss.sfsu.edu/cls/).
- Overall GPA of at least 3.0 or GPA of at least 3.0 in last 60 units (90 quarter) (3.0 GPA).
- A score of 4 or better on a proctored writing examination administered prior to admission or for international students, at least 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, or a 550 on the paper-based test with a Test of Written English (TWE) of at least 4.
- Science course preparation to include courses in hematology, immunology, medical microbiology, quantitative chemistry analysis, biochemistry, physics, and college-level mathematics.
- Eligibility for a trainee license from the State of California Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services.
- Completion of the application form, which includes three letters of reference.
- Interview at SF State.
- Proof of health insurance
Curriculum
The CLS program consists of (1) a 16-week semester of didactic and laboratory work and (2) a 40-week off-campus internship at affiliated clinical laboratory sites. Students enroll for 16 units for the pre-clinical semester. For the 40-week off-campus portion, students enroll in a combination of regular university sessions and special sessions through the College of Extended Learning.
First Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLS 701 | Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis | 4 |
| CLS 706 | Contemporary Clinical Science Issues | 1 |
| CLS 731 | Clinical Hematology and Laboratory Applications | 4 |
| CLS 753 | Clinical Microbiology for the CLS Intern | 4 |
| CLS 790 | Clinical Serology & Immunohematology | 3 |
Total Units First Semester: 16
Subsequent 40 Weeks
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLS 702 | Clinical Laboratory Internship I (4 units of CLS 702 taken twice) |
8 |
| CLS 705 | Clinical Laboratory Internship II (3 units of CLS 705 taken twice) |
6 |
| CLS 709 | Clinical Laboratory Internship III | 3 |
| CLS 707 | CLS Bridge to Clinical Practice | 3 |
Total Units Subsequent 40 Weeks: 20
Total Units for Entire Program: 36
English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Students complete a proctored essay at the time of their application interview. If necessary, remediation will be fulfilled by successful completion of SCI 614 or equivalent course. Level Two: Successful completion of a series of written professional reports as required for a leadership role in professional environments: CLS 706.
