Physical Therapy
Seton Hall University offers a dual degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This new six-year (3+3) program begins freshman year and offers the biology/physical therapy major an opportunity to study in a traditional liberal arts environment as well as in diverse clinical settings.
When students are accepted into the dual degree track, the Bachelor of Science in Biology is awarded at the completion of four years of study and the Doctor of Physical Therapy is awarded at the completion of the sixth year of study.
Physical therapists are healthcare practitioners who diagnose and treat patients and clients with and without medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in daily life. By examining and assessing individuals of all ages, physical therapists can determine barriers to optimal movement and develop a plan of care to promote ideal function, to reduce pain, and to prevent the onset and progression of disability or changes in physical function and health status. Physical therapists evaluate movement dysfunction and use various interventions to gain results. Interventions include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, biophysical agents and patient education.
Physical therapists may also specialize in one or more distinct areas of practice, including cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports physical therapy. Physical therapy practice is centered on patient care and may include education, research and administrative activities. Although a large number of physical therapists work in hospitals, how more than 60 percent can be found in private physical therapy offices, community health centers, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities, research institutions, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, pediatric centers, and colleges and universities.