Physical Therapy

The goal of the Department of Physical Therapy is to prepare entry-level practitioners in exercise physiology and in physical therapy. Exercise physiology (EP) is the study of acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from exercise and physical activity. The undergraduate curriculum is broad based and includes courses in liberal arts, basic sciences (anatomy & physiology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry), and professional courses (exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise prescription/program planning). The EP curriculum is sequential, comprehensive, and cumulative and prepares students for the capstone clinical practicum in the senior year. Students are assigned to either a cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation setting or to a fitness setting for a semester. While working in the clinical practicum setting, students attend a weekly seminar to discuss issues that arise on clinicals.

• Highly qualified and caring faculty
• Dedicated students
• Graduates are competent, polished beginning professionals
• Career pathway into many graduate programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UMass Lowell
  

There are numerous career opportunities for graduates of the exercise physiology program. Graduates can work as exercise practitioners (group exercise instructor, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach) in private or corporate fitness settings or with sport teams. The focus is on improving or maintaining health, fitness, or performance. Graduates can work in sports medicine (the field of medicine dealing with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors and/or illnesses impacting sport performance). Practice settings may include sports medicine clinics or sports training facilities. Graduates can also work as clinical exercise physiologists in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medically supervised fitness centers.  Patients/clients present with cardiac and pulmonary conditions, and may be recovering from surgery or acute hospitalization.

There are no national professional licensing requirements at the present time. Some states do have licensing for exercise physiologists. There is a certification process for health/fitness instructors by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a separate certification in strength and conditioning by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Graduates can pursue graduate study in Exercise Physiology. Advanced degrees in EP (Master's, Doctorate) prepare individuals for positions as exercise specialists (ACSM certification, NSCA certification) or exercise program directors. Graduate degrees in EP also prepare individuals for research or teaching positions. A Ph.D. is typically required for teaching or research positions in higher education.

Freshman Entry EP program 

1. A high school diploma.
2. High school grades of B (3.0) or better.
3. Completion of high school program that is specifically college prep courses which includes English, biology, and chemistry.  It is strongly recommended that incoming freshman take math through pre-calculus or calculus and complete high school physics. 
4. Combined SAT scores totaling at least 1,000 (mathematics and verbal). 
5. Evidence of good health through a physical exam that demonstrates the ability of the student to actively participate in all phases of laboratory work.

Freshman Entry DPT/EP program 
Students who meet the following qualifications are invited into the DPT/EP program during the admissions process.  Students completing the BS in EP program (4 Years) with an overall and science GPA minimum of 3.4 will continue into the professional (graduate) phase of the DPT program. 

1. A high school diploma.
2. High school grades of B+ (3.25) or better. 
3. Completion of high school program that is specifically college prep courses which includes English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. It is strongly recommended that incoming freshman take math through pre-calculus or calculus and complete high school physics.  
4. Combined SAT scores totaling at least 1,200 (mathematics and verbal). 
5. Evidence of good health through a physical exam that demonstrates the ability of the student to actively participate in all phases of laboratory work. 

Transfer Admission Requirements
Students may apply to transfer into Exercise Physiology (EP) through two routes; either as external transfers from other schools or as internal transfers from other majors within UMass Lowell.  Admissions are competitive and on a space available basis; overall and science GPAs of 2.7 are required for acceptance (and to remain in the major), as well as successful completion of one year long science sequence (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physiological Chemistry or General Chemistry I and II, and General Physics I and II). It is strongly recommended that transfer students complete college level pre-calculus or calculus prior to transfer.

Pathways into EP for external transfer students:

1. Transfer students can apply to the EP program after completing two semesters with the required overall and science GPA of 2.7 and appropriate science courses. Students must have successfully completed at least one of the year long prerequisite science sequences: Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs; General Physics I & II with labs; or Physiological Chemistry I and II with labs (or General Chemistry I & II with labs) prior to applying. 
2. For admission after three semesters with the required overall and science GPA of 2.7, students must have successfully completed at least one of the year-long prerequisite science sequences: Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs; General Physics I & II with labs; or Physiological Chemistry I and II with labs (or General Chemistry I & II with labs) and be on track to complete all prerequisite science course sequences before the end of their fourth semester.
3. For admission after four semesters, students must have the required overall and science GPA of 2.7 and have successfully completed all science prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs; General Physics I & II with labs; or Physiological Chemistry I and II with labs (or General Chemistry I & II with labs). Students must have also successfully completed Intro to EP with a minimum grade of 2.7. 

To qualify for continued matriculation in the Exercise Physiology program, all students must meet specific academic criteria. These include maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, a minimum science GPA of 2.5,  a minimum 2.5 GPA in all courses in the EP major, and no grade less than C in major courses. A student with a successful appeal will be allowed back into the program on probation. A student is permitted only one probationary period in his/her undergraduate career in the EP program.

Students are expected to adhere to the Honor Code and to maintain the highest ethical behavior both in and out of the classroom. Cheating or plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Should students witness either behavior, they are required by the Code to report infractions. Students found in violation of the Honor Code will be dismissed from the program.

Students in Exercise Physiology must demonstrate certain minimum skills, including:

1. Observational and Examination Skills
   1. obtain an appropriate health/fitness/medical history from the patient/client.
   2. accurately examine body systems and determine vision, hearing, speech and non-verbal communication, cognition, strength, flexibility, and functional capacities of patients/clients.
   3. accurately examine cardiovascular fitness, including vital signs, blood pressure, heart sounds, breathing patterns, and exercise endurance.
   4. observe demonstrations and participate in classroom and laboratory experiences.
   5. reliably read all equipment monitors and dials.
2. Communication Skill
   1. communicate with others in a respectful, polite and confident manner.
   2. accurately complete all written assignments on time.
   3. maintain accurate documentation in patient/client records.
   4. demonstrate effective use of therapeutic communication such as maintaining eye contact, attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching.
   5. demonstrate respect of personal space of patients/clients and others.
   6. demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication.
   7. translate complex information simply and clearly.
   8.  maintain confidentiality of patient/client information/records.
   9. demonstrate understanding of English, including speaking, reading, and writing using correct grammar, accurate spelling, and expression.
   10. use communication technology effectively, i.e. telephone, computer, e-mail.
3. Motor Skills
   1. accurately use manual techniques to assess pulses, skin condition, muscle and tendon activity, joint and limb movement.
   2. manipulate with precision dials, knobs, and other parts of equipment used in the practice setting.
   3. negotiate level surfaces, stairs, ramps and equipment that moves as necessary to assist patients/clients appropriately; perform a variety of examinations and procedures which require changing position, sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling, and maintaining balance.
   4. respond quickly and effectively to sudden or unexpected movements of patients/clients.
   5. perform basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.), infant through adult.
   6. demonstrate the ability to sustain performance in the practice setting for an 8 – 10 hour workday.
4. Critical Thinking Skills
   1. demonstrate the ability to recall knowledge, comprehend and interpret, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information obtained during didactic, laboratory, and/or practice setting experiences.
   2. demonstrate problem-solving skills necessary for identifying/prioritizing problems, and developing appropriate solutions and treatment plans for patient/client problems as well as evaluating those solutions for efficacy.
   3. demonstrate the ability evaluate and integrate scientific research.
5. Behavioral and Social Skills
   1. demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills evidenced by mature, sensitive, and effective professional interactions
   2. demonstrate a positive attitude (motivation) toward learning
   3. demonstrate attributes of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, compassion,  empathy, and continuous regard for others
   4. demonstrate emotional well-being necessary for exercising sound judgment
   5. demonstrate appropriate time management, dependability, and punctuality
   6. demonstrate ability to critique own performance, accept responsibility for one's own actions, and follow through on commitments and assignments
   7. actively seek help when necessary and appropriately utilize constructive feedback
   8. demonstrate organizational skills, completing all professional responsibilities and assignments in a timely manner
   9. adapt to ever-changing environments, demonstrating flexibility, and learning in the face of the uncertainties and stresses inherent in the educational and practice settings
   10. respect cultural and personal differences of others, including being non-judgmental
   11. delegate responsibility appropriately, and function as a member of a team
   12. maintain appropriate professional distance with patients/clients.
   13. maintain appropriate personal hygiene and adhere to dress codes mandated by the school and practice setting.

• Prior to entry into the Exercise Physiology I course in the junior year, students must provide evidence of a current physical exam, signed by a physician or nurse practitioner, indicating satisfactory general health, and in particular, clearance to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Prior to entry into the Clinical Practicum in the senior year (fall or spring), students must provide evidence of a current physical exam indicating satisfactory general health and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B. In addition, students must have had a tetanus shot within 10 years, be free of tuberculosis, and have taken a test for color blindness.
• Any other pertinent health information/needs must be communicated to the department faculty in a timely manner.
• Some clinical facilities require that students have had the chicken pox or a vaccination.

• Students must meet with their advisor each semester for Pre-registration/Advising. 
• Students must provide evidence of current CPR Certification (infant through adult) prior to entry into the senior year.
• Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions and adhere to those standards in the laboratory and practice setting when necessary.
• A criminal background check (CORI check) is required before starting the Clinical Practicum in the senior year.