Janie De Luna (center) poses with fellow 2009 physical therapy doctoral graduates Jenny Hall (left) and Amy Bridges.
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Although a new school year is now under way, just a few weeks ago the first class of students with a doctorate in physical therapy graduated from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Although some recent college graduates search more than a year for jobs in their field, nearly all of the 40 physical therapy graduates had secured jobs before graduation.

“Our graduates are working in hospitals, private practice, public and private school systems, home health agencies, industry and rehabilitation centers,” said Greg Ernst, PT, Ph.D., ECS, SCS, ATC, assistant professor and interim chair of physical therapy. “In this economy, that’s a pretty good thing. And we expect that our profession will be high demand for the foreseeable future, with the large number of Baby Boomers who are beginning to retire and want to be fit and active.”

Doctorate is now the entry-level degree into the profession
Last year, the School of Health Professions upgraded its program from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree, which is becoming the standard entry-level degree into the profession. This is in keeping with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Vision 2020 statement:

“By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for and prevention of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health.”

Providers of choice for patients with movement disorders
“This change in philosophy really upgrades our profession to be the provider of choice for patients who have movement disorders,” Dr. Ernst said. “We are now on par with other doctoring professionals who are known for their depth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.”

Graduate has opportunity to practice and conduct research
Recent graduate Juanita “Janie” De Luna is one of the graduates who had a job lined up before graduation. “Physical therapy has always intrigued me because of the science behind it and the one-on-one patient care. In other professions, you don’t get as much time with your patients. Interpersonal skills, compassion, patience and empathy make a good physical therapist, and I know I have those qualities,” said the single mother of a young son who has autism.

After enjoying most of the summer off with her son, Moses, De Luna will start work full time on Sept. 1 with a local rehabilitation center providing care for adult and pediatric patients. The adult care will focus on patients with orthopedic injuries, such as back problems, ankle issues and rotator cuff injuries. What she will enjoy most, however, will be working with children who have neuromuscular conditions that affect movement, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autism.

“This is exactly the type of job I had hoped to get. It will help me develop well-rounded skills,” De Luna said. “I’ll also have the opportunity to conduct some research, which is somewhat unusual for a new graduate.” She and a coworker received an $18,000 grant over the summer to conduct a pediatric weight-loss program. “This program will address the rising occurrence of weight gain in San Antonio children. We will be looking at some of the issues that arise as a result of weight gain, such as back pain and foot pain. These factors can also keep some children from being active and getting enough exercise, further contributing to weight gain and an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Students typically apply for the three-year Health Science Center doctoral program during their junior year and are considered for admission after completing three years of undergraduate prerequisites.