College of Allied Health Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Phone: (405) 271-6588
Email: ahinfo@ouhsc.edu
Website: ouhsc.edu/alliedhealth
Physical Therapy is truly a hands-on career, and graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of meaningful positions. Students gain experience while at OU to prepare them for jobs involving the restoration and maintenance of physical activities, health promotion and prevention of disability.
Students begin their studies at OU's Norman campus to pursue a bachelor's degree. After earning a bachelor's degree at the main campus, students may apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, located at the vibrant University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Physical Therapy students typically have interests in:
High school preparation should include studies in biology, mathematics and English. Prospective students are encouraged to volunteer at several different physical therapy sites in order to gain a greater understanding of the profession.
OU students attend national conferences that offer real-world networking with professional physical therapists and other students. Graduates of the Physical Therapy program can become licensed therapists and work in many areas of health care to provide services to people of all ages. Students in the Physical Therapy program share basic and rehabilitation science classes with students from the Occupational Therapy program in order to foster team skills and an appreciation of other disciplines.
The students and faculty of the Physical Therapy program have recently received numerous accolades over the years. In 2005, student Dale Boren was awarded the Mary McMillan Student Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. The same year, Professor Denise Bender attended the White House Conference on Aging as a delegate from Oklahoma, and 14 first- and second-year students participated in APTA's National Student Conclave in Denver. In 2006, Dr. Irene McEwen was selected as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA.
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Home health agencies
School systems
Military
Private practices
Traveling health care companies
Colleges and universities
Early intervention programs
Adult day programs
Hospice facilities
Director of Outpatient Rehab, Midwest Regional Medical Center
Staff Therapist, Integris Health
Clinical Supervisors
Private Practice Owners
College and University Faculty
Certified Clinical Specialists,
Researchers
Instructors of Continuing Education Clinical Courses
Managers, Directors and Consultants to industry or state/local/national government agencies
Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.
The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education awarded accreditation for a period of 10 years, 2013-2024.
College of Allied Health Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Phone: (405) 271-6588
Email: ahinfo@ouhsc.edu
Website: ouhsc.edu/alliedhealth