Forty-three students from University of the Science’s Physical Therapy Program have joined the ranks of professionals following the PT white coat ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. The ceremony is an annual rite of passage for fourth-year students in the University’s six-year PT program.
White coat gifting at the ceremony was presented by Physical Therapy Chair Dr. Marc Campolo, Associate Dean of College of Health Sciences and Executive Director of Assessment Dr. Peter Miller, and other PT faculty.
The students are joining the healthcare system at a critical juncture. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. As the life expectancy for Americans lengthens, the need for physical therapists to care for them will increase.
The students, who have begun the clinical education portion of their education, will receive hands on training through part-time and full-time clinical education experiences.