Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University, distinguished by the personal attention it provides its students, is a thriving, dynamic university known for its commitment to academic excellence and community service. We are first and foremost a community of learners that offers our students an unparalleled commitment to lifelong learning, whether on campus or in the community. Although it is the second-largest Catholic university in New England, class sizes are small, no classes are taught by graduate assistants and our accomplished faculty is readily accessible.

The College of Education and Health Professions

The College of Education and Health Professions is proud to offer a broad selection of highly respected undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of healthcare-each one specifically designed to provide the specialized knowledge, skills and certification necessary for graduates to enter, advance and flourish in the healthcare sector. We have just opened our brand new College of Education and Health Professions campus which features state-of the-art equipment and technology.

Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The program in physical therapy prepares entry-level graduates for professional practice in physical therapy as general practitioners who demonstrate self-directed, ongoing learning, an understanding of self in the context of professional role, competency in clinical practice, a commitment to the application of professional skills, knowledge of self in service to others and a commitment to affect positive change within the greater community.

Exclusive Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Curriculum, which emphasizes the development of a reflective practitioner through carefully designed patient or professional practice problems.

Nationally Recognized Faculty which includes the Chair who has been selected as a 2007 Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the most prestigious recognition granted by the organization as well as two faculty recipients of the APTA's Baethke-Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching.

Integrated Clinical Experiences, which help students understand the practical application of semester content, as well as facilitate the process of professional development.

The program is three years in length, including 8-10 weeks of full-time clinical work each summer. The program is fully accredited by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

Transitional Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Bridge

The transitional option to the DPT degree is designed to provide new or more advanced concepts in contemporary practice for licensed physical therapists who received professional education at the BS or MSPT levels. Coursework includes issues of contemporary practice, leadership and management concepts, and expanded diagnostic skills and tools.

The program is entirely on-line except for the first three-day intensive course which will happen on campus, and the capstone presentation, which will occur on a weekend day on campus.

The following must be completed in order to meet program residency requirements:

• Current physical therapy licensure
• Completion of an entry-level master's degree curriculum in physical therapy or an equivalent

MS in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Sacred Heart University offers an entry-level, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy for persons with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. The program prepares students to master entry-level clinical practice skills and develop beginning level skills in leadership and research in occupational therapy. The MSOT program is extremely unique in its curriculum design, in its approach to learning and in its responsiveness to societal and demographic trends as well as to the changes in the profession's clinical practice arenas:

A Problem Based Learning model composed of small group tutorials led by expert faculty members. Designed to bridge course content with real-world practice, it allows students to participate in the clinical reasoning process.

Small Tutorial Groups and laboratories, small group advisement and seminars. Varied course formats for maximum flexibility in meeting students' learning and life needs.

An Emphasis on Clinical Research, resulting in "evidence-based" practice-a methodology now demanded by employers and patients alike.

MS in Geriatric Health and Wellness

Based on the latest philosophies guiding this field of study and staffed by a faculty whose experience spans physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing, the graduate program in Geriatric Health and Wellness (GHW) incorporates a host of innovations to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century geriatric care:

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Learning, providing the wide array of knowledge required to treat a broad diversity of conditions.

A Cutting-Edge Format, which employs internet-based "distance-learning" supplemented by limited on-campus weekend seminars with faculty and other geriatric experts.

A Contemporary Curriculum rooted in "evidence-based" health care practice leading to more effective evaluations, interventions and outcomes.

An Integrated Philosophy which emphasizes building/working within an effective interdisciplinary team, and promoting health and wellness.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Sacred Heart University.