Advanced Degrees Rooted in Clinical Practice & Scientific Research
The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training provides opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and clinical practice across the disciplines of physical therapy, athletic training, and sports medicine.
We offer advanced degrees in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy (DPT), and Rehabilitation Science (PhD) that are nationally certified and the next step on your way to a career in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training.
Department Stories
ATHLETES MIGHT PAY WITH QUICK RETURN TO PLAY
In the world of sports, the ACL tear is a bogeyman, bringing seasons to sudden closes and requiring months of persistent rehab.
It’s understandable that young athletes don’t want to deal with a prolonged absence from competition, especially if they’re trying to make it to the next level. But returning to play too quickly may increase risk for even more devastating injury and a serious decline in knee quality later in life.
Stephan Bodkin, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, recently published an opinion piece in one of the field’s leading journals, Sports Medicine. In “Time to Reflect on Return to Sport Timing Following ACL Reconstruction” he presents recent literature suggesting injured athletes that return to back to competition too quickly may be problematic.