Physical Therapy

Chair: Dr. Jessica Lieb Cammarata, jcammarata@francis.edu

Physical therapists are professionals, practicing in concert with members of related health professions. Three terms define the practice of physical therapy: 1) health promotion, 2) prevention, and 3) rehabilitation. Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients using a variety of physical therapeutic measures (such as thermal agents and exercise) and education versus medicine or surgery. Patient treatment is goal oriented, focused on enhancing awareness of good health habits and a proactive approach to a healthy life style, preventing physical disabilities, and rehabilitating persons disabled by pain, disease or injury. Physical therapists are recognized as specialists in movement dysfunction.

Exercise Physiology

Program Coordinator: Dr. Kristofer S. Wisniewski, kwisniewski@francis.edu, 814-471-1132

The American College of Sports Medicine and exercise physiologists define an Exercise Physiologist as one who studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. An exercise physiologist can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance. Traditionally exercise physiologists worked and studied only with athletes to improve performance. Today, however, exercise physiologists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life in the general population. For example, an exercise physiologist may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, a personal trainer, or direct an employee fitness program. (http://www.acsm.org)

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Doctorate

Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy