UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2025-2026

Bartlett, Andrew

(2022) Associate Professor of Physical Therapy. B.S. 1988, B.S. 1997, Utica College of Syracuse University; M.P.A. 1991, State University of New York at Brockport; Ph.D. 2010, Nova Southeastern University.

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Beling, Janna

(1998) Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy. B.A. 1979, M.A. 1981, Stanford University, Ph.D. 1985, University of Southern California.

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Everhart, Kara

(2024) Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. B.S. 2013, California State University, Northridge; D.P.T. 2015, Mount St. Mary’s University.

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Ferreira, Paula Regina

(2016) Associate Professor of Physical Therapy. B.A. 2006, Faculdade Integrada do Recife; M.Sc. 2009, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; D.Sc. 2013, Loma Linda University.

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Kachingwe, Aimie

(2002) Professor of Physical Therapy. B.S. 1989, M.P.T. 1992, University of Iowa; Ed.D. 2000, Northern Illinois University; D.P.T. 2008, University of St. Augustine.

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Low, Sheryl A.

(2000) Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy. B.S. 1986, M.P.H. 1991, California State University, Northridge; D.P.T. 2005, Western University of the Health Sciences; D.Sc. 2008, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

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Mathiyakom, Witaya

(2008) Department Chair of Physical Therapy; Professor of Physical Therapy. B.S. 1988, Mahidol University, Thailand; M.S. 1994, Ph.D. 2004, University of Southern California.

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Phillips, Beth Jo

(1999) Professor of Physical Therapy. B.A. 1985, University of Puget Sound; M.P.T. 1995, University of California, San Francisco; D.P.A. 2005, University of La Verne.

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Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree prepares students for licensure as physical therapists. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program requires three academic years and three summers to complete. Full-time enrollment is necessary, including the summers. Students are required to commute to affiliating hospitals and clinics …

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Physical Therapy

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to: (1) prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing healthcare environment, (2) cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and research, clinical expertise, and service to the University …

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PT 700/L. Applied Human Anatomy and Lab (2/2)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Corequisite: PT 700L. This course promotes an understanding of the structural and functional organization of the human body with an emphasis on the appendicular skeleton and the neuromusculoskeletal system, including organ systems. Dissected and prosected cadavers, models and audiovisual materials are used to identify and …

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PT 702/L. Applied Biomechanics for the Physical Therapist I and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 702L. Designed to explore the biomechanical and kinesiological principles underlying movement during upper extremity (UE) functional activities and exercise. Lectures will focus on the biomechanical principles underlying human movement, including muscle and tissue mechanics, muscle and joint leverage, internal and external torque production, kinematics, and kinetics as …

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PT 703/L. Applied Biomechanics for the Physical Therapist II and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: PT 702/L. Corequisite: PT 703L. Designed to explore the biomechanical and kinesiological principles underlying movement of the spine and lower extremities during functional activities and exercise. Lectures will focus on applied biomechanics of the lower extremities and spine, with an emphasis on functional activities such as gait. Labs will focus on the application and …

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PT 704/L. Physiologic Principles of Rehabilitation and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Corequisite: PT 704L. Introduce and apply the principles of circulatory, respiratory, neuromuscular, connective tissue and metabolic physiology pertaining to physical therapy interventions, procedures and therapeutic exercise. This course will focus on clinical application of these principles to develop clinical reasoning. The lab course will emphasize …

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PT 706. Applied Neuroscience (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This course is designed to give an in-depth introduction and overview to neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology. This course provides a basis for understanding clinical manifestations seen in neurological disorders.

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PT 708. Pathophysiology (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Study of abnormal functioning of neuromusculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, integumentary, metabolic, and endocrine systems.

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PT 710/L. Physical Therapy Management I: Acute Care and Documentation and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Corequisite: PT 710L. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the acute care environment and documentation procedures to develop foundational clinical skills essential to the profession of physical therapy. The course will focus on foundational skills, including bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, assistive devices, and …

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PT 711/L. Physical Therapy Management II: Physical Modalities and Patient Education and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Corequisite: PT 711L. Covers fundamental physiological and physical bases for the selection and application of a) biophysical agents, including thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic, and hydrodynamic agents, and b) soft-tissue mobilization in the treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and integumentary disorders. Also focuses on the concepts and practices …

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PT 712/L. Electrotherapeutics and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 712L. Clinical evidence for selection and application of electrotherapy and electrophysiologic assessment procedures commonly used in evaluation and treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders using physiologic and physical principles. Three major areas of electrotherapy, including pain, neuromuscular and wound management, will be …

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PT 720/L. Musculoskeletal Practice Management I and Lab (3/2)

Prerequisites: PT 700/L. Corequisite: PT 720L. The first of a 3-semester course sequence focusing on the examination and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. Emphasis is on the evaluation of and evidence-based treatment interventions for orthopaedic peripheral dysfunction and impairments.

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PT 730/L. Musculoskeletal Practice Management II and Lab (2/2)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 730L. The second of a 3-semester course sequence focusing on the examination and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. Emphasis is on the evaluation of and evidence-based treatment interventions for orthopaedic spinal dysfunction and impairment.

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PT 732/L. Neurologic Practice Management I and Lab (2/2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 732L. Physical therapy examination and management of patients/clients with neurologic system impairments and related activity limitations. Emphasis is on knowledge, choice, technical performance, interpretation of results, and clinical decision making related to sensory, motor and functional testing for patients with nervous system …

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PT 733/L. Neurologic Practice Management II and Lab (2/2)

Prerequisites: PT 732/L. Corequisite: PT 733L. Advanced study of the philosophies, treatment approaches and intervention skills used for the physical therapy management of patients/clients with neurologic system dysfunction. Emphasis is on the choice and application of evidence-based treatment interventions and the development of clinical decision-making skills.

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PT 734/L. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Practice Management and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 734L. Principles of cardiovascular and pulmonary pathophysiology and the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of patients with these disorders. Aspects of acute care will be emphasized. Utilization of selected demonstrations, lab activities and assigned readings.

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PT 740/L. Musculoskeletal Practice Management III and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: PT 720/L, PT 730/L. Corequisite: 740L. The third of a 3-semester course sequence focusing on the development of differential diagnosis, advanced examination and evaluation skills and therapeutic intervention strategies in the management of musculoskeletal system dysfunction. Emphasis is on critical thinking, collaborative learning in clinical decision making, evidence-based practice and service learning. Students will …

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PT 742/L. Pediatric Practice Management and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 742L. Examination, evaluation, and management of pediatric populations with genetic and acquired disorders resulting in impairments in neurologic and musculoskeletal systems, cognitive dysfunction and learning disabilities. Emphasis is on developing observation skills to identify developmental delays in infants and toddlers.

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PT 744. Geriatric Practice Management (2)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the DPT program and successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 744L. The focus of this course is to prepare students to examine and treat patients/clients in the geriatric population using an evidence-based approach. Along with other courses in the curriculum, this course will provide …

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PT 744L. Geriatric Practice Management Lab (1)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the DPT program and successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 744. The focus of this course is to prepare students to examine and treat patients/clients in the geriatric population using an evidence-based approach. Along with other courses in the curriculum, this course will provide …

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PT 746L. Applied Therapeutic Exercise Laboratory (1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first year coursework in the DPT Program. Advanced concepts and application of therapeutic exercise to address functional limitations and to promote health, fitness and wellness. Emphasis is on therapeutic exercise as an optimal intervention to address impairments and to promote health and quality of life.

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PT 750. Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice I (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. An introduction to the research methods that apply to evidence-based clinical decision making in the practice of physical therapy.

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PT 752A. Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice II (2)

Prerequisite: PT 750. Corequisite: PT 752C. This course is designed to provide the students with guidance in the appraisal of physical therapy and medical research literature in order to develop a written doctoral project to a) evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions associated with specific physical therapy and medical diagnoses by completing a systematic …

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PT 752B. Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice III (2)

Prerequisite: PT 752A. Corequisite: PT 752C. Doctoral research project requiring the student under the guidance of faculty sponsor to answer a research question that (a) evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions associated with specific physical therapy and medical diagnoses by completing a systematic literature review or (b) provides physical therapy related research evidence by conducting …

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PT 752C. Supervised Doctoral Project (1-1)

Prerequisite: PT 750. Corequisites: PT 752A, PT 752B. Advancement to Candidacy and consent of advisor. Researched doctoral project in an area of specialization in physical therapy under the direction of a faculty sponsor. The student will select one of the two emphases: systematic literature review and supervised research. In systematic literature review emphasis, the student will …

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PT 760. Professional Practice I (2)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Introduces students to the practice of physical therapy, including cultural, ethical, and psychosocial factors influencing client interaction and rehabilitation outcomes. Discusses the history of physical therapy practice within the United States, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the provision of health care in the …

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PT 770. Pharmacological Interventions (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. A study of pharmacological interventions for individuals with dysfunction of the neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and integumentary systems.

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PT 771. Lifespan Sciences (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Designed to promote an understanding of the relationship between principles of neurology and the development of motor skills from birth through senescence. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills in infants and toddlers. Motor control and motor learning principles and theories will …

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PT 772/L. Pathological Gait and Functional Movement Analysis and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 772L. Designed to promote an in-depth understanding of the arthrokinematic, biomechanical, kinematic and kinetic characteristics of gait and running in normal individuals, and functional movement analysis in patients/clients with disabilities and functional limitations. Both observational and instrumented gait analyses will be emphasized …

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PT 773. Medical Imaging (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Introduction to principles of imaging, including radiography, CT scans, MRI, special studies and arthrography used in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions and diseases.

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PT 774. Medical Screening (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Study of the signs and symptoms manifested by patients/clients and the process of relating them to specific medical conditions and diseases. Instruction on systematic techniques used to identify symptom patterns for the determination of a PT diagnosis. Includes screening process for referral to other …

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PT 775/L. Pathological Gait, Orthotics and Prosthetics and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the DPT program and successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 775L. This course is designed to promote an in-depth understanding of the biomechanical and neuromuscular characteristics of gait, running, and functional movements in normal individuals and patients/clients with disability and functional limitations. Both observational …

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PT 776/L. Movement Impairment and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 776L. This course will provide graduate students in physical therapy with an opportunity to improve their skills in evaluating, analyzing and treating patients with musculoskeletal pain using the current concept and techniques of movement system impairment (MSI). An emphasis is placed on (a) …

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PT 778/L. Topics in Wellness and Prevention and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 778L. Advanced concepts and application of wellness practices in physical therapy and alternative complementary therapeutic interventions to address functional limitations and to promote health, fitness and wellness. Emphasis is on addressing overall health and quality of life.

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PT 779A. Community Health and Wellness I: Promoting Healthy Lifestyle (1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This course is the first in a series and will introduce students to concepts of community health and wellness with a focus on individual health behaviors, and the impact of lifestyle choices on individual and planetary wellness. Students will explore social determinants of health and implement …

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PT 779B. Community Health and Wellness II: Promoting Equitable Public Health (1)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This course is the second in a series and will expand students’ understanding of community health and wellness with a focus on population health promotion and prevention, as well as health equity/justice and environmental sustainability. Complimentary integrative therapies will be introduced as evidence-based …

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PT 780. Professional Practice II (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. This course examines the role of the professional physical therapist as an administrator and manager of patient care, personnel and resources, with consideration for ethical, medical and legal implications. Various business models, reimbursement practices and organizational structures will be examined.

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PT 785A-Z. Selected Topics in Physical Therapy (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. A seminar-discussion course centering on advanced study in subject matter areas at the doctoral level in physical therapy. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, collaborative learning in clinical decision making, and evidence-based practice.

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PT 789AL. Community Health Service I (1)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This course is the first in a series of two consecutive courses focusing on clinical practice in community settings. This is a culminating integrative course focusing on student demonstration of departmental learning outcomes. The course integrates examination/evaluation skills and therapeutic intervention strategies treating …

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PT 789BL. Community Health Service II (1)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This course is the second in a series of two consecutive courses focusing on clinical practice in community settings. This is a culminating integrative course focusing on student demonstration of departmental learning outcomes. The course integrates examination/evaluation skills and therapeutic intervention strategies treating clients …

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PT 790. Clinical Practice I (1)

Prerequisite: Admission to the DPT Program. Preparation for the students’ clinical internships. Applying the didatic skills and education to the clinical practice setting.

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PT 792. Clinical Practice II (1)

Prerequisites: PT 794 and PT 794I. Preparation for the students’ clinical internships. Applying the didactic skills and education to the clinical practice setting.

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PT 794. Clinical Education I (1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 794I. Supervision and advisement by PT faculty of supervised clinical fieldwork. Student establishes learning plan and goals. Mid-term site visit by faculty. A minimum of 8 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. Summer session. A clinical education course. (Credit/No Credit only)

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PT 794I. Clinical Internship I (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 794. Experience in evaluation, program planning and application of physical therapy procedures in a supervised clinical environment by clinical instructor. A minimum of 8 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. Summer session. A clinical education course. (Credit/No Credit only)

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PT 796. Clinical Education II (2)

Prerequisites: PT 794 and PT 794I; Successful completion of all second-year coursework in the DPT Program. Supervision and advisement by PT faculty of supervised clinical fieldwork. Approximately 12 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. Summer session. A clinical education course. (Credit/No Credit only)

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PT 796I. Clinical Internship II (4)

Prerequisites: PT 794 and PT 794I; Successful completion of the first two academic years in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 794I. Experience in evaluation, program planning and application of physical therapy procedures in a supervised clinical environment by clinical instructor. Approximately 12 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. Summer session. A clinical education course. (Credit/No …

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PT 797. Directed Comprehensive Exam (3)

Prerequisite: Enrolled in last semester of coursework in the DPT Program. Guided preparation and review for the culminating examination. (Credit/No Credit only)

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PT 798. Clinical Education III (2-2)

Prerequisites: PT 794 and PT 794I, PT 796 and PT 796I; Successful completion of all third-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 798I. Supervision and advisement by PT faculty of supervised clinical fieldwork. Student establishes learning plan and goal, Mid-term site visit by faculty. Approximately 12 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. Summer session. …

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PT 798I. Clinical Internship III (4)

Prerequisites: PT 794 and PT 794I, PT 796 and PT 796I; Successful completion of all third-year coursework in the DPT Program. Corequisite: PT 798. Experience in evaluation, program planning and application of physical therapy procedures in a supervised clinical environment under the direct supervision of clinical faculty. Approximately 12 weeks in a supervised clinical experience. …

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PT 799A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year coursework in the DPT Program. Enrollment with advisor approval only. Investigation of a significant issue related to the physical therapy field. (Credit/No Credit only)

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Roller, Margaret L.

(1998) Professor of Physical Therapy. B.S. 1982, University of California, Los Angeles; B.S. 1989, California State University, Northridge; M.S. 1998, D.P.T. 2003, University of the Pacific.

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Stewart, Myra

(2022) Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. B.F.A. 2007, University of Southern Mississippi; D.P.T. 2016, California State University, Northridge.

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Wolfe, George A.

(1990) Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy. B.A. 1968, University of California, Los Angeles; M.A. 1973; Ph.D 1984, University of Southern California.

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