about - School of Health Related Professions

D E P A R T M E N T O F P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y
P O S T - P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O G R A M
it’s all
about
Choices…
School of Health Related Professions
S H R P
Physical Therapy
Post-Professional Program

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
POST-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
Choices…
Students who choose UMDNJ’s School of Health Related
Professions want a University that is exclusively dedicated
to health care, with state-of-the-art equipment, rigorous
coursework, and faculty who cares. All our resources go
toward supporting a health care educational environment
that attracts and nurtures the very best faculty and students.

UMDNJ
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is
the nation’s largest independent public health-sciences university, with
programs at five main academic healthcare campuses in Camden, New
Brunswick/Piscataway, Newark, Scotch Plains and Stratford.
UMDNJ is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in: the
undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and continuing education of
health professionals and scientists; the conduct of basic biomedical,
psychosocial, clinical and public health research; health promotion,
disease prevention and the delivery of healthcare; and service to our
communities and the entire state.
Program
The Physical Therapy Program of the University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey specializes in doctoral-level education for
physical therapists and for individuals wishing to become physical
therapists. Students in our entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy
(DPT) program receive a state-of-the-art education that prepares
them to be in the forefront of the physical therapy profession. Our
post-professional DPT is designed to help practicing physical
therapists develop the tools and strategies they need to excel in a
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constantly changing health care environment. We also offer a PhD in
Health Sciences degree, to prepare professionals for leadership
positions in research and academia. The physical therapy faculty
possesses outstanding qualifications and attributes that, coupled with
an exceptional curriculum, account for the excellence of these
programs. The program facilities include a premiere health-sciences
library, two fully equipped research labs (The Research in Virtual
Environments and Rehabilitation Sciences [RIVERS] Lab and an
exercise physiology lab), new classroom facilities and two computer
laboratories. The UMDNJ Physical Therapy program serves the
community through its faculty practice which provides occupational
and physical therapy to the school children in Newark and Paterson, as
well as through its participation in the University’s association with
Special Olympics. The Physical Therapy program is housed within the
largest independent public health-sciences university in the country,
affording numerous opportunities for diverse clinical experiences.

Doctoral Programs:
Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a full time
three-year program that prepares students to enter the physical
therapy profession. This comprehensive 110 credit graduate program
prepares students for leadership roles within the profession through
its vibrant and supportive educational environment that attracts and
nurtures the very best faculty and students. The physical therapy
department has a rich tradition of academic excellence in education,
research, patient care and community service.
Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is designed
for practicing clinicians, who already possess a bachelor’s or master’s
degree in Physical Therapy, to expand their knowledge in differential
diagnosis, ethics, scholarship, evidence–based practice and management in
order to develop the tools and strategies they need to excel in the current
health care environment. Using a schedule of evening and weekend courses
the program affords quality, flexibility, and convenience.
Doctor of Philosophy In Health sciences (PhD) prepares students
for research and teaching careers. The Program is based on a mentoring
model of graduate education, with emphasis on independent/directed
study and research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Of the 60
credits needed for the degree, only about a third represent required
preparatory core and methods courses. In collaboration with the advisor,
the remainder of the program is individually tailored to meet students'
research goals and career expectations.
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Why Choose UMDNJ?
• Quality and Experience - We have been educating physical
therapists since 1980 through our accredited professional programs.
Of our 13 experienced faculty members, the majority have doctorates,
and many are clinical specialists. Faculty members are your colleagues,
and have served at the state and national level in numerous capacities;
as state delegates, committee chairs, district officers, State Board
President, and many others. Many faculty members continue to
practice in New Jersey and understand the challenges you face in
today’s health care environment.
• Cost - As a state school, our tuition is substantially lower than that
charged by private schools. Our graduate tuition is 40% to 70% less
than other DPT programs in the region.
• Convenience - Our post-professional courses are offered evenings
and weekends at our main campus in Newark. Web-based courses add
to the flexibility of the curriculum. Newark is easily reached by public
transportation, and parking is available on campus.
• Flexibility - Our post-professional DPT is geared toward all licensed
physical therapists, regardless of entry-level degree. Previous graduate
coursework and professional experienced will be granted transfer
credit based on evaluation of each individual’s transcript, resume, and
supporting documentation.

Program Description
The post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UMDNJ is
designed to help practicing physical therapists develop the tools and
strategies they need to excel in a constantly changing health care
environment. Our curriculum was developed to prepare physical
therapists to meet head-on the challenges facing them in today’s health
care world: an explosion of knowledge and the expectation of evidencebased
practice, increasing responsibility paralleling increasing autonomy,
changes in reimbursement and constraints imposed on the therapistpatient
relationship. To teach this curriculum we draw on our twelve fulltime
faculty as well as content experts from across the country. Our
diverse faculty share with students the knowledge and experience they
have gained through extensive clinical, professional, academic and
research activities.
The program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Classes
are offered evenings and weekends. Use of the world wide web increases
the flexibility of the curriculum. In addition, transfer credit may be
awarded for previous graduate coursework and/or professional
experience if it coincides with the content of one or more of the DPT
courses.
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Degree Requirements
Degree requirements for graduates of UMDNJ MPT program 1998 or
later, or MSPT program:
credits course #
• Outcomes Measurements or Case 3 or PTDR7313
Studies in Research and Clinical Practice
or PTDR7215
• Ethics 3 or PTDR7265
• Advanced Clinical Decision-Making 3 or PTDR7910
in Musculskeletal, Neurologic, or
or PTDR7912
Pediatric PT
or PTDR7911
• Medical Screening for Physical Therapists 3 or PTDR7265
Total Credits 12
Degree requirements for students with a master’s degree from a school
other than UMDNJ, or a bachelor’s degree or certificate in Physical
Therapy:
credits course #
• Outcomes Measurements or Case 3 or PTDR7313
Studies in Research and Clinical Practice
or PTDR7215
• Ethics 3 or PTDR7265
• Advanced Clinical Decision-Making 3 or PTDR7910
in Musculskeletal, Neurologic, or
or PTDR7912
Pediatric PT
or PTDR7911
• Medical Screening for Physical Therapists 3 or PTDR7265
• Research Design and Statistics 3 or PDTR7311
• Motor Learning and Control 3 or PDTR7240
• Pharmacology 3 or PTDR7220
• Professional Issues Seminar 3 or PTDR7161
• Evidence Based Literature Review 3 or IDST6400
Total Credits 27
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and be licensed
in physical therapy in New Jersey or an adjacent state. The applicant’s
entry-level physical therapy degree can be a certificate, bachelor’s
degree, or master’s degree. Applicants need to have a minimum of 2,000
hours in physical therapy practice. These hours can be in patient care,
administration, and education, but not in student clinical experiences.
Applicants are expected to have basic computer literacy, including file
management, use of word processor and spreadsheet programs, use of
email and the Internet.
For matriculation, applicants are required to submit the following:
• Completed application, including a written essay
• Current curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts for Physical Therapy degree, and highest degree if higher
than Physical Therapy degree
• Notarized copy of Physical Therapy License
Students may enter the program in the fall, spring or summer
semesters. Application deadlines are:
• Fall admission May 15
• Spring admission Sept. 15
• Summer admission Jan. 15
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Full-Time Faculty
Ellen Zambo Anderson, PT, MA, GCS
MA, Motor Control, Columbia University
BS, Physical Therapy, West Virginia University
• Ellen Zambo Anderson, an Associate Professor, is board certified in geriatric
physical therapy and has presented to state and national audiences on geriatrics
and complementary therapy. She has published in “Physical and Occupational
Therapy in Geriatrics”, and is a reviewer for “Journal of Neurologic Physical
Therapy (JNPT)”. Professor Anderson has been elected to the position of delegate
from the New Jersey chapter of the APTA eight times and has spearheaded the
chapter's efforts to support the New Jersey Special Olympics.
Phyllis Guarrera-Bowlby, PT, MEd, PCS
MEd, Motor Learning, Columbia University
BS, Physical Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
• Phyllis Guarrera-Bowlby, an Associate Professor, is enrolled in the doctoral
program at Teachers College with a major in Motor Learning. Professor Bowlby
has presented platform and poster presentations at the state and national levels
related to movement variability in typically developing children. She is currently
serving on the Research Committee and as vice co-chair for the Pediatric SIG for
the NJ Chapter of the APTA. Her research interests include the development of
motor skill with typically developing children and children with cerebral palsy
along with effective intervention strategies for children with cerebral palsy. Her
clinical interests are in pediatric rehabilitation and school-based physical therapy.
Judith Deutsch, PT, PhD
PhD, Pathokinesiology, NYU
MS, Physical Therapy, USC
BA, Human Biology, Stanford
• Judith Deutsch is an Associate Professor and Director of the Research in Virtual
Environments and Rehabilitation Sciences (RIVERS) lab in the Program in
Physical Therapy. Dr. Deutsch's research and teaching interests are in the area of
rehabilitation of patients with neurologic diagnoses and the use of complementary
therapies. She is the author of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in her
current areas of research, use of virtual reality in rehabilitation of gait, motor
imagery and Structural Integration (Rolfing). She is the Editor of the
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (JNPT), the official publication of
the Neurology Section of the APTA.
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Susan Edmond, PT, PhD, DSc, OCS
DSc, Epidemiology, Boston University
BS, Physical Therapy, New York University
• Susan Edmond is an Associate Professor in the Program in Physical
Therapy. Her responsibilities include teaching a series in musculoskeletal
physical therapy in the entry level DPT program. She has written a
textbook on joint mobilization and manipulation: Manipulation and
Mobilization, Spinal and Extremity Techniques. Dr. Edmond’s research
interests include issues related to back pain in older adults, and efficacy of
interventions for spinal dysfunction.
Patricia Fay, PT, DPT, MPH
DPT, Massachusetts General Hospital
Institute of Health Professions
MPH, Hunter College of the City University of New York
BS, Physical Therapy, Boston University
• Patricia Fay is an Associate Professor and the Director of Clinical
Education. Clinically, she has practiced in a variety of settings in Boston,
New York City, and Copenhagen, Denmark. She currently serves on the
Clinical Instructor Education Board of the APTA and has participated in
numerous professional presentations. Professor Fay is credentialed through
the APTA as a clinical instructor and as a trainer of clinical instructors.
Her academic and research interests include clinical education,
epidemiology and public health policy.
Barbara Gladson, PT, OTR, CHT, PhD
PhD, Pharmacology, University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey
MS, Physical Therapy, Columbia University
BS, Occupational Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
• Barbara Gladson is an Associate Professor in the Program in Physical
Therapy. Dr. Gladson currently serves on the Editorial Board for the
“Journal of Hand Therapy”. She has presented several platform
presentations at national hand therapy meetings on wrist injuries and
chronic regional pain syndromes. In addition to clinical research, Dr.
Gladson has performed basic cellular research using electrophysiological
techniques to study ion channels responsible for certain neuroendocrine
secretory processes, particularly the release of glucagon in diabetes. Her
interests include applying these techniques to the study of nerve
regeneration.
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Sandra L. Kaplan, PT, PhD
PhD, Pathokinesiology, New York University
MS, Allied Health, Ohio State University
BS, Physical Therapy, University of Connecticut
• Sandra L. Kaplan, Assistant Director and Associate Professor, teaches
courses in outcomes measurement and management. She is a co-director of
Newark Therapy Services, the program’s faculty practice that provides PT
and OT services to students in the Newark school system. Dr. Kaplan’s
clinical practice has focused on adult neurorehabilitation and
developmental disabilities. Her academic and research interests are in
pediatric rehabilitation and clinical outcome measures. She has served on
the national task force to develop outcome measure recommendations for
the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. She has been an abstract
reviewer for the APTA Scientific Meeting, participated on the Neurology
Section task force on Integrating Theory into Practice, and was co-editor of
the Oct. 2000 Neurology Report journal for a special edition on Quality of
Life. Dr. Kaplan serves as an educational consultant for the APTA Section
on Education, and as an on-site evaluator for the Commission on
Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Nancy R. Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD
DPT, Massachusetts General Hospital
Institute of Health Professions
PhD, Health Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry
of New Jersey
Certificate in Health Administration, Seton Hall University
MA, Health Education/Administration, Montclair University
BS, Physical Therapy, Temple University
• Nancy Kirsch, an Associate Professor, conducts clinical research in the
treatment of neurological diseases, and has authored several articles on the
treatment of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her research interest is in
ethical issues challenging physical therapists. Dr. Kirsch served the NJ
Chapter of the APTA in a variety of capacities including President and
Chief Delegate. She currently serves on the Board of Physical Therapy of
New Jersey and served as President for four terms. Professor Kirsch is a
manuscript reviewer for “Case Report” and “JNPT,” she served the
Federation of State Boards of Physical therapy on the national level as a
member of the finance committee and the Private Practice Section of the
APTA. Her major clinical interest is in the rehabilitation of children and
adults with neurological disease.
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Kathleen K. Mairella, PT, DPT, MA
DPT, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
MA, Movement Sciences and Education,
Teachers College, Columbia University
BS, Boston University
• Kathleen K. Mairella teaches in the areas of professional development and
pathophysiology. She has extensive experience with professional, advocacy,
leadership and policy issues. She served as chapter president, secretary,
vice-president, and president of the American Physical Therapy of Ne
Jersey. She led the successful legislative effort to permit New Jersey
consumers Direct Access to physical therapists. She currently serves as
APTAnj Chief Delegate, and chairs the APTA Committee on Chapters and
Sections, a national appointment of the Board of Directors of the APTA.
She received the APTAnj President’s Award in 1999. Dr. Mairella’s clinical
interests include geriatrics and neurology, and she is certified in
neurodevelopmental treatment.
Alma S. Merians, PT, PhD
PhD, Pathokinesiology, New York University
BS, Physical Therapy, Columbia University
• Alma Merians is the Chairperson and a Professor in the Program in
Physical Therapy. Her teaching responsibilities include motor control and
motor learning. Dr. Merians’ research has focused on two areas: cortical
level brain systems and neural processing operations involved in the
production and control of skilled movement, as well as the study of
training mechanisms to facilitate acquisition of new motor skills or
reacquisition of motor skills lost through damage to the brain. She has
published extensively in these areas. Her current research involves the use
of virtual reality for rehabilitation.
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Mary Jane Myslinski, PT, EdD
EdD, Applied Physiology, Columbia University
EdM, Applied Physiology, Columbia University
MA, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, New York University
BS, Physical Therapy, Boston University
• Mary Jane Myslinski, an Associate Professor conducts research on the
effects of exercise on chronic disease processes especially Multiple Sclerosis
and cardiopulmonary pathology. She has published on the effects of
exercise for the patient with MS, and has also co-authored book chapters in
Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. She is past Director of Practice
and Secretary of the NJ chapter of APTA, delegate, and Central District
Chairperson, and on the APTA National Task Force for the Clinical
Research Agenda. She currently serves on the APTA Cardiopulmonary
Section Research Committee. Dr. Myslinski serves as a Board member for
the Mid-Jersey Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and serves on the
Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. Her clinical interests
center around patients with cardiopulmonary pathology or with
neurological diseases.
Sue Paparella, PT, DPT, MS
DPT, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
MSHS, University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey/Seton Hall University
BS, Physical Therapy, State University of New York at Stony Brook
• Sue Paparella is an Assistant Professor in the Program in Physical Therapy.
She is NDT certified, and has completed the Kaiser Foundation six month
PNF training course in Vallejo, California. Her academic and clinical
interests are in the area of neurorehabilitation. She has developed a
standardized patient program for the entry-level program. She continues to
practice in the community with a primary focus on the neurological
population.
Ellen Ross, PT, PhD
PhD, Pathokinesiology, New York University
BS, Physical Therapy, New York University
• Ellen Ross is an Associate Professor and Director of Post-Professional
Physical Therapy Education, and teaches courses in kinesiology, research,
ad evidence based practice. Her research interests are in kinesiology and she
is currently investigating functional outcomes following limb salvage
surgery. She has published her work in “Spine”, and presented at
numerous national and international conferences. Dr. Ross also serves as a
reviewer for “Physical Therapy”.
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For more information on the
Entry-Level DPT please contact:
Ms. Pam Boyle
• Physical Therapy Program Admissions Coordinator
UMDNJ
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07107
972-972-4547
boylepk@umdnj.edu
For more information on the
Post-Professional DPT please contact:
Dr. Ellen Ross
• Director, Post-Professional Physical Therapy Education
Physical Therapy Program
UMDNJ
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07107
973-972-2372
rossec@umdnj.edu
For more information on the
PhD in Health Sciences please contact:
Dr. Margaret Kilduff
• Director, MS and PhD in Health Sciences
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07107
973-972-9489
kildufma@umdnj.edu
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