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FARMINGTON — Heather Patterson was recently awarded a doctor of physical therapy degree and a certificate in rehabilitation administration from the University of Montana.
Patterson has worked at Franklin Memorial Hospital since 1998. Though the DPT is the entry level education requirement to practice as a physical therapist, many PTs with bachelor and master’s degrees were grandfathered when the entry level requirement changed.
The University of Montana, collaborating with Rehab Essentials, offers a transitional program for physical therapists wanting to complete a DPT program through distance learning. Patterson completed 33 credit hours of coursework over two and one-half years in areas including medical screening, medical imaging, pharmacology, ethical and legal issues in practice, clinical decision-making using the patient client management model, business and marketing, professionalism in an autonomous profession, evidence-based practice, and research and professional scholarship.
Patterson completed a capstone project prior to her graduation on a proposal to provide consistent referrals to women’s care physical therapy providers for women with pelvic health concerns three months following childbirth.
