Trine pursuing physical therapy degrees

Trine University pursuing physical therapy degrees

 

ANGOLA – Trine University is in the planning stages and exploring offering its first doctorate degree, in physical therapy, according to school officials.

Trine has had preliminary conversations with local and regional health care providers this past year to explore the need for such a program and to support of resources and clinical space. University leaders also have met with representatives from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Health care industry leaders say there is a growing demand for physical therapists, but only three schools in Indiana – Indiana University, University of Indianapolis and the University of Evansville – are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the physical therapy field is expected to grow much faster than average and job opportunities should be good. Roughly 60 percent of physical therapists work in hospitals or in health care offices.

Trine’s exploration of a physical therapy program is part of the university’s plan to expand on its growth into orthopedics and biomedical engineering education. Earlier this year, Trine partnered with Grace College, which is working to establish the Center of Excellence in Orthopedic Regulatory Affairs. Trine also received Higher Learning Commission accreditation for a Master of Engineering with a major in biomedical engineering. The university also will offer online and seated courses for the biomedical engineering graduate degree program beginning in January.

“We believe this venture into physical therapy fits well within our other professional programs specific to orthopedics, biomedical engineering and our proposed Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Center. These additions will provide tremendous opportunities for our students, will benefit the community by creating high-paying jobs and will help to meet the needs of the health care industry,” said Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II.