Physical Therapy: Certificate of Advanced StudyThe Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) provides an enriching opportunity for experienced physical therapists to get a highly individualized, advanced specialty education without pursuing a formal academic degree.
CAS students enjoy all the benefits from the kind of access, information, and contemporary clinical experience that can only be obtained through affiliation with a world-class academic health center, without having to follow a specific curriculum.
The Certificate of Advanced Study is awarded upon completion of a minimum of six courses totaling 15-18 credits from the Master of Science curriculum course offerings. You will complete a set of core courses and then select in your chose specialty area such as geriatric, neurologic, or orthopaedic physical therapy, or any combination of PT elective offerings. Preceptorships and independent study options with faculty are also available.
Since many CAS students discover they want to continue their advanced education after they’ve completed 6 course, CAS credits may be applied toward the Advanced Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree.
Students also often combine programs, enrolling in the CAS and our orthopaedic residency or the tDPT program to take advantage of the 3 credit reduction in overall credit requirements for combined coursework. CAS students who have completed two courses with a grade of B or better may use those courses to request a waiver of GRE score requirements for the tDPT program. Core Courses for CAS:All students must take PT 865: Concepts of Neuromuscoloskeletal Dysnfunction (3 cr) plus one of the following courses: - PT-740 Measurement (2 cr)
- PT-755 Foundation of Clinical Assessment (3 cr)
- PT-855 Clinical Decision Making (3 cr)
- PH-842 Exercise Physiology (2 cr)
- PT-863 Therapeutic Exercise: Advanced Principles (3 cr)
Conversion from CAS to MS CandidatePhysical Therapists working toward the CAS may apply for entry into the Advanced Master's program at any time through the standard application process. Matriculated students who have completed at least 12 credits toward the CAS, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, may convert to the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program by written petition to the post-professional Physical Therapy Program committee, through their academic advisor. Participation in the CAS program does not grant automatic entry into the MS program. Any courses in which the student has received a grade of B or better while working toward the CAS may be counted toward the degree requirements. Students interested in converting to degree status should consult with their academic advisor. |
