PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS BOAST 100 PERCENT PASS RATE ON NATIONAL EXAM

Students in Old Dominion University's School of Physical Therapy earned a 100 percent pass rate on the national licensure exams for October through December 2001.

Thirty-six of 39 students in the graduate program sat for the exam during this period.

According to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, the national average for all accredited physical therapy schools is 89.3 percent.

"Our physical therapy program has consistently scored above the national average. We've seen the first-time pass rate of our physical therapy graduates climb from 92 to 94 to 98 percent in the last three years. It's very gratifying to see that the class of 2001 has achieved a 100 percent pass rate," said George Maihafer, chair of the School of Physical Therapy.

"In recent years the exam has placed greater emphasis on clinical decision making and critical thinking in problem-based questions. As we have planned for the transition from a master's degree to the professional doctoral degree (DPT), we've added those concepts and principles to the curriculum that are needed for self-reflective, autonomous clinical practitioners," he added.

Cheryl T. Samuels, dean of the College of Health Sciences, applauded the efforts of Maihafer and the physical therapy faculty and staff. "When 100 percent of our students pass the licensure exam on the first try it's clear that our program is nationally recognized for a reason. Our faculty's commitment to excellence and dedication to their students is evident."