Department of Physical Therapy
Chair: Dr. Sambit Mohapatra
Contact: 936-202-5091
Mission
The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to creating a student-centric environment that fosters academic excellence and encourages discovery. We aim to transform lives through innovative education, hands-on learning, and collaborative practice. By prioritizing professional development and community engagement, we empower our students to become compassionate, skilled professionals who make a meaningful impact in the field of physical therapy and the communities they serve.
Academic Programs
Please visit the current graduate catalog for more details.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are prepared for diverse career paths across multiple settings and specialty areas:
Clinical Practice Settings
- Acute Care Hospitals: Inpatient rehabilitation, ICU, emergency departments
- Outpatient Clinics: Private practice, hospital-based outpatient, specialty clinics
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: Long-term care, transitional care units
- Home Health Services: In-home patient care, telehealth physical therapy
- School-Based Practice: Special education services, pediatric school settings
- Industrial/Occupational Health: Workplace injury prevention, ergonomics, return-to-work programs
- Sports Medicine Facilities: Professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, sports performance centers
- Wellness and Fitness Centers: Corporate wellness, community fitness programs
- Research Institutions: Clinical research, academic medical centers
- Government and Military: Veterans Affairs hospitals, military treatment facilities
- International Healthcare: Global health initiatives, medical missions
ABPTS Board-Certified Specialty Areas
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) recognizes 10 specialized areas where physical therapists can achieve board certification:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (CCS)
- Cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, intensive care
- Clinical Electrophysiology (ECS)
- Electrodiagnosis, nerve conduction studies, EMG testing
- Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS)
- Aging-related conditions, fall prevention, long-term care
- Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
- Stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, movement disorders
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
- Musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, manual therapy
- Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS)
- Developmental delays, congenital conditions, early intervention
- Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
- Athletic injury rehabilitation, sports performance enhancement, return-to-sport protocols
- Women's Health Physical Therapy (WCS)
- Pelvic health, prenatal/postpartum care, women's health conditions
- Wound Management (WMS) - The latest addition to ABPTS specialties
- Acute, chronic, and non-healing wound care and treatment
- Oncology Physical Therapy (OCS)
- Cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema management, survivorship care
Advanced Career Pathways
- Academic Faculty: University teaching positions, clinical education coordination
- Clinical Research: Principal investigator, research coordinator, clinical trials
- Healthcare Administration: Rehabilitation directors, department management
- Consulting: Healthcare consulting, expert witness testimony
- Policy and Advocacy: Professional association leadership, healthcare policy development
- Entrepreneurship: Private practice ownership, innovative healthcare solutions
- Technology Integration: Telehealth development, digital health platforms
- Global Health: International development, humanitarian missions
Leadership and Professional Development
- Professional association leadership roles
- Clinical mentorship and preceptorship
- Continuing education and conference speaking
- Professional writing and publication
- Quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
- Interprofessional collaboration and team leadership
Scholarships
The SHSU Graduate School provides an opportunity for interested students pursuing their graduate degree to receive scholarships and funding for course work.
These opportunities are listed below and can be found through the following links:
- Financial Aid for Graduate Students
- The General Graduate School Scholarship Application
- Graduate A.S.P.I.R.E. (Academic Success Program in Research Empowerment) Program
- Graduate School R.O.A.D. to PhD program
College of Health Sciences
- Cady/Huskey-Health Scholarship: $2,000
- COHS Bridge Scholarship: $2,000
- Crowley/Gilbert Family Scholarship: $1,000
- William (Al) and Elizabeth Rampmeier Endowed Scholarship: $1,000
National Physical Therapy Scholarships
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Scholarships:
- APTA Minority Scholarship Award: Annual award for minority faculty pursuing postprofessional doctoral degrees
- APTA Student Scholarships: $5,000 for DPT students and $3,000 for PTA students (APTA membership required)
- APTA Academy Scholarships: Various specialty academy scholarships available through specific practice areas
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research:
- Doctoral Scholarships: Up to $45,000 in total awards, including $7,500 for coursework phase and $15,000 for candidacy phase of academic research doctoral studies
Professional Organization Scholarships:
- APTA Pelvic Health Scholarships: Multiple awards available annually in partnership with specialty organizations
- NSCA Minority Scholarship: $2,000 for minority students seeking DPT degrees
- National Association of Black Physical Therapists (NABPT) Scholarships: Various awards for underrepresented students
Private and Foundation Scholarships:
- Daughters of the American Revolution Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship: Awards for students in financial need accepted to accredited PT programs
- Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship: Annual awards for undergraduate students entering PT school or PTAs entering bridge programs
- Shape Plus Health & Fitness Scholarship: $1,500 for students pursuing health or fitness-related fields
Texas-Specific Opportunities
Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) Scholarships:
- Annual scholarships for TPTA student members
- Specialty awards for students demonstrating leadership and community service
- Regional chapter scholarships available throughout Texas
Texas State Funding:
- Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
- Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
- Various state-sponsored healthcare professional scholarships
For more information on available scholarships, visit SHSU Scholarships or contact the Department of Physical Therapy directly.
