HU PHYSICAL THERAPY DEPT. TO HOST OPEN HOUSE

Hampton, VA - In recognition of National Physical Therapy month, the Hampton University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the Department of Physical Therapy will host an Open House from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 24 in Phoenix Hall.

This event is free and open to the public.

Posture screenings, blood pressure testing, body fat analysis, balance and flexibility testing will be available. Participants will also be able to tour the Department of Physical Therapy's facilities, view the high-tech equipment at hand and speak with advisors about career options in physical therapy.

"We hope that the Open House will serve not only to make the community aware of our existence and purpose, but perhaps also attract talented individuals to consider our program," said Robert Dyer, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

In May 2002, the department will graduate its first class to earn the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree since the program began accepting students in 1999. Hampton University has the first Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Virginia.

"Congruent with our mission as a HBCU, the program seeks to attract African Americans into the physical therapy profession," said Dyer. "According to statistics provided by the American Physical Therapy Association, only about three percent of those enrolled in physical therapy programs are African Americans. As part of our mission, we hope to attract qualified individuals to our program."

Physical therapy is a health care profession that is dedicated to the prevention, development and restoration of maximum physical functions. Practitioners are skilled in evaluating, organizing and planning of care for individuals whose potential or actual impairment is related to the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, sensory-motor, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.

For additional information, please contact: Kia Dupree (757) 727 - 5255 or via email: kia.dupree@hamptonu.edu