Physical Therapy
Orientation
Dear Students:
The faculty and staff in the Department of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) extend a warm welcome to the members of the 2013 incoming class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Nova Southeastern University would like to congratulate you on your acceptance and admission to our program. You have taken the first steps in pursuit of a wonderful and fulfilling career in physical therapy at Nova Southeastern University. The faculty and staff are looking forward to working with your class in a collaborative effort that will culminate with your graduation as Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT). Our goal is to graduate physical therapists with exemplary qualities fully prepared to assume leadership roles in the health care marketplace. With your active participation and our resolute efforts, your journey towards the fulfillment of your dream of being physical therapists should be fully realized.
You are joining a program with solid past and an exciting future, and we expectantly look forward to you joining us on May 28, 2013. By joining Nova Southeastern University’s Physical Therapy Program, you have also chosen to be a part of a progressive physical therapy program. Since the inception of the program in 1994, we have graduated over 700 physical therapists that have proudly taken their place in the health care arena, and have made, and are continuing to make valuable contributions to the health of our citizens around the nation. Here are some additional benefits of attending our program:
- A fully accredited PT program
- A low faculty to student ratio
- A qualified and experienced PT faculty
- A multicultural faculty
- Modern, state-of-the-art, and technologically advanced facilities
- A program located on a beautiful campus in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- An opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration
- An innovative Clinical Education program
We are excited about this new class beginning in Summer 2013, and we look forward to your time with us.
Thank you for choosing Nova Southeastern University, and please know that we stand ready to work with you and serve you as you journey through the program.
Sincerely,
Shari Rone-Adams, PT, MHSA, DBA
Associate Professor
Director Entry-Level DPT Programs
General Information
Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, the university's official NSU Bookstore, http://www.nova.edu/bookstore offers comprehensive services to local and online students. The NSU Bookstore may be reached via the link above or by phone: 800-509-2665 or 954-262-4750. The university’s bookstore provides a wide range of shipping options.
We encourage students to utilize the online purchase option prior to coming to campus to ensure that they will have the textbooks on the first day of class. However, they should place their orders early enough to ensure delivery prior to the start of the term. There may be occasions when books are not available for the start of the term because they are out of stock or temporarily out of print. In such cases, faculty members will ensure that courses progress according to their schedules.
It is recommended that students order each book by its ISBN number to be assured of obtaining the edition required for the course.
The following are some matters to which you need to also be aware:
- General orientation is scheduled for Tuesday May 28, 2013. Orientation is mandatory. You will be notified of the starting times and location by the Admissions office. You will have the opportunity to order your lab jackets at orientation on Tuesday. Your summer class schedule will also be available on Tuesday.
- As a physical therapy student at NSU, you are required to be a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Please apply for student membership at www.apta.org. Please complete the application before you arrive on campus. You will need to show proof to the Program Director that you are a member on the first day of class.
- We have enclosed a booklist and equipment list for you.
- You are required to have a physical prior to entering school. You cannot start clinical internships without a current physical. It must include a TB test or chest x-ray. You must also have current health insurance. Please have a copy of your health insurance card for the PT program on Tuesday May 28, 2013. Please remember the “professional dress code” of NSU and come dressed professionally for orientation.
Please be aware that the summer semester is a very intense and rigorous semester that requires a full time commitment 5 days a week. There are many examinations planned for all the summer courses of anatomy, clinical application for anatomy, physiology, and introduction to physical therapy. In order to succeed, you will need to come prepared to work hard, be focused, and organized. We encourage you to utilize the university's resources that will support you during that period.
- Program Director: Shari Rone-Adams, PT, MHSA, DBA
- Academic Support Coordinator: Crystal Hayes
- Academic Support Coordinator: Nelsia King
- Administrative Assistant: Janet Shaw