Alumni & Friends
The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science has evolved from a bachelors degree first accredited in 1980 and an initial enrollment of 16 students and several faculty located in McGill Hall to a three year Doctor of Physical Therapy program enrolling 32 students each year under the instructional expertise of ten core faculty, numerous area clinicians, and full-time physical therapists who likewise direct two patient care clinics in the contemporary Skaggs Building alongside superb instructional space and research laboratories. Students benefit from a dynamic educational atmosphere that blends basic science and clinical instruction with relevant research and scholarship to provide Montana and the region with contemporary physical therapists ready to meet the needs of society and a challenging health care environment.
Sustaining the vision and mission of the program and indeed, advancing the field of physical therapy is directly related to building a supportive infrastructure of program alumni and friends. Fiscal support is critical, of course, but building an alumni family and network of colleagues is far more important in advancing physical therapy and patient/client care.
Communication is central to the advancement of the School and the profession; read a review of current and developing challenges and opportunities from the perspective of the chair, Dr. Reed Humphrey, or recent and past newsletters recognizing the achievements of faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Annually, the program is able to award various scholarships and awards to deserving students; the funding for these scholarships and awards come from a core of selected alumni and friends. That said, the cost of an education rises annually and our students need expanded opportunities to meet these rising costs. There are several ways to contribute to the expansion of these efforts and other exciting giving opportunities.
The School recognizes outstanding alumni and looks forward to the opportunity to do so; read about those recognized and the criteria for nomination if you have thoughts about possible nominees.
The School is committed to life-long learning and as such, conducts annual continuing education opportunities that are designed to bring relevant contemporary programs to campus that combine an educational elective for our senior students with continuing education for area clinicians. Our yearly calendar will alert you to educational and social events.
Obviously, there is a lot going on within the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science. It is our hope that you will find ways to stay identified with our efforts and we would be delighted to hear from you and let your colleagues know of your whereabouts and accomplishments. Please submit updated information and thank you for your ongoing commitment to patient care and our programs!
The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science also has an advisory board consisting of clinicians based on geography, experience, practice setting and commitment to the program at UM. .
