Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

Facilities

Teaching Facilities

Most classes are held in lecture halls, classrooms, or laboratories on the Center City (Health Sciences) Campus of Drexel University. The entire campus has wireless capability for easy internet access. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences has two state-of-the-art dedicated laboratories where the clinical components of the professional curriculum are taught. In these laboratories equipment reflects current physical therapy practice and is part of a multi-disciplinary clinical learning and resource center. Included as part of the resource center is a standardized patient lab that utilizes paid actors to simulate various clinical situations while students' interactions with those "patients" are monitored by supervising faculty. This center provides a rich environment for student learning.

Our teaching resources also include supported distance learning technology. Instructional materials are provided through text, graphics, audio and video formats and are available online through a course management system 24 hours a day. Our online courses are highly interactive through the use of web discussion boards and audio chat tools.

Additionally, the Professional DPT program uses various clinical sites in the area to enhance the educational experience of the student. Some teaching sessions, including the the content taught in the Clinical Practice series, are conducted at places like Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Philadelphia Nursing Home, United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia, 11th Street Family Health Services, and in the Department of Athletics at Drexel University. These experiences are in addition to the 38 weeks of clinical education the student will experience throughout the curriculum.

Research Facilities

The department supports and maintains over 2,000 square feet of research laboratories. The gait and motion analysis lab contains a video-based motion analysis system with integrated EMG and in-floor force plates. The neuromuscular performance lab is equipped with custom-built force measuring systems, l6-channel EMG system and electromagnetic tracking systems. The osteoporosis lab is equipped with an integrated human performance measurement system. The pediatric research lab houses a conference room and data-entry computers.

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation also values community partners as a central part of the research resources. Many faculty and students are involved in community-based research through collaborations with CanChild Centre, Shriners Hospital, 11th Street Family Health Center, and early intervention providers. Faculty are collaborating on research projects with nationally and internationally known researchers on several multi-site funded projects.

Professional DPT students have the opportunity to work with faculty and PhD students on ongoing laboratory projects through optional research practica or as part of the final project, a capstone experience for the curriculum.