Physical therapist taking a measurement of a client's wrist

Department of Physical Therapy News

The physical therapy department offers a doctorate of physical therapy degree designed to prepare students for entry into the profession. Students are prepared as generalists and then have an opportunity to explore orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric specializations through clinical exposures and student research opportunities. Our curriculum provides a comprehensive background in the art and science of physical therapy and prepares graduates for state licensure examination eligibility.

Current Physical Therapy News

Nikkita Crozier in suit jacket
People |

With the value of community impressed upon him at the School of Integrated Health Sciences, Nikkita Crozier builds career with U.S. Public Health Service.

A rear view of UNLV students, dressed in red caps and gowns, filtering into the Thomas & Mack Center with the stage in the background
Campus News |

An enduring UNLV end-of-semester tradition is to highlight exceptional students who embody the academic, research, and community impact of the graduating class.

UNLV XMAS
Campus News |

This month’s frosty headlines and highlights from the students and faculty of UNLV.

three physical therapy students sitting together on rocks
Campus News |

After seeing a need for more physical therapists who can serve Native communities, three UNLV students take matters into their own hands.

A portrait of Peter Kaufmann
People |

The associate dean of research in Integrated Health Sciences leans into his own immigrant story to provide others with opportunities.

Physical therapist Juan Gutierrez poses with his arms folded in an empty hospital room
People |

Inspired by another UNLV grad, Juan Gutierrez Jr. focuses his career on helping others through physical therapy. He's now the School of Integrated Health Sciences' Alumnus of the Year.

Physical Therapy In The News

Huffington Post

You’re probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise, when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there’s no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there’s another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts.

American Physical Therapy Association

Carmen Cooper-Oguz, PT, DPT, MBA, has traveled the world far and wide, and yet she's always returned to the Mississippi Delta — the only place she's ever wanted to live.

KSNV-TV: News 3

People with Down syndrome experience physical difficulties that can make it more challenging to live an active lifestyle. Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas CArdiovascular Research and Exercise Lab (CARE Lab) are attempting to assess how a lower heart rate, a feature of Down syndrome, can impact people’s ability to move and exercise.

Newswise

Over the past few decades, research and greater awareness has helped adults with Down syndrome — and a well-trained support system — to be more physically active in their daily lives

Medical Xpress

Over the past few decades, research and greater awareness has helped adults with Down syndrome — and a well-trained support system — to be more physically active in their daily lives.

Las Vegas Sun

U.S. News & World Report recognized 23 UNLV programs, including 13 from the William S. Boyd School of Law, in its annual list of top graduate and professional schools.

Physical Therapy Experts

An expert in physical therapy and movement disorders, including Parkinson's.
An expert in musculoskeletal biomechanics, sport and exercise science, and amputee rehabilitation.
A physical therapist with expertise on knee, tissue, joint, and tendon conditions.
An expert in physical therapy, rehabilitation epidemiology, and hospital mobility.
An expert in neuroplasticity and post-stroke rehabilitation.
An expert on pain modulation and rehabilitation, especially within the amputee population.

Recent Physical Therapy Accomplishments

A recent study conducted by faculty members Dr. Kai-Yu Ho and Dr. Jing Nong Liang (both Physical Therapy), along with Doctor of Physical Therapy students Michael Carpio, John Donohue, and Jacob Kissman, investigates the link between knee pain and hip muscle activation. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) — a common knee condition — has traditionally been…
Kai-Yu Ho and Jing Nong Liang (both Physical Therapy), along with the DPT Class of 2024 students Connan Wallace, Jeno Aquino, Bryce Broadway, and Makenzie Whimple, published the article, "Exploring the use of bimodal transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance movement in individuals with patellofemoral pain—A sham-controlled double blinded…
Faculty from the Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences and Physical Therapy departments published "The Psychometric Performance of State Mindfulness Scales Around Sitting and Walking on Desert Trails: A Pilot Study". Authors include: Dustin W. Davis (Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences), Elias M. Malek (IHS student), Rob Salatto, Marcus M.…
Merrill Landers (Physical Therapy), chair of the department, was presented with the SPAHP Alumni Merit Award from Creighton University's Department of Physical Therapy. Landers, who graduated from the program in 1997, was recognized for his exceptional leadership in the profession and his service to his Las Vegas community, exemplifying the Jesuit…
Jennifer Nash (Physical Therapy), Janet S. Dufek (Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences) and colleagues published a manuscript titled, "The Influence of Sport-Related Concussion on Cognition and Landing Biomechanics in Collegiate Athletes," in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. This interdisciplinary investigation examined…
Dr. Jessica Immonen (Dental) and Jason Ciccotelli (Physical Therapy) worked with a team of healthcare professionals with expertise in human anatomy to publish an article on anatomy education as a community outreach opportunity. The article titled "Anatomical Outreach is Within Reach: Contemporary and Diverse Approaches" followed a panel discussion…