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

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.

collage of five photos with students doing internships
Campus News |

Students share the moments that mirror — and defy — internship stereotypes in popular media. 

photo of the UNLV flashlight statue
Campus News |

UNLV Law School has 14 top 100 programs in publication’s 2024 rankings, including No. 2 ranking for legal writing; Physical Therapy cracks top 50.
 

Thessa Hilgenkamp working with a patient
Research |

UNLV professor Thessa Hilgenkamp addresses the unique anatomy in adults with Down syndrome that makes being active more challenging.

a UNLV football helmet placed on the turf with an Allegiant Stadium sign and empty bleachers visible in the background
Campus News |

As the nation's most-watched sports entertainment event rolls into town, UNLV researchers are available to provide expertise.

smiling woman wearing black shirt
People |

Alumna Rosedaveia Howell is the first UNLV recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association's Minority Scholarship.

Physical Therapy In The News

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.

KNPR News

UNLV just held a class in the school of hard knocks.

Physical Therapy Experts

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

Recent Physical Therapy Accomplishments

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…
Keoni Kins, DPT, (Physical Therapy) and Brian K Schilling, Ph.D., (Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences) along with colleagues Dustin Dunnick Ph.D., CSCS (Arkansas Tech University) and Dharini M Bhammar, Ph.D., (The Ohio State University) recently published, "The Effect of Body Armor on Pulmonary Function Using Plethysmography." This was published…
Hyunhwa "Henna" Lee (Nursing) presented a paper at the 2022 International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG) World Congress on Nov. 12, 2022. Her paper is titled, "Cognitive-Psychological Functioning and Saliva MicroRNA Expression after Home-based Dual-Task Exercise in Asians and Pacific Islanders with History of Mild Traumatic Brain…
Szu-Ping Lee (Physical Therapy) received a grant for $349,773 from the Department of Defense —Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs for research supporting "Enhancing Motor Function in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation Through Peer-Based Balance and Fall Recovery Skill Training." The research conducted by Lee and colleagues…