Make A Difference

• Community service opportunities abound at JCHP. Raise money for the New York Firefighter's Burn Center, Habitat for Humanity International, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Cancer Society, and other local and national organizations.
• Participate in the "Hands of Hope" homeless shelter, a student-run clinic which has received international recognition. Under the guidance of licensed physical therapists, students volunteer to meet the physical therapy needs of the homeless in Philadelphia. Jefferson Medical College faculty and students collaborate with the physical therapists and students at the clinic.

Experience It Yourself

Clinical exposure is integrated throughout the curriculum, with unique opportunities to participate in patient home care visits and group projects at geriatric community centers. In the second and third years students gain first-hand experience during clinical affiliations at excellent clinical sites, including rehabilitation centers, acute care hospitals, orthopedic and general out-patient clinics, home care programs and pediatric facilities. Each student completes 38 weeks of clinical affiliations.

Consider participating in one of several unique clinical opportunities, such as:

• a research project in the Human Performance Laboratory, directed by Dr. Marcus Besser, a faculty member and mechanical engineer. The on-campus lab features instrumentation for the study and analysis of human gait, motion, energy expenditure and performance.
• a research project in the Netherlands or an independent study course in Japan.
• clinical affiliations in unusual places such as Ireland or on Native American reservations in the southwest US where health care is provided to a culturally diverse patient population.

Collaborate with faculty members on professional endeavors:

• Dr. Maggie Rinehart Ayres is nationally recognized for her work with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, a support program for individuals who are diagnosed and coping with the effects of breast cancer. She also works to develop new initiatives within the program.
• Dr. Julie Mount, a member of the Clinical Advisory Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society who is also conducting research to increase function in patients who have balance problems post stoke.
• Dr. Paul Howard is certified in the McKenzie Approach to treatment of the spine, and he is active in the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Dr. Marcia Levinson coordinates a summer camp for children with burns.

Student Success Rates

• 96.3 % average ultimate pass rate over the last three years.
• Jefferson graduates had 100% job placement rate in 2006. Graduates have accepted positions in: acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orthopaedic and sports medicine clinics, pediatric facilities, gerontology practices and a variety of other healthcare settings.
• Average starting salary was: $49,167; range: $47,000 - $60,000

Graduate Assistantships

There are two graduate assistantship programs in physical therapy. One is available to first year students with the potential to provide support over three years (GR/TA). The other is available to students in their final year (GA).

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS (GR/TA)

These students help faculty with research, program development, and teaching.

• Approximately five to seven research assistantships, ranging from $2,000 to $6000 each, are awarded annually.
• The total amount is based on the availability of Federal/State Work Study funds and the positions are awarded on a competitive basis by PT faculty.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS (GA)

• Approximately 12 to 15 graduate assistantships are available annually through the Federal Work Study Program.
• These students assist faculty in administrative tasks, course laboratory sessions, tutoring students, and preparing course material