University of Michigan-Flint

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and LIFELONG LEARNING for PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

“I'm really enjoying these courses that I have taken. It's refreshing to know that I'm doing things to continue to improve my practice skills, and hopefully increase awareness of coworkers around me." ~Geriatric Certificate and Residency student Mary Guyette PT, DPT “Wow what a test (OCS), while taking the exam I felt as if you Dr. Creps have been involved of designing many of the exam questions one way or another!” ~Dr. Emad Elmarakby “'You (Dr. Cindy Pfalzer) succeeded in demystifying online education and made Nigeria part of the online community” ~Abayomi Olatemiju “The one I was dreading the most turned out to be my favorite of the semester” (PTP 792) ~Mary Chase “The design of this class was one that best suited my style of learning. Thanks for the opportunity to learn this material in that manner.” ~Dr. Jill Przybylski “As we're going through these modules, my thoughts keep returning to "Wow, I didn't know that....I doubt I would have learned or sought out this information if it weren't for this class." So, thank you.” ~Dr. Rita Chebowski

Can I take courses for professional development rather than the degree or certificate?

Yes, this is possible using “Lifelong Learning” (non-candidate for degree) status.  The purpose of graduate Lifelong Learning status is to permit and facilitate access to UM-Flint graduate courses to students not formally admitted to a UM-Flint graduate program. 

You must apply for this status, provide proof of bachelor’s degree, and obtain instructor and/or program director approval for each course you wish to elect.  Graduate Lifelong Learning students are not eligible for most sources of financial aid.

Lifelong Learning students who wish to be admitted to the t-DPT degree or clinical certificate program in the future must apply for that program using the Graduate Application for Admission in accordance with established application deadlines.  Courses taken as a graduate Lifelong Learning student do not guarantee admission to a program.  In general, up to six (6) graduate credit hours elected as a graduate Lifelong Learning student may apply toward a UM-Flint graduate degree. 

Graduate Lifelong Learning admission is for one term only.  Students who wish to enroll in a future term as a graduate Lifelong Learning student must submit another Application for Graduate Lifelong Learning or Guest Admission and receive course approvals.

Professional Development Opportunities at UM-Flint:

Clinical coursework is available in the following physical therapy specialties:  Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics and Cardiopulmonary physical therapy.  Coursework will provide a strong clinical approach based on recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment and interventions of the various diseases or disorders addressed within the specialty area.  If you are interested in expanding your physical therapy knowledge base, contact our department for opportunities that are available to meet your professional goals.  Join us in late February for an online open house to discuss this further.  Contact Christina Wixson  for more information. 

Looking for a new practice opportunity?  Go to our Facebook page for PT Job Opportunities!    University of Michigan-Flint Physical Therapy Department.

• Applying for Graduate Lifelong Learning Admission

• Lifelong Learning and Guest Student Approval Process

Recent Changes for Physical Therapist Licensing Renewal:

HealthLink:Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs ■ Winter 2012 ■ Volume 12 ■ Issue 1

Professional Development Requirements: Public Act 55 of 2009 requires licensees to complete professional development requirements (commonly known as continuing education) during the 2-year license cycle. While the Board of Physical Therapy will address specific professional development requirements through the administrative rules process, it is important to briefly explain the licensee’s responsibility once the administrative rules are developed and filed. This won’t be implemented until the administrative rules are in place. Approximately 60 days before a license expires licensees will receive a renewal notice at their address of record. When licensees renew online at www.michigan.gov/elicense, he/she must verify the professional development requirement has been completed during the 2-year license cycle. If a licensee checks “yes” and is subsequently randomly audited, he/she will be required to produce completion certificates or other required documentation to verify their “yes” answer. If these documents cannot be produced, an administrative complaint will be filed against your license that could result in a permanent sanction against your license. It is critically important to complete your professional development requirements during the 2-year license cycle and to retain your proof for one year beyond your licensure period. Information regarding professional development will be posted on the BHP website at www.michigan.gov/healthlicense as soon as it is available.