Doctor in Physical Therapy
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Welcome
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at UAGM is a full-time professional doctorate that prepares students for the practice as physical therapists.
The curriculum is crafted to prepare physical therapists who are master adaptive learners, empowered to embrace innovation to maximize human movement, committed to civic responsibility, and social justice.
Join us in championing a brighter and more equitable future in physical therapy education and practice to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities of Puerto Rico and the global society.
Accreditation Status
Effective April 30, 2024, Universidad Ana G. Méndez has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 787-766-1717 x.7415 or email capolugo@uagm.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Concerns or Complaints
Faculty, staff, students, and community members can report concerns related to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program or the behavior of individuals within the program. You can choose to submit your report anonymously or provide your contact information for follow-up. Please provide all relevant information, including dates, people involved, and any specific details supporting your concern.
For concerns outside this program's scope, you may also file a complaint with the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Learn more and access their complaint form here.
Application process
We are excited to begin the development of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Please contact us for additional information on the application process.
For additional information, not related to the application process, please email the Department Chair, Dr. Carmen E. Capó Lugo (capolugo@uagm.edu).
Informational sessions coming soon!
About the program
Mission
Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates are autonomous movement system experts who offer quality evidence informed services that optimize the human experience. Graduates are empowered to lead, reflect, adapt, and collaborate with ethical and moral courage. Faculty join our graduates as an inclusive community of scholars and entrepreneurs who challenge injustices and inequities to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities of Puerto Rico and the global society.
Vision
Transform physical therapist education, research, and practice through innovation, excellence, and social justice to promote health equity for all.
Values
- Altruism
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Compassion and Caring
- Duty
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Integrity
- Social Responsibility
- Social Justice
Outcomes
Together, we will leverage unique, collective resources and expertise to produce PTs who:
- Demonstrate moral agency, systems-thinking, leadership, relational coordination, and entrepreneurial spirit in all practice environments and recognizes the interdependence of health care.
- Embrace master adaptive learning with professional curiosity, metacognitions, self-regulation, and ongoing self-directed learning strategies.
- Manage ambiguity and uncertainty with innovation in physical therapist practice using clinical reasoning, available evidence, patient/client input, legal/ethical guidelines, and reflection in/on practice.
- Provide competent patient-centered care as movement system experts in all aspects of management: screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis/prognosis, interventions, and outcomes.
- Engage in population health management efforts to improve the health outcomes of patients and communities.
- Incorporate cultural responsiveness to include advocacy for linguistic inclusivity.
Prospective Students
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, either within Puerto Rico or the United States.
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of coursework is preferred.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses
- Applicants must have completed 75% (33 credits) of prerequisite courses by the end of the fall semester of the application year.
- A grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.
PTs are movement system experts who contribute to promoting quality of life. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp and awareness of the aspects, principles, and responsibilities associated with the field of physical therapy. The evidence presented should showcase the candidate's knowledge, insights, and alignment with the profession core values and practices of the physical therapy profession. This can be done through various means, such as referencing personal experiences, recounting involvement in volunteer positions, showcasing research efforts in the field, highlighting mentorship experiences, and/or drawing upon personal connection with individuals within or associated with the profession.
- Letter 1: From a college-level professor who can assess the applicant's academic ability.
- Letter 2: From a professional who can evaluate your qualities, skills, achievement, work ethic, and/or academic performance.
Required prerequisite courses should be completed in semester credit hours. Courses in the following categories are required to fulfill the prerequisite criteria.
- 2 semesters of anatomy/physiology with labs
- 2 semesters of college chemistry with labs
- 2 semesters of physics with labs
- 2 semesters of biology (excluding botany or zoology)
- 1 semester of psychology
- 1 semester of statistics
- 2 semesters of English (for students who hold degrees from institutions where Spanish is the primary language of instruction)
- 2 semesters Spanish (for students who hold degrees from institutions where English is the primary language of instruction)
- 2 semesters of English and Spanish (for students who hold degrees from institutions where is the primary language of instruction is NOT English nor Spanish)
If an applicant believes they can demonstrate language proficiency through other mechanisms (i.e., AP tests, work experience, etc.), please contact Dr. Carmen Ramos, the DPT Admissions Coordinator, at camramos@uagm.edu.
Recommended Courses are strongly encouraged:
- A practical reasoning, logic, or critical thinking course
- Biomechanics, kinesiology, or exercise physiology
- An upper-level biology course (physiology)
- An upper-level English and/or Spanish course
- Medical terminology course
- Computer literacy course
- Ethics course
Applicants who have attended international institutions will follow UAGM application process. However, prior to submitting applications, they are strongly encouraged to: (1) review the information provided in the website (2) contact UAGM’s Department of Physical Therapy. Students will be evaluated in an individualized basis by the Department.
UAGM and its campuses uphold as part of its philosophy the principle of equal educational opportunities for the students of its institution. Firm in its commitment, the University requests, obtains, and administers various financial aid assistance programs for students who need it and are eligible. This aid comes from federal, state, institutional, and private sector funds.
The Financial Assistance program has three categories of financial aid: Scholarships, Loans, and Federal Work Study. A combination of scholarships, federal work-study, or loans is assigned to eligible students who demonstrate financial need.
The policies of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez are established to grant federal, state, and institutional funds; it also includes how to apply for financial aid and how to fill out or renew such aid. Also included are the safety requirements, rules, policies, and regulations that students should be aware of. For additional information on available services and programs, you can contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
The department is committed to the education of highly competent and compassionate physical therapists. Our curriculum aligns with professional standards and guidelines, ensuring that students possess the essential abilities and attributes required for graduation and successful practice. The department upholds the principle of equal opportunity and provides reasonable accommodation following institutional policies. Our program defines essential functions in the following areas:
Communication Skills
- Effectively communicate with patients, families, healthcare team members, and colleagues.
- Process and convey information accurately and succinctly.
Cognitive Skills
- Comprehend, analyze, and synthesize course materials.
- Understand dimensional and spatial relationships of structures.
- Demonstrate reasoning and decision-making skills.
Motor Skills
- Assist patients with safe mobility.
- Ensure patient safety during movement.
- Execute movement required for basic screening, examination, and therapeutic treatment.
- Function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
Sensory Skills
- Discern and palpate changes in body structures.
- Assess signs of disease, especially in the musculoskeletal system.
- Perceive abnormalities in areas outside the musculoskeletal system.
- Assist patients in moving with reasonable safety.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
- Possess attributes such as compassion, empathy, integrity, and responsibility.
- Function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
- Tolerate physical and mentally taxing workloads.
- Develop mature and effective relationships with patients.
- Uphold ethical standards.
Students with disabilities seeking accommodations should request them through the Quality of Life Office.
Click here to view a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list.
The Department of Physical Therapy at Universidad Ana G. Méndez follows a fair and equitable admissions policy that aims to attract and admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, dedication to the field of physical therapy, and a commitment to ethical and professional standards. We aim to promote diversity and excellence within the physical therapy profession.
Click here to view the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.
Current Students
Faculty & Staff
Carmen E. Capó Lugo, PT, PhD
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
capolugo@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 7415
View faculty profile
Alexie H. Seda Díaz, PT, DPT, OCS
Associate Professor
Director of Clinical Education
Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
alseda@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 6030
View faculty profile
Carmen M. Ramos Rivera, PT, MPHE, EdD
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
camramos@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 6036
View faculty profile
María E. Santiago Rodríguez, PhD, ACSM-RCEP
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
msantiagor@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 6040
View faculty profile
Henry X. Collazo Aguilar, DPT, OCS
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
hecollazo@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 6035
View faculty profile
Misael Riquelme Batista, DPT
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Academic Division of Health Sciences
Cupey Campus
miriquelme@uagm.edu
787-766-1717 Ext. 6044
View faculty profile
Research
At UAGM, our research endeavors are focused on translational research, where knowledge is applied to improve patient care, and community-based research, which seeks to address real-world health challenges in collaboration with the communities we serve. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between science and practice, making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
Services and Clinical Care
At UAGM, our commitment extends beyond didactic education to the practical development of Doctors of Physical Therapy who can readily meet the diverse needs of our community. To facilitate this, we have cultivated robust relationships, partnerships, and agreements with local institutions. These collaborations are designed to enrich the educational experience, ensuring our students graduate with the skills and adaptability needed to excel in a range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care services, schools, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, and nursing homes.
