Governor Signs Bill to Keep Physical Therapists' Education and Jobs in CA
The Governor's signature on AB 2382 on September 28, 2010, signifies his commitment to keeping physical therapy students in California for their education and employment. AB 2382 grants physical therapy programs in the California State University (CSU) system the authority to confer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professional degree.
Until now, California law has relied on the Donahoe Higher Education Act, which provides the University of California (UC) system exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education for awarding doctoral degrees in all fields of learning. This limited the CSU system's ability to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy professional degree without working jointly with the UC system or independent institutions of higher education. AB 2382 creates an exception to the Master Plan allowing the CSU system to confer the DPT professional degree.
Rigorous education and clinical training are necessary for physical therapists to examine, evaluate and treat patients. The four CSU physical therapy education programs provide 38% of the current physical therapy workforce in California. With AB 2382's enactment, physical therapy students will continue to have an affordable and accessible option for pursuing a physical therapy career in California and employers and California residents will continue to have access to physical therapy professionals.
The California Physical Therapy Association exists to educate the people of California as to the attributes, benefits and value of physical therapy; meet the physical therapy needs of the people of California through the development and improvement of physical therapy education, practice and research; meet the needs of the Chapter members through identification, coordinated action, communication and fellowship.
Related Business News
