UNMC physical therapy earns NU teaching award

 The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Allied Health Professions’ physical therapy program has been honored with the 2024 University-wide Departmental Teaching Award (UDTA). This prestigious award, part of the President’s Excellence Awards, recognizes departments within the University of Nebraska system that have made significant contributions to teaching and demonstrated a strong commitment to student education at all levels¹.

The award was announced by the University of Nebraska Interim President Chris Kabourek and includes a $25,000 prize. The physical therapy department at UNMC has been acknowledged for its dedication to high-quality education and its positive impact on healthcare and workforce needs across the state.

For more detailed information, you can visit the UNMC Newsroom article detailing the award and the department’s achievements.

What other programs are part of UNMC?

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers a comprehensive range of academic health sciences programs through its 6 colleges and 2 degree-granting institutes, along with Graduate Studies. Here’s a brief overview of the programs available:

• Behavioral Health
• Biomedical Graduate Studies
  
• Community/Public Health
• Dentistry
• Laboratory Science Diagnostics
• Medical Technologies
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Research
• Supportive Therapies

Additionally, UNMC provides various degree types, including:

• Bachelor’s
• Certificate
• Doctoral
• Dual degree
• Master’s

These programs are designed to cater to a wide range of interests within the health sciences field, offering both on-campus and online options to accommodate different learning preferences.

For those interested in graduate studies, UNMC’s offerings include 10 doctoral degree programs with 14 specializations in two interdisciplinary umbrella programs; 13 Master’s degree programs with six specializations in one interdisciplinary umbrella program; and two certificate programs. These programs are aimed at fostering the breakthroughs of the future by providing students with opportunities to explore their intellectual and personal passions, learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty, conduct research, and enhance employability and leadership skills.

For more detailed information about specific programs and how to apply, you can visit the UNMC Program Finder and the Office of Graduate Studies websites.

What kind of research opportunities are available at UNMC?

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers a vibrant research environment with a wide array of opportunities. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

• $250.5 million in grants and contracts for the year 2023, supporting 1,485 active projects with 523 faculty investigators.
• Bench science labs, translational research centers, and clinical trials across various areas of emphasis.
• State-of-the-art research facilities with over 740,000 square feet of dedicated research space, including core facilities offering shared technologies and services.
• Collaboration areas in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to encourage interaction between researchers and clinicians.
• Clinical trials that help researchers discover new disease treatments and provide valuable information, with participants gaining access to new treatment options before they are widely available.

For students, UNMC provides several programs to get involved in research:

• MD-PhD Scholars Program: For those interested in tackling health problems from both lab research and patient care fronts.
• Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP): Allows undergraduates to become members of research teams and explore the broad spectrum of research activities at UNMC.
• Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP): A paid program designed for rising UNMC M2s to engage in research for 8 weeks.
• UNMC Research Fair: An annual event for current UNMC students to learn about various research opportunities on campus.
• MD Honors Thesis: Allows medical students to graduate with Honors through research.

These opportunities reflect UNMC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and highly engaged research community, providing access to world-class facilities and resources. For more information or to explore these opportunities further, you can visit the UNMC research page.

UNMC physical therapy faculty

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Allied Health Professions has a dedicated faculty for the Physical Therapy program. Here are some key faculty members:

• Betsy Becker, PT, DPT, PhD, CLT-LANA: Chair of the Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of Physical Therapy.
• Laura D. Bilek, PT, PhD: Associate Dean for Research.
• Sara E. Bills, PT, DPT, GCS: Assistant Professor.
• Stacie Christensen, PT, DPT, NCS: Assistant Professor.
• Teresa M. Cochran, PT, DPT, MA, GCS, FNAP: Assistant Dean at the HSEC and Associate Professor.
• Megan Frazee, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT: Assistant Professor.
• Kellie S. Gossman, PT, DPT, PCS, CLT: Assistant Professor.
• Patricia A. Hageman, PT, PhD, FAPTA: Professor.
• Grace C. Johnson, PT, DPT, MS, OCS: Assistant Professor.
• Kyle P Meyer, PhD, MS, PT, FASAHP: Professor and Dean of the College of Allied Health Professions.
• Mike Rosenthal, PT, DSc, SCS, ATC: Associate Professor.
• Ka-Chun (Joseph) Siu, PhD: Associate Professor.
• Nikki Sleddens, PT, PhD: Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education.
• Dawn M. Venema, PT, PhD: Associate Professor.
• Kathleen G. Volkman, PT, MS, NCS: Associate Professor.
• Tessa Wells, PT, DPT, CEEAA, GCS: Assistant Professor.
• Elizabeth Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS: Associate Professor.
• Mike Wellsandt, PT, DPT, OCS: Assistant Professor.

For more detailed information about the faculty, including contact details, you can visit the UNMC Physical Therapy Faculty page. If you need information on a specific faculty member or have other questions about the program, feel free to ask.

UNMC PT Clinical Education

The Clinical Education component of the Physical Therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is an integral part of the curriculum. It provides students with hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Here are some highlights of the UNMC PT Clinical Education:

• Clinical Faculty Resources: The program offers a variety of resources to support clinical faculty members.
• Clinical Site Documentation & Information: Essential documentation and information are provided for clinical sites to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.
• Clinical Education Course Syllabi: Detailed course syllabi are available, outlining the objectives and expectations for clinical education.
• Clinical Education Team: The team includes Nikki Sleddens, PT, PhD, who serves as the Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Tessa Wells, PT, DPT, CEEAA, GCS, an Assistant Professor, and Michelle Hawkins, MS PT, the Clinical Education Associate.
• Also watch this video- UNMC Physical therapy teaching award