With the switch from the old MPT curriculum to the new DPT program, the Department decided to include a community service requirement.  DPT students are now required to complete 30 hours of community service in order to graduate.  Already this year PT students have been active in the Newark community in various capacities.  Some of their volunteer work is summarized below.

• Newark Community Days ~ PT students manned an information booth, answering community questions about physical therapy.
• A Women's Race Against Breast Cancer ~ In celebration of PT Month in October, PT students helped the DPTA hand out PT information and rice krispie treats to race participants.
• MS Society Bike to the Bay ~ PT student provided musculoskeletal interventions and massages to race participants.  Half of the proceeds went to the MS Society to fund research.
• Hippotherapy ~ Students work with PTs in developing and implementing therapy programs for children with disabilities on horseback.
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and MS Society Golf Tournaments ~ PT students provided musculoskeletal interventions and massages for tournament participants.
• MS Assessment Clinic ~ Students perform physical therapy evaluations of the clients and escort clients through the various disciplines of the clinic.
• Assisting individuals in the community with a variety of disabilities ~ Several students work with various individuals with disabilities, assisting them with ADLs and home exercise programs.  Read about "Sumner's Angels."
• Scoliosis Screenings ~ A group of PT students went to an area middle school to perform scoliosis screenings on students.