In the article the training of doctors of physical therapy in the USA universities is analyzed, the curriculums of training doctors of physical therapy at the Youngstown State University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, University of Southern California and Mercer University are reviewed. It is stressed that the peculiarity of professional training of future specialists in physical therapy in the USA is the systematic training of specialists for the healthcare industry, which has been held since 1920. It is established that training in physical therapy is conducted in colleges and universities. Since 2001 the American physical therapy Association has proposed a new system of preparation of doctors of physical therapy as an entry-level education for the exercise of professional activities. In this regard, in 2002 the USA ceased bachelors training in physical therapy and most universities refused from master’s programs in this specialty. The training programs of a doctor of physical therapy as a primary education level for implementation of professional activity consists of three years of full-time study, which is 8–9 semesters and clinical practice. Students study public, social, economic, financial, administrative and special disciplines. The analysis of educational programs of training a doctor of physical therapy in the United States universities showed that the study of fundamental disciplines is given 20–30 % of the total number of hours, disciplines of clinical professional training consists of 40–50 %, applied disciplines constitute 6–11 %, clinical education (practice) is 17–27 % and lasts 34 to 50 weeks on full or part-time. Clinical practice is aimed at improving practical skills and clinical thinking, use of differential diagnosis, predicting, elaboration of rehabilitation programs and integrated management of the patient. After successful completion, students receive a doctorate in physical therapy. As a rule, all physical therapists are licensed to practice and are members of the American Association of Physical Therapy. It is determined the institutions for working of the physical therapists in the USA and a contingent of patients, which receive skilled care of physical therapist.
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