'100-100-100!'

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy has informed St. Ambrose University that 100 percent of its December 2011 Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination on their first attempt.

It was the second 100-percent first-time pass performance by a St. Ambrose DPT class in three years. Out of the 194 DPT programs reporting on licensure pass rates this year, only 34, or 17 percent, have achieved this distinction. In addition, 100 percent of the class graduates are employed in their field.

St. Ambrose DPT program director Michael Puthoff said providing students the tools to pass the rigorous licensure examination on their first attempt is a significant advantage.

"That is definitely a selling point to prospective students and their families," Puthoff said. "The graduation rate is 100 percent; the job placement rate is 100 percent; and the pass rate on the licensure test is also 100 percent."

Such success is a testament to the quality of students enrolled in the program; the commitment and excellence of DPT program faculty and staff; and the support received from the university, according to Puthoff.

With a strong history and regional reputation for excellence in the training of health care professionals, St. Ambrose offers nationally accredited academic programs in nursing, social work, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and one of only 41 post-doctoral orthopedic PT clinical residencies nationwide. An $11.5 million health sciences education center opened in 2010, offers state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories.

St. Ambrose health sciences programs are serving the community through volunteer work, clinical rotations and a free Rite Care speech therapy clinic. The assistive technology "solutions" house, Jim's Place, showcases adaptations for persons with disabilities, providing both student education and service to community members and health care professionals.

St. Ambrose's newest health sciences program, the Master of Physician Assistant is the first of its kind offered in the Quad Cities and western Illinois region. The program anticipates matriculating its first class in June 2014.