IMPRINTS FAQ
I M P R I N T S ONLINE COURSES Q&A
Who can participate in the IMPRINTS program? This post-professional certificate program is available to anyone with a professional degree in allied health (ie. physical and occupational therapy, etc.). Certificate-seeking students must successfully complete all four courses. Requests from students who wish to take courses for continuing education credit may be considered on a 'space available' basis.
Can licensed professionals who are not physical therapists enroll in the courses? Can they get the post-professional certificate? Yes. The courses have been developed for physical therapists, and UTMB physical therapy faculty members are the instructors and developers for the courses. Examples and case studies largely reflect the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist in early intervention and NICU settings. However, the program welcomes non-PTs such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and other licensed health care providers. Contributions from these professionals will enhance the discussion board postings and other interactions. Non-PTs should check with their licensing boards to ensure those agencies will accept these courses for CEU credit. Only PTs can receive the post-professional certificate as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Non-licensed providers will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Can students work while they are in the program? Yes, due to the nature of the program's flexible format.
How does the UTTC online course certificate program differ from the one that has been offered at UTMB for the past 5 years? Since 2002, when we received funding for the IMPRINTS (Improved Training for Physical Therapists Early Intervention Settings) program, we have provided these three didactic courses to our MPT graduates during one semester at the conclusion of the current MPT curriculum. Additionally, students completed an additional six week full-time clinical rotation in an early intervention or neonatal intensive care setting. This program was provided in a traditional face-to-face format.
Since the original funding, many licensed physical therapists have expressed an interest in IMPRINTS, but they were not eligible since it was designed as an ‘entry-level’ program, primarily for UTMB graduates, and required full-time course commitment. In August 2005, funding from the UT TeleCampus helped develop these courses for online delivery. The online delivery format enables a licensed therapist to take these courses for graduate course credit from the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Can I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs)? And will the course instructor complete the paperwork for me to get my professional CEUs? These university course credits can be submitted by the therapist/student for continuing education (CE) credit to a professional state licensing agency; and many agencies will provide CEUs for the successful completion of graduate coursework. It is the responsibility of the enrolled student to determine the requirements for CEU credit in their profession and state and to submit the needed paperwork to that agency. Typically, proof of course completion (i.e. university transcript) is required for CEU credit to be awarded. Official UTMB transcripts are available at http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/graduates_alumni/DiplomaReplacement.html
Is the IMPRINTS certificate a “post-professional” or “post-graduate” certificate? The IMPRINTS certificate is a “post-professional” certificate. To qualify for enrollment, participants must hold a professional license in physical therapy or another health related or early intervention field, or be eligible for licensure.
I understand that for the Certificate, there is a 4th course requirement – some kind of clinical experience. Can you provide more details? Since the online program is specifically meant for those that are already working, most likely in ECI or NICU settings, for most the traditional clinical rotation is not feasible. As an alternative, an independent study course will replace the ‘clinical’ course requirement. This will be designed to address the needs and interests of individual students, and may involve development of a case report, suitable for journal submission, regarding a child the health professional is treating. The final course must be completed for the certificate.
Where might I be for the 6 week clinical internship if I choose that option? IMPRINTS has contracts with approximately 25 facilities that offer clinical experiences in ECI or NICU settings. These mainly are found in Texas, representing all parts of the state: Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi; Houston, Baytown, and Galveston; Dallas and Ft. Worth; Brownsville and McAllen; El Paso and even Las Cruces, New Mexico, just to list a few. We are continually pursuing additional clinical sites, as well. Please contact the Advisor for more information.
I work many hours a week and have young children at home. I’m worried about having enough time to meet all the course requirements. Will students be required to write research papers for the classes? Course requirements vary. These are three-hour credit courses, and the student can expect to devote the time typically required of a classroom–based, three-hour course. The NICU course requires two papers on specific topics such as a medical condition frequently seen in the NICU, and an NICU assessment tool; these need not be as detailed as a research paper. The family-centered course requires several small papers and several home- and community-based activities. The therapy-based course requires several small papers and activities that should not require too much time.
Are stipends available for the online IMPRINTS courses? Yes, if you sign a contract. Originally awarded student stipend funds from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs are now available for online course students. The stipends are available until the funds are expended, or until August 31, 2008, whichever occurs first.
How much are the stipends? Each enrolled student can receive $3,000 for each online course. The stipend reimburses enrolled students for their course tuition and fees, cost of textbooks and other course materials. Students are responsible for paying course tuition and fees. Funds may also support professional conference registration and travel, APTA and other professional dues reimbursement, purchase or update of a computer, or other professionally-related expenses. Students accepting the stipends must agree to the ‘work obligation’ requirements of the funding agency. (see next question) Stipend availability will end on August 31, 2008 or when funds are depleted.
When are stipends awarded? You must be registered, pay tuition and fees, and sign contract - then the stipend is sent. Expect it mid-semester.
What is the ‘work obligation’ for students receiving stipends? Regulations require that individuals who receive scholarship assistance from projects funded under Section 673 of the IDEA are required to either complete a service obligation or repay all or part of the financial assistance. The work obligation for a four month (semester) course is eight months; for two semesters it is 16 months; for three semesters it is 24 months. Recipients are required to provide special education, related services, or early intervention services to children with disabilities.
I think I want to work in pediatrics, but am not sure. And I’m hesitant to sign a contract committing me to the work obligation. Can I take the courses and not receive the stipend? Yes, you may enroll in the courses and pay the required tuition and fees, approximately $800/course in fall 2007 for in-state students. Receiving the stipend and completing the work obligation is not a requirement.
Can licensed professionals who are not physical therapists receive the stipends? The funding agency permits stipends to early intervention providers that are eligible to enroll in the certificate program.
As an online student, I may not be able to complete all of the courses and get my post-professional certificate by the time the grant funding ends on August 31, 2008. Is it a problem if I have not received the certificate? Am I still eligible for the course stipends? Ideally, the funding agency prefers that students receiving stipends earn their certificate during the course of the grant cycle, but this is not always possible. The students who are able to obtain their certificate before the grant funding ends will be funded first. Those who will likely finish soon after the grant ends will receive support on a ‘space available’ or ‘money available’ basis until the funds are depleted or expire in August 2008, whichever comes first
Are my prior college transcripts required? The transcript that reflects your professional degree is the only one required. Arrange to have it sent to:
Enrollment Services
University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Blvd.; Galveston, TX 77555-1305
ATTN: Carol Cromie.Why are immunizations required? Immunizations are required because participants will be making observation visits into homes, NICUs or other early intervention settings. The website below has the information and forms to be submitted with the application (Immunization Requirements, Immunization Record, Student Wellness letter).
How much are the tuition and fees for each 3 credit hour course? You can find this information at: http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/PDF/SAHSFees0708-MPT.pdf
Students are billed by UTMB Galveston for courses. Textbooks, supplemental readings and other course materials are additional costs.Will I need a certain type of computer in order to take this course? See the information on computer requirements.
What are the start and end dates for the courses in the 2007-2008 academic year?
Fall 2007
- Start Date: August 27, 2007
- End Date: December 7, 2007
Spring 2008
- Start Date: January 7, 2008
- End Date: April 25, 2008
Summer 2008
- Start Date: April 28, 2008
- End Date: August 8, 2008
How can I find out more information? Contact the Advisor if you have additional questions.
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