By Jeremy Twitchell

Thu, Nov 20, 2008 (midnight)

Touro University will be adding a doctor of physical therapy program to its Green Valley campus programs.

Dr. Michael Harter, senior provost and CEO for Touro's Western Division, which includes campuses in California and Nevada, said the new program is Touro's latest effort to address shortages in education and health care personnel in Nevada and nearby states.

"Physical therapy is one more of those programs that has been developed in response to a need," Harter said.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for physical therapists is expected to increase 27 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Touro is already accepting applications from practicing physical therapists for an online program that will begin this month.

The classroom program will begin in June 2009 for all students. The doctor of physical therapy program is a three-year, full-time program.

Harter said the addition of the degree strengthens all of the programs at Touro.

"We consider this a very important step," Harter said. "We have an opportunity at Touro not only to address the health professional shortages in Nevada and the surrounding states, but also to continue to expand our multi-disciplinary approach to health care."

Jeremy Twitchell can be reached at 990-8928 or jeremy.twitchell@hbcpub.com.