IMPRINTS Online Courses
Questions & Answers

Q1. How does the UTTC online course certificate program differ from the one that has been offered at UTMB since 2002?

A. Since 2002, when we received funding for the IMPRINTS (Improved Training for Physical Therapists Early Intervention Settings) program, we have provided three didactic courses to our MPT graduates during one semester at the conclusion of their 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.

Q2. Can I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs)? And will the course instructor complete the paperwork for me to get my professional CEUs?

A. 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/alumni/diplomareplacement.html

Q3. Is the IMPRINTS certificate a “post-professional” or “post-graduate” certificate?

A. The IMPRINTS certificate is a “post-professional” certificate. To qualify for enrollment, participants must hold a bachelor's degree and have or be eligible for a professional license in physical therapy or another therapy-related field.

Q4. Can licensed professionals who are not physical therapists enroll in the courses? Can they get the post-professional certificate?

A. In some cases, 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.

Q5. I understand that for the Certificate, there is a 4th course requirement. Can you provide more details?

A. 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 replaces the ‘clinical’ course requirement. This is designed to address the needs and interests of individual students, and involves development of a case report, suitable for journal submission, regarding a child the therapist is treating. This final course must be completed for the certificate to be awarded.

Q6. 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?

A. 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. The independent research course requires an in-depth analysis of a current therapy issue.

Q7. How much are tuition and fees for each three-credit course?

A. The required tuition and fees are approximately $1100 per course for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition and fees are approximately $1,950 per course. You can find this information at: http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/PDF/SAHSFees0708-MPT.pdf

Q8. Are my prior college transcripts required?

A. The transcript that reflects your professional degree (i.e. OT, PT, MPT, DPT) is the only one required.  Arrange to have it sent to:

Enrollment Services, Attn. Carol Cromie
University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-1305

Q9. Why are immunizations required?

A. Immunizations are required because participants will be making observation visits into homes, NICUs or other early intervention settings. This page has the information and forms to be submitted with the application (Immunization Requirements, Immunization Record, Student Wellness letter).

Q10. Will I get a UTMB email address?

A. Yes, as a UTMB student, you will be assigned an "@utmb.edu" email address.  You will need to routinely check email sent to this address to receive important notices from the University and the Registrar. This email address also allows you online access to the Moody Medical Library here at UTMB. PLEASE NOTE: Your UTMB email address will be inactivated after 3 months if not used. Requests to have it re-activated go to Ms. Mary Ellen Beaupre (mebeaupre@utmb.edu, 409-772-2578) and normally take about one day to get the email active again. Be sure to allow for this when you are needing to do online library searches.

Q11. Will I need a certain type of computer in order to take this course?

A. See the UT Telecampus site for information on computer requirements. http://www.telecampus.utsystem.edu/index.cfm/4,0,83,69,html

Q12. I'm not very computer savvy; is there assistance for students like me?

A. The UT TeleCampus provides free 24/7 help desk support to academic students, faculty members teaching online through the UT TeleCampus, and the UT System campus staff who support them. The Help Desk can provide answers to questions about using UT TeleCampus technology and services, as well as technical support. Information on how to contact the UT TeleCampus Help Desk is available online at www.uttchelpdesk.org.

Q13. What are the start and end dates for the courses in the 2009-2010 academic year?

Semester	Start	End	Fee Payment Deadline
Fall 2009	August 31, 2009	December 11, 2009	August 28, 2009
Spring 2010	January 6, 2010	April 23, 2010	January 1, 2010
Summer 2010	May 3, 2010	August 6, 2010	April 30, 2010

06/09