Service learning is “a method under which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community needs, that are integrated into the student’s academic curriculum or provide structured time for reflection, and that enhance what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the classroom and into the community” (Cauley K, et al. Service learning: integrating student learning and community service. Education for Health; 2001;14 (2):173-181.). The goal of the service learning program is to provide OSU DPT students with a combination of community and professional service opportunities that will enhance their DPT education and foster values consistent with the APTA’s core values.
Service Learning Groups
The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Research Institute, and others in the Health Sciences Colleges (Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing) participate in several outreach activities throughout the year directed at students in elementary, middle and high school whose purpose is to increase awareness of and interest in health science-related careers. Participants in this service learning group will help organize and put on several events through the school.
The Goodwill Columbus Health & Wellness Program serves adults with developmental disabilities, including those in the SAGE program who are 45 years or older. The Health and Wellness Program provides access to adaptive exercise equipment, health screenings, diet and nutrition classes, and health education that will help to deter preventable illness. Service activities include activity classes such as yoga, volleyball, walking club, and dance, as well as hands-on assistance in the weight room, all under the direction of a wellness coordinator. Activities are ongoing throughout each week, and have a varied schedule across Autumn and Spring semesters with some summer activities available.
“MS Wellness Program” is a twelve-week fitness program at McConnell Heart Health Center for people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis with an EDSS of <3.5 (ambulatory without a device) designed to improve strength, balance and endurance. Twice per week exercise component, led by a physical therapist and exercise physiologist, consists of cardiovascular exercise, flexibility, balance and strength training. Once weekly the exercise session will be accompanied with an educational session provided each week by various medical professionals covering topics such as nutrition, medication, mental health, energy conservation, recreation, cooking, bowel/bladder and more. Initial and final sessions of the twelve week series consists of orientation and outcome measure assessments. Students will participate in the outcome sessions by assisting with participant flow, administering of surveys or performing outcome measures. On-going weekly, students will assist with class set-up, participant flow, exercise instruction assistance and monitoring participant needs.
“Continuation MS Fitness Group” is held at John J. Gerlach Center for people with MS who have completed the McConnell 12 week MS Wellness Program. This twice per week fitness class is led by a physical therapist.
The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition, TAASC, brings outdoor activities such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, water skiing, kayaking, cycling, fishing, sailing, ice skating and other sports opportunities to individuals having a disability and their family. Students assist in actual sporting events as well as open houses and training events. Events are seasonal. Water events occur from June – October, including a three-day water skiing event in summer. Kayaking occurs for several different groups, with morning and afternoon/evening hours, as well as some weekends. Snow sports run primarily in Jan-Feb, with many ski Saturdays at Snow Trails and Mad River Mountain.
The Ohio State University Student Therapy Clinic is a full-service clinic, offering physical therapy services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Central Ohio free of charge. Services include a free examination and diagnosis, as well as the development of a personalized treatment plan to address impairments and limitations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. All physical therapy services are provided by graduate students in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at The Ohio State University, under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The clinic is co-sponsored by Primary One Health and The Ohio State University Physical Therapy Program.
Each Fall Semester, DPT students embark on an unforgettable service learning course to Yucatan, Mexico. The first-of-its-kind elective course for Ohio State DPT students is supported by faculty members Anne Kloos, PT, PhD, NCS and Laura Schmitt, PT, DPT, PhD and other physical therapists who serve as clinical instructors.