March 27, 2018 — Marist College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) and Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates of Poughkeepsie will sponsor a First Stride Training and Clinic. The event will be held on Saturday, April 14, in the Marist Allied Health Building, located on Beck Place, Poughkeepsie. 

The morning program, which begins at 9:00am, will offer clinical education for therapists and allied health care professionals focusing on strength, stability, and gait training for lower limb amputees, presented by Chris Doger, a physical therapist and certified prosthetist. Educators will be from the Marist DPT Program as well as physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from the region, who will receive four hours of continuing education for the event. Lunch will be provided. Register here. 

At 1:00pm, the program opens to the public and individuals with lower limb amputations can participate in a Train the Trainer clinic in gait evaluation. This program will feature tips and exercises for improvement in ambulation with a prosthesis. 

“Working with amputees and understanding the particular issues that impact this population is a key component of education and clinical professional development for any physical therapist,” said Francine Sage-King, Clinical Assistant Professor in the DPT Program. “I am thrilled we can offer this workshop to amputees in the region, and to area physical therapists and our graduate students. The experience will undoubtedly make them better clinicians.” 

The afternoon event is free for patients, though registration is required. 

Marist launched its 36-month, full-time DPT Program in January 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for physical therapists is at an all-time high. Employment in the profession is projected to grow 34 percent through 2024—a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. 

About Marist 

Located on the banks of the historic Hudson River and at its Florence, Italy campus, Marist College is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Its mission is to “help students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century.” Marist is consistently recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review (Colleges That Create Futures and The Best 381 Colleges), U.S. News & World Report (9th Best Regional University/North), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (“Best College Values”), and others. Though now independent, Marist remains committed to the ideals handed down from its founders, the Marist Brothers: excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. Marist educates approximately 5,000 traditional-age undergraduate students and 1,400 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees.