Total semesters: 8
Total credit hours: 112
Total courses: 43
Program Description
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program requires a minimum of 112 hours of approved coursework, including at least 3 full-time clinical practicum experiences (30 weeks total). The curriculum consists of basic sciences, physical therapy sciences, scientific inquiry, clinical reasoning, and clinical practicum experiences.
In addition to the academic requirements, students are expected to adhere to the technical and professional standards of the program. For the most up to date information regarding these standards, program suspension, and terminations refer to the program’s website at the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Completion of the following coursework and successful performance on a comprehensive examination are required for graduation. The program is structured as a 33 month, lockstep, full-time, curriculum. The program must be completed within 6 years.
Program Admission Requirements
Applicants for the physical therapy program must apply to both the Graduate School and the Physical Therapy Central Application Service (PTCAS). To apply to the Graduate School, pay the application fee and submit official scores from the CASPer (a situational judgment exam) through the Graduate School’s online process. To apply to PTCAS, applicants will list all undergraduate and graduate courses and verify with an official transcript; and list three references who will be expected to submit a reference online.
To qualify for admission, applicants are expected to have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must have completed the following courses prior to admission: 6-8 credit hours of biology, 6-8 credit hours of human anatomy and physiology; 6-8 credit hours of general chemistry; 6-8 credit hours of general physics, 3 credit hours of statistics, and 3 credit hours of exercise physiology. All science courses must include laboratory components. Applicants must have successfully completed all outstanding pre-requisite courses prior to enrolling in physical therapy courses. Pre-requisite coursework must have been completed within the last 7 years prior to the projected enrollment date. The department accepts only full-time students. All accepted students are required to have a criminal background check completed consistent with policy and procedures established by the College of Health and Human Sciences.