Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Total number of hours for program: 113.

Program Admission Requirements

Applicants for the physical therapy program are required to complete the Graduate School application, pay the application fee and submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) through the Graduate School’s online process, “Apply Yourself”.  In addition, applicant’s must apply through the Physical Therapy Central Application Service (PTCAS).  The PTCAS requires that applicants 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 Regular 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 semester hours of human anatomy and human physiology; 6-8 semester hours of general chemistry; 6-8 semester hours of general physics and 3 semester hours of statistics.  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.

Program Description

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program requires a minimum of 113 hours of approved coursework, including at least 34 full-time clinical practicum experiences (34 weeks total). The curriculum consists of basic sciences, physical therapy sciences, scientific inquiry, clinical logic, 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 Services.

Completion of the following coursework and successful performance on a comprehensive examination are required for graduation. The program is structured as a lockstep full-time curriculum that is 33 months in length. Regardless of the circumstances, the program must be completed within 6 years.