Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of the Incarnate Word is a 29-month program that consists of a combination of small group learning, didactic and clinical courses, plus the opportunity to participate in community outreach, which prepares students to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and embark on a career dedicated to helping others.

Our Learning Approach

The Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy program uses a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, which places the student in a position of active responsibility for learning and mastering content. Students work in small groups with close faculty guidance and engage and solve problems in the form of clinical patient cases of growing complexity. Rather than listening to a lecture on a given topic (teacher-centered learning), students are presented with a patient case which typically integrates previously learned information with a great deal of new content.

Key Components of the PBL Approach

• Students develop "learning issues" or topics which represent questions about the case.
• Students research the topics by using textbooks, review articles, peer-reviewed research, and electronic databases.
• Students regroup to discuss their findings and apply them to the patient case at hand.
• Faculty members facilitate discussion and ask questions to ascertain that students are learning the material to the appropriate breadth and depth required of an entry-level physical therapist.

Preparation for Licensing Exam

In addition to having successfully completed an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program, physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) governed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). They must also comply with individual state licensing board requirements.

University of the Incarnate Word FSBPT School Code

The University of the Incarnate Word FSBPT school code is 4444.

Preparation for the Licensing Examination

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences conducts ongoing assessment of the curriculum and examination of contemporary clinical practice to ensure that its graduates are well prepared for being successful on the licensing examination. To facilitate familiarization with the testing style and the examination itself, the School provides opportunities for the students to take a mock licensure exam at least twice during the course of the program. It also hosts a national physical therapy exam preparation workshop prior to graduation.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes extensive laboratory experiences, as well as special topic seminars to support knowledge acquisition. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in physical therapy, with a focus on clinical excellence, community outreach, and professional practice.

Accreditation and Outcomes

The program is accredited by the appropriate accrediting agency, and the university publishes graduate outcomes, including pass rates on the NPTE and employment rates after graduation.

University of The Incarnate Word

---

Overview:

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and is known for its commitment to serving the community and providing a transformative educational experience.

---

Services Offered:

UIW offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Advising, tutoring, writing and learning center, career services, testing services, TRiO program, and first-generation student support.

Student Life:

Residence life, student life activities, student advocacy, wellness and sports programs, counseling, and health services.

Financial Aid:

Aid and award process, cost estimation, calculators, scholarship resources, work study, loan assistance, forms, tuition and fees information, verification process, consumer information, and FAQs.

Military and Veterans Center:

Admissions, support services, and resources for military personnel and veterans.

International Student and Scholar Services:

Support and resources for international students.

School of Professional Studies (SPS):

Admissions and student success services.

Health Professions Student Services:

Specific services for students in the Feik School of Pharmacy, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UIW offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in athletics, intramural sports, music and arts programs, community service initiatives, and social events. The university also has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

UIW is a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

Faith-Based Education:

UIW provides a Catholic educational experience that emphasizes values, ethics, and service to others.

Excellent Faculty:

UIW has a dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing a high-quality education.

Strong Alumni Network:

UIW has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for students.

---

Academic Programs:

UIW has 11 schools and colleges, including five health professions schools:

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Dreeben School of Education

Feik School of Pharmacy

H-E-B School of Business and Administration

Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

Rosenberg School of Optometry

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

School of Media and Design

School of Osteopathic Medicine

School of Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Professional Studies

---

Other:

UIW is a leader in transformational education and inspires students to ignite change. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility and has been named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report.