Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at OU-Tulsa is a dynamic health profession dedicated to the promotion of optimal health, prevention of disability, and the restoration and maintenance of physical activities that contribute to a successful life. Physical therapy services are provided in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, one’s workplace, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.

Program Overview

Physical therapists enter practice as generalists and may later become board-certified specialists. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to have a hands-on and sustained approach to helping people find their optimal good. The job outlook for graduates of a PT program is growing “much faster than average” and 100% of graduates that have looked for a job post-graduation have found one.

Program Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 science GPA
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities (including OU or OUHSC) attended

Physical Therapy Curriculum

The professional program consists of 108 semester hours of sequenced and integrated didactic and clinical courses that provide the needed content to sit for licensure. This includes the promotion of optimal health, prevention of disability, and the restoration and maintenance of physical activities that contribute to a successful life.

Sample Courses

• Year 1:
  • PHTH 8112 Fundamentals of Physical Therapy
  • AHS 8274 Neuroscience
• Year 2:
  • PHTH 8122 Progressive Neurological Conditions
  • PHTH 8282 Clinical Reasoning in PT I
• Year 3:
  • PHTH 8383 Clinical Education II
  • PHTH 9124 Clinical Education III

Career Paths

Fieldwork opportunities are available throughout the curriculum. Students enjoy opportunities to learn in a variety of settings including, but not limited to:

• Outpatient clinical PT
• Home health PT
• Geriatric PT
• Pediatric PT

Scholarships

The following college named scholarships opportunities are available for currently enrolled College of Allied Health students who will be enrolling to continue their academic studies:

• College of Allied Health Bill Elam Graduate Student Scholarship (AH)
• Jill Pitman Jones Scholarship (PT)
• Alice Sowers Physical Therapy Scholarship (PT)
• Physical Therapy Alumni Scholarship (PT)
• Irene McEwen Scholarship for Excellence in Rehabilitation Sciences (PT)

Employers

The DPT Program’s value is well-demonstrated through the many clinical internship sites that students will go to as part of their course work and many of our graduates will be employed by these same sites. In total, the physical therapy program sends students to:

• 68 physical therapy clinics in the Tulsa area
• 123 clinic sites across Oklahoma
• 250 sites in the Midwestern United States
• 2 sites across the nation with opportunities for international placement as well

Accreditation

This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination for the physical therapist administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be a registered Physical Therapist (PT).

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.