Program Overview

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Program Description

The Entry-level DPT program is for individuals with no previous degree in Physical Therapy or who have an Associate degree in the field of Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). A Bachelor's degree in any field, earned from an accredited university/college, is required. The DPT program is 3 years in length, always beginning in June. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. However, to be competitive, over the past few years, the applicant has needed a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Program Length

The program is 3 years in length.

Possible Careers

Within the profession, there are many specialties, including:

• Orthopaedics
• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Cardiopulmonary
• Hand rehabilitation
• Sports physical therapy Physical therapists work in:
• Acute-care and convalescent hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Children's centers
• Private practice
• Athletic training and sports medicine programs
• Research institutions
• School systems
• Home-care agencies

Application Deadlines

All applications must be submitted through the priority deadline, which is October 1st, with a final deadline of December 1st. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must have:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• An earned Bachelor's degree prior to acceptance
• Specific course requirements apply
• International students must provide a TOEFL exam score
• Note: "C minus" grades are not accepted for credit
• When retaking classes, the DPT Department will accept up to two attempts. If a student takes a class three or more times, the Department will count the grade earned on the second attempt

Prerequisites

Natural Sciences

• Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab, complete sequence
• General Chemistry with lab, complete sequence
• General Physics with lab, complete sequence
• Two additional Biological Science courses
• Statistics
• Medical Terminology

Social Sciences

• General Psychology
• Human Growth & Development/Developmental Psychology of the Lifespan

Communication

• One course in oral communication skills

Observation Experience

• 80 observation/work hours are required
  • 20 hours must be in an inpatient setting
  • 20 hours must be in an outpatient setting
  • The remaining 40 hours can be in any setting
• No Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) required

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year

Year of Program	Months Enrolled	Tuition & Fees	Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
Year 1	12	$53,359	$625
Year 2	10	$50,687	$250
Year 3	12	$20,759	0

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans. | Year of Program | Months Enrolled | Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance) | Transportation Allowance | Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | Federal Student Loan Fees | Cost of Obtaining Professional License | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Year 1 | 12 | $16,596 - $29,916 | $4,200 | $4,380 | $3,230 | 0 | | Year 2 | 10 | $13,830 - $24,930 | $3,763 | $3,924 | $2,937 | 0 | | Year 3 | 12 | $16,596 - $29,916 | $4,200 | $4,380 | $1,880 | $1,200 |

Notes

• The first year of the DPT program is a 12-month cycle, and the cost of the first year is considerably higher than the following two years.
• The cost of attendance varies from year to year.
• The institution offers financial assistance specific to DPT students.
• The program/institution offers scholarships specific to DPT students.
• The program does not offer graduate assistantships to specific DPT students.
• Average student debt from the DPT program: $134,320
• Average total student debt after completing the DPT program: $141,990