Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | Physical Therapy | University of Maryland School of Medicine

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students seeking admission to the DPT program must apply via http://www.ptcas.org.

DPT applicants will be evaluated weekly by the Admissions Committee beginning in July. In order to be considered for admission, the PTCAS application and all other required documents must be received prior to the outlined application deadlines. Competitive applicants will be invited, on an on-going basis, to attend the mandatory on-campus interview. Offers of admission will be extended once all DPT interviews have been completed. Be sure to apply early as available space for interview sessions may be exhausted before the posted application deadline. Offers of admission will be based on an applicant's entire academic profile including: cumulative grade point average, grades earned in the required prerequisite courses, pattern and history of grades earned during an undergraduate curriculum, GRE scores, strength of recommendations provided, interview results and breath/depth of the candidates physical therapy observation hours.

A Bachelor’s Degree (or expect to graduate prior to enrollment)
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to graduate prior to enrolling in the DPT program. Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. The bachelor’s degree may be in any field. No preference is given to applicants majoring in the sciences versus those with non-science majors.

Minimum GPA Requirements for Eligibility
Overall Undergraduate Cumulative GPA: 3.0 minimum
Program-specific Prerequisite GPA: 3.0 minimum

Prerequisite Courses
Prospective students may submit an application while enrolled in pre-requisite courses, but all courses must be completed prior to starting the DPT program. Grades of C- (C minus) and below cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for admission. Where possible, we will accept spring and summer 2020 coursework that is graded on a Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis to fulfill a prerequisite course requirement, particularly if the applicant was not given the choice to take the course on this basis. We may, however, require proof from applicants that they were not offered the choice of receiving a letter grade, or that the choice to move to a Pass/Fail grading basis was made prior to seeing the final letter grade in the course.

Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036. Students who have completed coursework in Maryland may review transfer courses at ARTSYS – Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities. This is an online evaluation system that enables students to determine how courses taken at any two-year college in Maryland transfer to any four-year college or university in Maryland. The following courses, or equivalent, are required:

Human Anatomy (with lab, 4 semester credit hours). One course in Human Anatomy or the first course in the series of Anatomy and Physiology I & II. Anatomy content should include skeletal and muscular systems of the human body.
Physiology (with lab, 4 semester credit hours). One course in Physiology or the second course in the series of Anatomy and Physiology I & II. Physiology content should cover various systems including: cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, etc...
Biology (with lab, 4 semester credit hours) - In addition to Human Anatomy and Physiology listed above, one or two courses from the field of biology, not to include Botany.
General Chemistry I (with lab, 4 semester credit hours). Content must include atomic and molecular structure. This course should be the first in the Chemistry I & II series.
General Chemistry II (with lab, 4 semester credit hours) - In addition to Chemistry I listed above. This course should be the second course in the Chemistry I & II series and must include a lab.
General Physics I (with lab 4, semester credit hours). Non-calculus or calculus based.
General Physics II (with lab 4, semester credit hours). Non-calculus or calculus based.
Statistics (3 semester credit hours). Course content should include mean, median, mode, standard deviation, t-tests, etc...
Psychology (3 semester credit hours). Abnormal or Developmental Psychology recommended.
Human Behavior (3 semester credit hours) - In addition to Abnormal Psychology or Developmental Psychology listed above, one or two courses that include a knowledge of human behavior from an individual or societal perspective.

Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits may be used. AP or CLEP credits must appear in PTCAS. If used to fulfill prerequisite courses, the official scores must be mailed to PTRS.
AP SCORE CODE: 7784

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
More information on GRE testing is available on the ETS website.
Official score reports must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) - http://www.gre.org
University of Maryland Institution Code: 5848
PTRS Department Code: 0619

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A TOEFL score is required as part of the application process for individuals who do not speak English as their first or native language and/or for individuals who have lived less than 5 years in the United States. http://www.toefl.org. The minimum required TOEFL score for admission into the DPT program is 213 for the computer based exam and 80 for the internet based exam. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.
University of Maryland Institution Code: 5848
PTRS Department Code: 48

Letters of Recommendation
One recommendation from a US licensed physical therapist you have observed.
One recommendation from PT-related, non-PT related, participation in college and university groups that provide service, cultural and faith-based groups, and national, regional, state, or local organizations.
One recommendation from an academic source. The academic recommendation must be completed by a college or university faculty member who has served as your instructor and has personally observed you in the classroom environment.

Physical Therapy Observation
A minimum of 50 hours is required at time of matriculation.
Update: PTRS requires observation hours to a total of 50 minimum for enrollment during the 2023-24 admissions cycle. It is preferred that applicants have at least 25 hours completed at time of application.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete observation of physical therapy practice in at least two to three different clinical settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and/or outpatient practice) and with different patient populations (i.e. across the lifespan, varied clinical condition) to ensure exposure to a broad scope of physical therapy practice.

Community Service
It is recommended that applicants demonstrate on-going volunteer/non-paid service. Experiences should be different than the physical therapy observational hours. Community service can include participation in groups/organizations that provide service to the community at the national, regional, state, or local level.

Current CPR Certification
Certifications must be valid on the first day of class and must remain active throughout your enrollment in the DPT program.
CPR certification must include infant, child and adult resuscitation.
Courses delivered solely via a web-based format are not acceptable.
Hybrid format courses are acceptable: on-line instruction and in-person skills practice and testing.
Students are required to provide documentation of their current CPR certification.
The following are considered acceptable CPR certification programs:

AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for Healthcare Providers
please visit the American Heart Association website for more information.

For the upcoming 2023-2024 application cycle, PTCAS is scheduled to open to applicants on June 15, with applicant information to be shared with programs beginning on July 1.

The deadline for review of applications and selection for interviews for admission to the DPT program is November 1st. All applicants will be notified of a decision on their application by mid-December. The Admissions committee will make one of three decisions for each applicant: 1) acceptance; 2) denial; or 3) placement on the waitlist. Each applicant will be notified promptly of the decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to APPLY AND SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE NOVEMBER 1st DEADLINE

Tuition and fees vary based on the year in which the student is enrolled in the DPT program and whether you are a Maryland state resident.
Tuition and Fees for DPT Program
CAPTE DPT Financial Fact Sheet

Required Device
The Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science (PTRS) will issue the required device to all incoming DPT Program students that the department specifies for their particular cohort. The device will be distributed at new student orientation. The fee for this device will appear on your tuition bill from Student Accounting. The projected cost of the device is approximately $900 which includes a 4 year warranty with on-site next business day service. There is no negotiation on using another device or exceptions to this policy. Students are financially responsible for the cost of the required device as soon as they matriculate into the DPT Program.

Federal Grants, Loans and Work-Study
The University of Maryland Office of Financial Aid can answer questions concerning the federal aid process. Federal financial aid includes grants, low-interest loans and work-study.

Website: http://www.umaryland.edu/fin/
E-mail: aidtalk@umaryland.edu
Phone: (410) 706-7347

Maryland State Awards
Maryland residents may apply for grants, scholarships and need-based financial aid through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) - Office of Student Financial Assistance. Information concerning eligibility requirements for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program and other awards are available on the MHEC website at http://www.mhec.state.md.us.

Application for In-State Classification

All applicants have the right to appeal an admissions decision. Your appeal should be in writing and addressed to the following:

University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Attention: Director for Academic Affairs for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
100 Penn Street, Suite 115
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to be completed in 3 years with the goal to prepare physical therapy students to function as independent entry-level practitioners upon graduation. The curriculum is a unique block design that helps to integrate foundational and clinical science content across the lifespan. The first year has strong foundational science content and learning experiences which includes full cadaver dissection, lecture and laboratory sessions taught in a systems approach as well as a translational course that bridges foundational and clinical sciences. Two professional issues courses are taught in the first year as well to establish a strong professional foundation in our students to complement the medical training including scientific inquiry. The second-year coursework builds on the foundational sciences and focuses on the clinical science preparation across the lifespan. Laboratory sessions in these courses integrate concepts of clinical care and include sessions with patient/clients, simulated cases, and onsite/offsite clinical exposure and interprofessional education experiences. Clinical coursework during this year includes two unique integrated clinical experience courses with professional development and interprofessional education lab activities. The third year is comprised of three 11-week full-time clinical experiences. These opportunities are back loaded in the curriculum to enable the student to possess all needed skills to examine, evaluate, diagnose, and intervene appropriately for primary, secondary, and tertiary physical impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. Mentored case reports and manuscript preparation are completed during the full-time clinical experiences integrating both clinical care, scholarship, and dissemination of clinical findings.

Summer

Fall

Spring

1st Year

DPTE 513: Basic Sciences II (15 SCH)

2nd Year

DPTE 520: Medical Issues (14 SCH)

3rd Year

DPTE 545: Full‑Time Clinical Experience I (7 SCH)

DPTE 546: Full‑Time Clinical Experience II (6 SCH)

DPTE 547: Full‑Time Clinical Experience III (6 SCH)

SCH = Semester Credit Hours

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, curriculum follows the rules of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The degree prepares graduates to sit for professional licensure. The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for graduates to apply for licensure in the State of Maryland. University of Maryland School of Medicine has not made a determination if the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for any other States, U.S. territories, and/or protectorates. Each licensing authority sets and enforces its own professional licensing requirements and standards. Each student should inquire directly to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction where the student plans to seek licensure in order to determine the mandatory requirements to be licensed to practice. Contact information for the each State’s licensing board is listed below.

Alabama Board of Physical Therapy	Montana Board of Physical Therapy
Alaska Board of Physical Therapy	Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy
Arizona Board of Physical Therapy	Nevada Board of Physical Therapy
Arkansas Board of Physical Therapy	New Hampshire Board of Physical Therapy
California Board of Physical Therapy	New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy
Colorado Board of Physical Therapy	New Mexico Board of Physical Therapy
Connecticut Board of Physical Therapy	New York Board of Physical Therapy
Delaware Board of Physical Therapy	North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy
Florida Board of Physical Therapy	North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy
Georgia Board of Physical Therapy	Ohio Board of Physical Therapy
Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy	Oklahoma Board of Physical Therapy
Idaho Board of Physical Therapy	Oregon Board of Physical Therapy
Illinois Board of Physical Therapy	Pennsylvania Board of Physical Therapy
Indiana Board of Physical Therapy	Rhode Island Board of Physical Therapy
Iowa Board of Physical Therapy	South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy
Kansas Board of Physical Therapy	South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy	Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy
Louisiana Board of Physical Therapy	Texas Board of Physical Therapy
Maine Board of Physical Therapy	Utah Board of Physical Therapy
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy	Vermont Board of Physical Therapy
Massachusetts Board of Physical Therapy	Virginia Board of Physical Therapy
Michigan Board of Physical Therapy	Washington Board of Physical Therapy
Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy	West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy
Mississippi Board of Physical Therapy	Wisconsin Board of Physical Therapy
Missouri Board of Physical Therapy	Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy

The Director of Faculty and Student Affairs reviews the academic status of students and makes recommendations for advancement according to the advancement criteria below. The Director of Faculty and Student Affairs may employ the AAC and other faculty as appropriate to assist in making recommendations.

All blocks must be passed with a grade of “C” or better in order for a student to proceed in the curriculum. This includes both didactic and clinical internship blocks. To remain in step with the curriculum, students must complete all blocks in sequence and the time-frame for all students to graduate is five and one-half (5.5) years.
For progression to the Full Time Clinical Experience phase, a student must receive a passing score on all components of a standardized patient encounter and an affirmative vote of clinic readiness by 75% of the total core faculty. If a student fails to achieve an affirmative vote of clinic readiness by 75% of the total core faculty on the first vote, the student will be provided the option to participate in a remediation plan prior to clinic entry. The remediation plan must be completed within 6 weeks of the end of the CQM block. The remediation plan will be developed by the CQM block leader, with feedback from core faculty aligned with the remediation areas and in consultation with the AAC. If the student passes the criteria outlined in the remediation plan, the student will achieve a passing grade for the CQM block and advance to the full time clinical experiences. If the student does not pass the established remediation plan, the student will achieve a failing grade for the CQM block.

The student is required to successfully complete the following before graduation:

All required DPT Didactic courses
All required Clinical Experiences

Our clinical education program consists of two Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICEs) and three Full Time Clinical Experiences (FTCEs).

Integrated Clinical Experiences consist of one full day per week in clinical practice for eight weeks and occur during the fall and spring of the second year. Students are simultaneously involved in the Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Blocks of the didactic curriculum during these experiences. In addition to time spent in clinical visits, students participate in various professional practice opportunities as a part of the ICEs.

The Full Time Clinical Experiences occur during the third year and are each eleven weeks in length, for a total of 33 weeks of clinical education experience. Students will complete an experience in each of the following settings: medically complex, elective rehabilitation specialty, and community-based. Prior to the start of the full time clinical education experiences, students will have already completed the didactic curriculum and demonstrated readiness for clinical practice through written and performance-based assessments.

Clinical Education Contacts

Rachel Skolky, PT, MSPT, DPT, GCS
Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115B
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-2163
rskolky@som.umaryland.edu

Megan Ortega, PT, DPT, GCS
Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Instructor
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115G
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-7770
mortega@som.umaryland.edu

Program Goals

Advance the student’s capacity for thinking analytically and critically in spirit of scientific inquiry through facilitated seminars and didactic discussions in the curriculum to ensure a progression of activities that integrate science and clinical practice throughout the curriculum (didactic content and clinical correlates in Year 1 courses and a minimum of 2 seminars per clinical block).
Contribute to students’ professional communication ability with patients, families, and health care providers by offering a minimum of 2 structured clinical learning opportunities in the form of a Case Report and a Core Values Reflection Paper in Full Time Clinical Experiences I, II, or III.
Cultivate a level of clinical competence to provide effective, efficient, and humanistic heath care in diverse practice settings by offering professional practice opportunities in a minimum of 3 different settings for each student as part of clinical experiences.
Expand the students’ ability to appreciate research through discussion of design, measurement, and statistical analysis, and engage in knowledge-based applications of scientific evidence for clinical practice to improve the physical therapy profession.
Encourage the students’ participation in a minimum of 2 on-campus and/or community health services and/or professional activities that promote the advancement of the physical therapy profession
Promote the students’ ability to create a lifelong plan of continuing personal and professional development through the development of a professional portfolio throughout the curriculum, required prior to graduation.
Promote the provision of clinical service to the citizens of Maryland upon graduation through clinical care, wellness services, and healthcare advocacy. At least 50% of the graduates will be licensed to work in the state of Maryland. The program will provide a minimum of 3 wellness or healthcare advocacy service opportunities each year for student participation.

Faculty Goals

Demonstrate excellence in teaching and student evaluation as well as contemporary expertise in areas of teaching responsibilities. 100% of the core faculty will demonstrate contemporary expertise in areas of assigned teaching on each block’s teaching evaluations by students and peer assessment and 100 % of core faculty will score an average of very good to outstanding on each block’s teaching evaluations by students and peer assessment.
Participate in the development of new knowledge and evidence that enhances rehabilitation science and the profession of physical therapy. 50% of core faculty will be engaged in scientific research producing new knowledge and evidence as measured by at least one grant submission and two published manuscripts for these faculty per year. 100% of core faculty will have an active scholarly agenda with at least one disseminated scholarly product each year.
Model commitment to promoting the physical therapy profession and rehabilitation science through engagement in service activities and with scientific and professional organizations in university/local, national, and/or international communities. 100% of the faculty will be members in either a local, national or scientific professional organization with 50% holding an office, leadership position, or committee membership.

Student Goals

Integrate evidence and demonstrate critical thinking to support clinical decision making. 100% of the students will successfully complete 2 PICO projects with 90% scoring A’s, b) 100% of the students will achieve an “entry-level” score on CPI criterion #7 (clinical reasoning) by end of Full Time Clinical Experience III, c) 100 % of the students will complete a written Case Report with 15% scoring over 90% to qualify for Research Day presentation.
Screen, examine, evaluate, diagnose, and provide appropriate interventions for client/patient management across the lifespan. 100% of the students will successfully meet requirements for PBAs and clinical education with patients across the lifespan.
Demonstrate clinical competence in a minimum of 3 practice settings, which include medically complex, rehabilitation, and community based settings. 100% of the students will achieve passing scores on the CPI for each Full Time Clinical Experience (I-III).
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with patients’ families and health care providers. 100% of the students will successfully complete the Core Values Reflection Paper in Full Time Clinical Experience I, II, or III. b)100% of students will successfully complete patient communication requirements for CQM (tester and patient feedback).
Participate in service and other professional activities that promote the advancement of the physical therapy profession. 100% of the students will participate in at least one service related activity prior to graduation. 75% of the students will attend at least one local or national professional conference by graduation. At least 3 students in each class will hold an active position in a professional organization (student representative, committee member). 100% of the students will be members of at least 1 professional organization at the local, national or international level.
Demonstrate the ability to design a professional portfolio to guide lifelong learning and development. 100% of the students will successfully complete a comprehensive personal development portfolio by the end of the program.

Graduate Goals

Function as an entry-level independent point of entry provider of physical rehabilitation and rehabilitation services. NPTE first time passage rate will be 90% or higher. NPTE final passage rate will be 100%.
Effectively manage care for persons in medically-complex, rehabilitation, and community-based settings. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level at the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.
Autonomously practice in a variety of healthcare environments. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.
Provide guidance and interventions to promote wellness and prevention and to enhance the physical performance of persons in the community. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.
Effectively communicate orally and in writing with patient/families, colleagues, other health care professionals and the general public. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.
Contribute to the management of physical therapy services, administration and marketing strategies, and fiscal responsibilities within a practice setting. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.
Initiate a plan of lifelong learning and continuing competence. 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys. 100% of respondents will have attended at least 1 continuing competence activity by the 6 month graduate outcome survey and 2 continuing competence activities by the 18 month graduate outcome survey.
Participate in service and/or professional activities that advance the profession of physical therapy. At least 50% of the respondents will be members of the APTA and /or a professional organization, b) 20% of the respondents will be active in some service activity and/ or professional committee/ work task force.
Use evidence as a basis for critical thinking , decision-making and independent practice (can include journal club participation, literature reviews, case studies and reports). 90% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the graduate outcome survey, and 95% of respondents will score at or above entry-level on the 6-month graduate and employer outcome surveys.

General

What is the size of the DPT class?
The size of a typical entering DPT class is 70.

How long is the DPT program?
Students complete the DPT program in three years (nine semesters).

What is the graduation rate and pass rate on the national licensing exam?
Visit our DPT Program Graduate Outcomes page to learn more.

Application Process

How many applications does the University of Maryland, Baltimore DPT program receive?
Each year the application number varies. Please keep in mind we have 70 spots in each new first year class and the applicant pool is highly competitive.

How do I obtain an application?
The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science participates in Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students seeking admission to the DPT program must apply via this service at http://www.ptcas.org. Once PTCAS has received all required materials for your application, they will verify your application and send it to the schools for which you have indicated an interest.

What is the completion deadline?
The application deadline is November 1st. We strongly encourage you to apply early in order to give ample time for PTCAS to verify your application.

If I request one, will I be granted an extension of the November 1st PTCAS application deadline?
An extension of the November 1st deadline WILL NOT be granted under any circumstances.

Where can I obtain the In-state Classification Form?
If you want to be considered for in-state residency you must complete the In-State Classification form. Please visit https://www.umaryland.edu/registrar/residency/application to learn about the process. Please read through the instructions carefully. The form should be sent to the Office of the Registrar. You will find the address once you click on the link. **The completion of your In-State Classification form DOES NOT affect the status of your application.**

How will I know if my application is complete with PTCAS?
You will be able to check the status of your application using the login you created for your application. Once your application is deemed complete, PTCAS will begin the verification process. Once your application is verified, we will begin the review process. We are not able to review any applications that are not verified with PTCAS, no exceptions.

If I have questions about the application process what should I do?
Contact PTCAS regarding any questions about the application process. If you have program specific questions in relation to the application process, please feel free to email ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu.

Do all the prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?
No. Applicants can submit an application including in-progress courses and still be considered for the current admission cycle. However, all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entering the program.

Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
No. All letter-graded prerequisite coursework is acceptable, no matter when the coursework was completed. However, it is highly recommended that students take refresher courses when needed to be prepared to take full advantage of the curriculum. Grades of C- (C minus) and below cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for admission. Repeated courses are averaged together. Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036. Students who have completed coursework in Maryland may review transfer courses at ARTSYS – Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities. This is an online evaluation system that enables students to determine how courses taken at any two year college in Maryland transfer to any four year college or university in Maryland.

What are the requirements for observation hours?
Observation hours must be supervised by a physical therapist licensed in the US and must have been completed within the prior two years of the application submission. It is recommended for applicants to complete at least half of the required hours prior to submitting their application for admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete observation of physical therapy practice in at least two to three different clinical settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and/or outpatient practice) and with different patient populations (i.e. across the lifespan, varied clinical condition) to ensure exposure to a broad scope of physical therapy practice.

Is community service or are volunteer hours required?
No. It is recommended that applicants demonstrate on-going volunteer/non-paid service. Experiences should be different than the physical therapy observational hours. Community service can include participation in groups/organizations that provide service to the community at the national, regional, state, or local level.

What are the requirements for CPR certification?
CPR certification must include infant, child and adult resuscitation. Courses delivered solely via a web-based format are not acceptable. Hybrid format courses are acceptable: on-line instruction and in-person skills practice and testing. Students are required to provide documentation of their current CPR certification.

Counseling/Advising Services

Will the Office of Student Services provide services to me if I am a prospective applicant? If I am a non-traditional applicant? If I am an unsuccessful applicant?
Yes, preferably by appointment. Please be advised that regardless of your particular situation we cannot tell you if you are a competitive applicant or if you are likely to be accepted into the program. Only the Admissions Committee can make that determination when they review your completed application.

Can I visit the school or speak with a staff member?
Yes, however, we urge you to visit during a scheduled Open House if your schedule allows. We are available to speak with you over the telephone, email or in person. We prefer an appointment is set up in advance to be sure to give adequate time for your visit.

How do I strengthen my application?
If you have questions about strengthening your application, we urge strongly to contact us prior to applying. Although we are more than happy to answer any questions and make recommendations, we are not able to guarantee you will receive a positive decision should you reapply.