Physical Therapy

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Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is currently being developed by the School of Health Sciences within the College of Health and Human Sciences. Applications will be accepted pending approval by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The DPT is an entry-level clinical doctoral program designed using a hybrid model, combining online and face-to-face courses in a weekend format to allow allied health professionals the flexibility to maintain their current occupation while advancing in the profession. Students applying to the DPT program must possess a bachelor degree. Preference will be given to applicants employed in an allied health profession. The DPT curriculum is designed as a 3-year degree in a hybrid format, allowing students to attend on a weekend basis that meets nine times per semester, supplemented by online lecture.

Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition to achieve long-term health benefits. Through patient examination and development of a plan of care, they will implement treatment techniques to promote improved mobility, reduced pain, restoration of function, and prevention of disability. PTs also work to prevent mobility loss through the development and implementation of fitness-and wellness-oriented programs.

Admission

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will accept students to begin the course sequence each fall semester.  In order to be considered for admission into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, students must have obtained a bachelor degree prior to applying to the program. Preference is given to students with degrees in an allied health program and current employment in an allied health profession. A selective admissions process will be used to help ensure the most qualified applicants enter the DPT program.

The minimum admission guidelines of the DPT program are the criteria provided below: Candidates will be granted admittance into SIUC as a graduate student.

  • Candidates will possess a bachelor degree
  • Candidates must have obtained a C or better in the prerequisite classes including 1 semester of statistics, 2 semesters of basic college physics, 2 semesters of college general chemistry, 1 semester of medical terminology
  • Minimum overall grade point average of 3.25 (4.0 scale)
  • Three satisfactory professional recommendations
  • Demonstration of college-level writing ability (written essay)
  • Completed Physical Therapy program application
  • Resume

Enrollment in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is limited and based on a competitive process. Applicants will be evaluated on the overall submitted application package. Students will be selected by the Admissions Committee.

Degree Requirements

Students must have obtained a bachelor degree prior to application. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an entry-level hybrid weekend program designed for working professionals. The curriculum is designed as a 3-year, full-time program requiring a total of 108 credit hours that combines lecture, laboratory and assigned clinical experiences.

Successful completion of the program provides graduates with the educational requirements necessary to take the National Licensure Examination for the Physical Therapist (NPTE). Licensure is required for practice in each state.