The Traditional DPT Program is a six-year program where students can enter as an undergraduate student (first-time freshman) to complete prerequisites first and earn a doctor of physical therapy degree in six years.
The following information pertains to incoming graduate students and current University of Findlay students applying directly to the graduate Traditional DPT Program. If you intend to apply as a first-time freshman, please
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Our graduates...
- Are knowledgeable, have strong clinical experiences and are well prepared for entry-level physical therapy positions
- Work as generalist practitioners
- Display a dedication to self-motivated, life-long learning
- Are trained to be professional, think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively
- Demonstrate an awareness of the value of service to the profession and to the community
- Demonstrate an awareness of individual and cultural differences and psychosocial factors, which may affect human function
Clinical Education
In the graduate Traditional DPT Program, students are expected to complete 33 weeks of clinical education experiences. Please be advised, a
criminal background check will be required prior to the clinical site acceptance.
Technical Standards and Essential FunctionsThe
technical standards and essential functions are pre-requisites for successful completion of the DPT program at the University of Findlay. Guidelines for reasonable accommodation are also discussed. Please review this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the posted document.
Graduate Traditional DPT Program Admission Criteria
The department of physical therapy at the University of Findlay participates in the
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. Incoming graduate students or current University of Findlay students applying directly to the graduate Traditional DPT Program must fulfill the following requirements:
- Minimum overall and science prerequisite grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Courses with a grade of “C” or below will not transfer but will be included in the grade point average.
- Must complete 40 hours of observation in two different types of clinical settings in physical therapy by the time of application to the DPT program. One setting must be in an acute care hospital, rehabilitation/subacute rehabilitation facility, or extended care facility/nursing home/skilled nursing facility. The second setting is the student's setting of choice. A minimum of 20 hours is required at each clinical site.
- Completion of the required liberal arts prerequisites, program prerequisites and competencies prior to beginning the professional program.
- Students from the University of Findlay may apply the fall of their junior year, transfer students the fall of their senior year.
- Completion of the GRE exam with scores reported to PTCAS.
- Submission of two letters of reference through PTCAS. One from a physical therapist, one from a faculty member.
Students whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from American universities must meet the previously listed admissions conditions, plus:
- Have a verified TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) minimum total score of 89 with 26 or better in speaking and 24 or better in writing or a verified International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic score with a minimum overall band score of 7.0. Students not supplying an IELTS score are required to test in the Intensive English Language Program, and if necessary, complete coursework in English.
- Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.
Science Prerequisite Courses**
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Additional Prerequisite Courses
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Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 hours)
| Psychology (9 hours - including General, Developmental and Abnormal Psychology)
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Basic Physics (8 hours)
| Medical Terminology (3 hours)
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General Chemistry (8 hours)
| Introduction to Health Professions* (1 hour)
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Kinesiology/Biomechanics (3 hours)
| Trigonometry or Pre-calculus (3 or 4 hours)
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Exercise Physiology (3 hours)
| Wellness: Strategies for Life* (2 hours)
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Elementary Statistics (3 hours)
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*Intro to Health Professions and Wellness: Strategies for Life are not requirements for those who have a bachelor's degree.
**All students must complete six of nine program prerequisite science courses prior to application.
Current University of Findlay Students Current University of Findlay students applying to the Traditional DPT Program are required to declare and complete a minor prior to entering the DPT program OR declare a dual major, and complete all undergraduate requirements prior to entering the DPT program. Also, general education requirements must be completed prior to entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Incoming graduate students are exempt as they will have a bachelor's degree.
The physical therapy program reserves the right to make program and admission requirement changes without prior notice.
Application Process
PTCAS is the only application needed for consideration into the program. There is no need to apply to the University of Findlay prior to acceptance. Create a
PTCAS account today and learn more about the process.
Applicants seeking admission into the Traditional DPT Program must apply online using the PTCAS application. All PTCAS materials including official university/college transcripts should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the application deadline, Nov. 15, to allow time for processing by PTCAS. There is a $60 supplemental fee to apply, which is paid directly to the University of Findlay by an online form.
PTCAS will provide a copy of the observation hour verification form upon request. However, all applicants must submit their hour verification electronically.
DeadlineDeadline for graduate admission to the Traditional DPT Program is Nov. 15 of the year preceding matriculation, applications are available after July 1. It is suggested that all applicants submit materials at least six weeks prior to the deadline of Nov. 15 in order to allow processing time by PTCAS. The admission committee will not review applications completed after Nov. 15. All complete applications will be considered for review. Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision after March 1. All decisions of the Admissions Committee are final.
Selection of Physical Therapy Applicants
A maximum of 36 students are admitted into each cohort to begin the program in August and a number of factors are considered during the selection process. Categories such as grades, program preparation, involvement in outside activities, service activities, an understanding of the profession, recommendations, communication skills and leadership ability are considered. Students who are currently enrolled at the University of Findlay are given special consideration. While the application criteria serve as general guidelines, final decisions are based on review of the student's entire record.