A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is required to obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist in the United States. Physical therapists work with patients to reduce pain, improve or restore functional mobility, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Job opportunities are plentiful and graduates may pursue future opportunities to become board-certified clinical specialists in a variety of practice areas including neurology, orthopedics, sports, cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health.

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Anderson University is to prepare physical therapists who are clinical experts in the diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction, advocates for healthy living and physical wellness, and scholar-practitioners who advance the practice of physical therapy. This mission is accomplished by engaging graduate students in learning and service activities that are grounded in Christian principles, guided by professional values and ethics, focused on quality outcomes, and driven by innovative thinking.

Program admission is selective and is limited to 28 students per year with a summer start date. The 125 credit-hour physical therapy curriculum is organized around the following five behavioral themes with coursework spread over eight continuous semesters:

1.Knowing: We synthesize scientific knowledge to better understand human movement.

2.Applying: We solve problems of movement dysfunction via diagnosis and treatment.

3.Promoting: We seek ways to advance physical therapy practice and optimize societal health.

4.Modeling: We strive to reflect professional and Christian values in our daily lives and health care practice.

5.Serving: We seize opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all God’s people.

The curriculum includes part-time, interprofessional clinical experiences during the first year of the program and 32 weeks of full-time practicums during the second and third years of the program. Practical experiences occur in a variety of clinical settings including, inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care facilities. During these clinical experiences, students gain hands-on experience, under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist, working with patients and clients of all ages who have a variety of health care conditions. The DPT curriculum also features opportunities for students to pursue specialty interests via advanced clinical electives, completion of a scholarly project, and a specialty clinical practicum. 

Disclaimer

As a developing program, the DPT program at Anderson University is not yet accredited. Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Anderson University is seeking accreditation of its physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on December 1, 2018. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Special Requirements for Admission for DPT Program

Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Completion of the following prerequisites (within past 10 years):
  • 2 biology courses, one lower level and one upper level (7-8 SH); at least 1 lab course
  • 1 anatomy + 1 physiology course OR 2 combined A&P courses with lab (8 SH)
  • 2 chemistry courses with lab (8 SH)
  • 2 physics courses with lab (8 SH)
  • 1 statistics course (3 SH)
  • 3 social science courses; at least 1 psychology course (9 SH)
  • 1 medical terminology course OR an approved self-study course
  • 1 composition or technical writing course (3 SH)

Steps to Apply:

• Complete online application and pay application fee
• Send official transcripts from all former academic institutions
• Submit GRE scores
• Document participation in service activities (during college)
• Document observational/volunteer hours (minimum of 40) in one or more physical therapy practice settings
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation (one related to academic performance and one related to service)
• Upload a 5-minute video introduction (instructions online)
• Participate in an onsite interview and writing sample