Physical Therapy, D.P.T.

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Morsani College of Medicine
Department School of Physical Therapy

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

As an integral part of the USF College of Medicine and USF Health system, the School of Physical Therapy offers you top-notch classroom and clinical experience in your entry-level preparation as a physical therapy practitioner.

The School of Physical Therapy boasts an impressive and broadly experienced cadre of faculty who are engaged in teaching as well as scholarly and research activities contributing to our discipline’s body of knowledge. As part of USF Health, our Doctor of Physical Therapy students are engaged in interprofessional education with physicians, nurses, public health professionals and basic science experts. Teaching and learning together form the basis for future successful collaborative interprofessional teamwork so necessary in today’s healthcare environment. The major begins a new cohort each August.

Accreditation and Licensure

Accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Licensure Examination following graduation and prior to initiating practice – the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Admission Information

Completed applications of qualified students with all supporting documentation, received by PTCAS will be reviewed by the School of Physical Therapy DPT Student Selection Committee. The most qualified applicants will be offered enrollment as a member of the next DPT Class. All admission decisions will be sent out on or before February 1. A Waiting List will be maintained of otherwise qualified applicants in the event that a class opening should occur.

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien (PRA) with a Green Card in possession before we will consider your application;
Minimum 3.20 (out of 4.00) GPA overall, and Science/Math. We use the GPAs calculated by PTCAS. To learn more about their calculations, visit: http://www.ptcas.org/GPA/
All degree requirements completed or no more than two (2) pre-requisite courses outstanding at the time of application.Two References from Licensed Physical Therapists with knowledge of the applicant’s aptitude and potential for success in professional school. We will not accept Occupational Therapists, Ph.D.s or Physical Therapist Assistants.

** All items must be submitted directly to PTCAS, we do not receive any items at USF. Keep in mind we require three letters of recommendation that must be directly submitted via PTCAS.

**GRE Scores must be submitted. There is no minimum score required, but your GRE results will be used in the selection process. Make sure you use GRE code 4083 to have your scores sent to USF SPT. It is recommended to have a GRE score near the national average, which is a 45-55th percentile for each section.

Meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission to the School of Physical Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours – 119 Credit Hours

The DPT degree program is a three (3) calendar year program including two summers.

Core Requirements (119 Credit Hours)

PHT 6015 Introduction to Physical Therapy Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6174 Movement Science I - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6178 Movement Science II - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6205 Seminar in Physical Therapy I Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6274 Scientific Inquiry 1 Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6275 Physical Therapy Science - Gross Anatomy Credit Hours: 4
PHT 6276 Physical Therapy Science - Neuroscience Credit Hours: 4
PHT 6277 Physical Therapy Science - Physiology and Pathophysiology Credit Hours: 4
PHT 6278 Physical Therapy Science - Other Systems Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6284 Scientific and Professional Foundations of Physical Therapy I Credit Hours: 4
PHT 6285 Scientific and Professional Foundations of Physical Therapy II Credit Hours: 4
PHT 6286 Integumentary Clinical Problem Solving Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6381 Cardiopulmonary Clinical Problem Solving Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6609 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6763 Neuromuscular Clinical Problem Solving I Credit Hours: 3
PHT 6841 Clinical Education I - DPT Credit Hours: 5
PHT 6932 Seminar in Physical Therapy II Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6933 Seminar in Physical Therapy III Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6934 Seminar in Physical Therapy IV Credit Hours: 2
PHT 6937 Seminar in Physical Therapy V Credit Hours: 2
PHT 7125 Movement Science 4 Credit Hours: 2
PHT 7151 Health Promotion and Wellness Credit Hours: 2
PHT 7274 Scientific Inquiry II Credit Hours: 2
PHT 7328 Pediatric Physical Therapy Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7402 Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy Practice Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7420 Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy Credit Hours: 2
PHT 7421 Professional Issues I - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7531 Professional Issues II - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7763 Neuromuscular Clinical Problem Solving II Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7777 Musculoskeletal Clinical Problem Solving I Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7778 Musculoskeletal Clinical Problem Solving II Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7830 Essentials of Specialty Practice Credit Hours: 4
PHT 7842 Clinical Education II - DPT Credit Hours: 5
PHT 7863 Integrated Clinical Experience I Credit Hours: 1
PHT 7864 Integrated Clinical Experience II Credit Hours: 1
PHT 7865 Integrated Clinical Experience III Credit Hours: 1
PHT 7866 Integrated Clinical Experience IV Credit Hours: 1
PHT 7872 Management of Complex Patients Credit Hours: 3
PHT 7959 Capstone Seminar in Physical Therapy Credit Hours: 2
PHT 8179 Movement Science III - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 8550 Professional Issues III - DPT Credit Hours: 3
PHT 8843 Clinical Education III - DPT Credit Hours: 7

Comprehensive / Qualifying Exam information

In lieu of the Comprehensive Qualifying Exam students must satisfactorily complete required clinical experiences, a longitudinal comprehensive practical evaluation, successfully pass a comprehensive exam, and receive certification by the faculty. Licensure Examination following graduation and prior to initiating practice – the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE serves in lieu of a qualifying exam.