Rehabilitation Sciences

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Degree:	Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Majors:	PT 310 CAHS (513) 558-7477

Applications for admission in the Fall Quarter, 2008 are now closed

Applications for admission in the Fall Quarter, 2009 will be available over the summer so please check back then.

About the Program

Physical therapy is an allied health profession that promotes optimal health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged dysfunctions. The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals reach their maximum potential and to contribute to society while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. To practice as a registered (or licensed) physical therapist, an individual must be a graduate from an accredited program and pass a state licensure examination.

The University of Cincinnati offers the Physical Therapy Program through the College of Allied Health Sciences as an Entry-Level Clinical Doctorate (DPT). The American Physical Therapy Assocation has recommended that future Physical Therapists graduate with a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) by the year 2020. The Ohio Board of Regents approved University of Cincinnati's conversion from the MPT to the DPT on March 22, 2007. A bachelor's degree, specific coursework and volunteer experience are three of the prerequisites required for admission.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Program Information and Application Form;

2008 PT Program Information
Volunteer Hours and Recommendation Forms

Career Opportunities

Physical therapists work in a variety of health settings. Included are positions in hospitals, private practice, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, research institutions, retirement communities, nursing homes, pediatric centers and schools.

Curriculum

The following is a sample course of study in the physical therapy program:

First Year Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters	Credit Hours
Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology I, II, and III	9
Movement Science I, II, and III	9
Applied Anatomy I, II, and III	12
Professional Roles I and II	4
Imaging and Examination I, II, and III	3
Research I	3
Interventions I and II	7

Second Year Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters	Credit Hours
Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology IV and V	4
Movement Science IV	2
Interventions III	4
Evidence Based Practice I and II	4
Authentic Assessment I and II	2
Patient-Client Practice I and II	14
Patient Management: Musculoskeletal Conditions I and II	10
Patient Management: Neuromuscular Conditions I and II	10
Patient Management: Medical Conditions I and II	8
Clinical Research I and II	2

Third Year Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters	Credit Hours
Patient Management: Musculoskeletal Conditions III	5
Patient Management: Neuromuscular Conditions III	5
Patient Management: Medical Conditions III	3
Evidence Based Practice III	2
Clinical Research III, IV, and V	3
Professional Roles III	2
Patient-Client Practice III, IV, and V	29
Authentic Assessment III	5
Clinical Management of Special Populations	3

Admission requirements for Physical Therapy Program

Entrance into the Physical Therapy Program is competitive.

A maximum of 24 students will be accepted for admission. Enrollment is limited. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission into the Physical Therapy Program.

For admission requirements and prerequisite information, please refer to the PT Program Information.

Admission for Students

Students can select any bachelor's program but are reminded that entrance requirements to colleges will vary. The academic advisors of the College of Allied Health Sciences can provide suggestions for prospective students. A pre-physical therapy major and a Bachelor of Health Sciences are available through the College of Allied Health Sciences to assist with the initial selection of courses and final selection of a bachelor's degree.

Students who already hold a bachelor's degree but have not taken all admissions requirements or students who are undecided in their choice of a bachelor's degree should contact the College's academic advisors at 513-558-8540 or register as a pre-physical therapy major in the College of Allied Health Sciences.

Individuals who have met the physical therapy admission requirements can apply, during the application period, to the Physical Therapy Program if the course requirements have been completed within the past 10 calendar years and the GRE taken within the past 5 calendar years. Please note that certain exceptions may apply. Individuals with questions concerning prior coursework and its acceptance in meeting physical therapy requirements should contact the College's academic advisors (513-558-8540).

For Further Information

For admission queries, call or write:

Beth Bextermueller, Program Coordinator
(513) 558-7455
beth.bextermueller@uc.edu

For additional program information, call or write:

Physical Therapy Program
Lizanne Mulligan, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Allied Health Sciences
3202 Eden Avenue
PO Box 670394
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394
(513) 558-7477
(513) 558-7474
mulligea@uc.edu

Additional Links

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
American Physical Therapy Association
PT Student Handbook 2006-2007