Physical Therapy Program

The Physical Therapy Program is an articulated program sponsored with the Rutgers University School of Health Professionals (Rutgers-SHP) and specializes in doctoral-level education for individuals wishing to become physical therapists. Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program receive state-of-the-art education that prepares them to be in the forefront of the physical therapy profession.

Physical Therapy involves the examination, treatment, and instruction of persons to assess, prevent, and correct physical disability and pain from injury and disease. It includes the planning of treatment and the use of activities and devices for reducing the incidence of movement dysfunction and pain. Physical therapists continue to be in demand throughout the United States. Employment opportunities are available in a wide variety of healthcare settings and geographic locations.

Students in the entry-level component of the Physical Therapy Program spend about three years at Felician University completing 100 credits in the pre-professional component (47 credits in the General Education Curricular Commons and 53 credits in the required departmental core). Students must formally apply for admission for their professional coursework to the Rutgers-SHP Physical Therapy Program. Upon successful completion of their first year of courses (45 credits) at the Rutgers-SHP, Felician University will award a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Upon successful completion of the remainder of the required coursework (approximately two additional years), the Rutgers-SHP will award a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students are prepared to enter the physical therapy profession as a clinician capable of practicing in an autonomous and ethical manner. The graduate will have skills in differential diagnosis as well as in advanced clinical and management practices. They will be able to understand and apply research presented in various formats to clinical decision making and practice and will be expected to lead the profession in the changes needed for effective practice in the 21st century.

Admission Requirements

1. High School graduation or equivalent diploma (GED).
2. English as a Second language (ESL) placement test if required and completion of ESL courses, if necessary.
3. Earn a minimum of 550 on TOEFL Exam for applicants with foreign credentials who are transferring into the DPT Program.
4. Completion of any necessary remedial courses as determined by the College’s Basic Skills Tests.
5. A minimum grade of 3.2 for all transfer students.

Note: The minimal satisfaction of entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the professional portion of the program. The final decision for acceptance rests with the professional school.

Degree Requirements

All students must:

1. Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 and a minimum GPA of 3.3 for science courses;
2. Complete all the pre-professional courses (100 credits) with a grade of “C” or better in all required science and math courses;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical therapy profession through actual work or volunteer experience;
4. Demonstrate evidence of community service;
5. Formally apply to the Rutgers-SHP Physical Therapy program for the professional component of the program;
6. Obtain a satisfactory score on all three sections (verbal, quantitative and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
7. Submit three letters of recommendation, including two from physical therapists;
8. Have basic computer literacy, including file management, use of word processing and spreadsheet programs, use of e-mail and the Internet.

Notes:

     A. Students whose applications are successful will have an interview scheduled by Rutgers-SHP. This step is very important in
          the decision involving acceptance or rejection to the professional portion.
     B. This is a highly competitive program. Applicants therefore must maintain high grades,have strong application materials
          ready, and must prepare for the interview. It is recommended that students work with Career Services to sharpen interview
          skills.

Program length:  45 months (based on full-time enrollment)

Pre-Professional Requirements: