Freshman Admission and Direct Entry RequirementsThe University of Evansville (UE) offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This six or seven year curriculum involves three or four years of prerequisite and undergraduate course work followed by three years (nine semesters including summers) of professional study. An undergraduate degree may be completed in three years (3+3 track) or four years (4+3 track). High school seniors interested in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program follow University admission procedures. Students apply for admission to the DPT program in the fall of their junior year (3+3 track) or their senior year (4+3 track). Enrollment in the University does not guarantee enrollment in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Direct entry positions are available to high school seniors who have displayed superior academic performance during high school (see below).
3+3 track (3 years of undergraduate and prerequisite coursework + 3 years of
professional (DPT) coursework)
4+3 track (4 years of undergraduate and prerequisite coursework +3 years of
professional DPT coursework) Both undergraduate options are followed by three years of professional study and culminate in the awarding of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. A decision regarding which track a student plans to pursue must be made prior to the fall semester of the sophomore year. A bachelor's degree must be completed prior to beginning PT 561, Clinical I. This course takes place during the summer following the first year in the DPT program. If a bachelor's degree has not been completed, the student will progress in the DPT program. The DPT program's admission requirements and application materials are available on the Requirements and Application page of this web site.
Direct Entry (DE) Admission to the DPT Program
Application to the DPT Program During College-Students who are not
Direct Entry Admission to the DPT program is selective; 40 students are admitted to the program each year. Admission criteria is subject to change. One of the earliest decisions students make is whether they want to combine their professional Physical Therapy degree with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training, Biology, Exercise Science, or Interdisciplinary Studies. Other areas of study are also possible, however, the student must work with their academic advisor to ensure that all degree and DPT prerequisites can be met. Athletic Training (4+3 track)The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled allied health professional. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the health care team for the physically active. Traditionally, secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, and professional sports teams have employed ATCs. ATCs are rapidly expanding their employment into new settings such as physician offices, health and wellness centers, and industry. The athletic training major is designed for those individuals who are seeking certification as an athletic trainer from the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the accrediting body for many allied health professions such as athletic training. The University of Evansville is currently meeting all standards for accreditation as described by CAAHEP. The bachelor's degree program prepares the student for the challenges that will be encountered as an allied health professional. This includes the integration of a strong liberal arts and science foundation with problem solving and clinical skill development. The concurrent clinical education model allows the student to gain extensive practical experience. The majority of clinical education occurs while working with the University's 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams. Convenient off campus assignments with clinical and high school based athletic trainers, as well as physicians exist to ensure a well-rounded practical experience. Biology (4+3 track)Biology is the study of living organisms-how they develop, how they change over time, and how the diverse organisms relate to one another and their environment. Biology covers a broad range from Genetics and Molecular Biology (i.e., how DNA and genes function) to Organismal Biology and how complex organisms, such as humans, are structurally and functionally organized. Biology appeals to the curiosity and desire for exploration inherent in each of us. Anyone who gasps with wonder at the rapid wing-beat of a hummingbird, spends an afternoon exploring a forest, or marvels at how the human brain creates fine arts and music, experiences the delight of discovery of a Biologist. The curriculum in Biology at the University of Evansville is designed to give students the necessary pre-requisites to go on to professional or graduate school or pursue a career in Biology. The Biology faculty teach a range of courses that will provide background to your clinical degree. As a Biology major you may take courses in Molecular Biology and Cell Biology that describe how genes affect the basic unit of life, the cell. We also offer courses in Parasitology, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Developmental Biology, and advanced study of animal anatomy and function. Courses in Ecology, Marine Biology, and various plant sciences are also available. For a complete listing of courses consult the Undergraduate Catalog. Exercise Science (3+3 track or 4+3 track)The Exercise Science major (pre-professional track) comprises a strong natural science curriculum that focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to healthy, injured and high-risk populations. As an applied discipline, the Exercise Science major emphasizes an experiential approach in which the goal is to understand the physiological and biomechanical consequences of human movement. Due to the emphasis on the sciences in this curriculum, the pre-professional track is an excellent major for further study in physical therapy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, medicine, podiatry, occupational therapy, and other professional schools. In addition, graduates with the degree Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (pre-professional) are prepared for employment in clinical or hospital settings, health and wellness intervention programs, and other health-related careers. Interdisciplinary Studies (3+3 track or 4+3 track)This undergraduate major is designed for the individual who may have a variety of interests, an unusual career goal, or a highly focused career goal. The key word when discussing the Interdisciplinary Studies major is flexibility. A major in Interdisciplinary Studies allows the student, with guidance from an advisor and approval of the Interdisciplinary Studies committee, to select courses from at least two distinct academic disciplines. The disciplines must be supportive of each other. The student is required to explain to the committee how the areas are mutually supportive, and how completion of the planned courses will enable the student to achieve the student's personal and professional goals. For the student in the 3+3 track, three academic disciplines are required for the Interdisciplinary Studies major. The courses completed in the first year of the Physical Therapy professional program satisfy the requirements for one of the three areas. The student must complete a total of 36 credits in the other two disciplines, with at least nine hours at the 300 or 400 level (i.e., junior or senior courses) in each discipline. A sample program could include courses in Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Spanish. Psychology coursework could be Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Learning and Motivation, Physiological Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Industrial Psychology. Spanish coursework could be two Elementary and two Intermediate Spanish courses, Business and Legal Spanish, Medical Spanish, and Social Issues in Hispanic Society. The Senior Seminar, which is required for all undergraduate degrees, would typically be completed in either Psychology or Spanish. However, any other discipline could be selected for the Senior Seminar. Pre-Professional Requisite CoursesRequired prerequisite courses must be taken prior to admittance into the professional program. All science courses should be designed for science majors. Other designs will not be accepted. On line courses are NOT acceptable for science prerequisite courses. Four of the seven science prerequisite courses must be completed at time of application. Once established as a UE student only one science prerequisite course may be completed at another institution. A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite coursework.
* Science prerequisite General Education Requirements
Students may be required to enroll in summer classes in order to meet all general education and undergraduate degree requirements. Essential FunctionsTo function as a physical therapist, individuals must be able to meet the specific physical, cognitive, and social/emotional standards which are known as essential functions and are listed below. Students are to familiarize themselves with the standards and must determine if they can or can not meet each standard at the start of their physical therapy education. In the event a student determines they can not meet one or more of the essential functions, they must submit a written request to the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy for a reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is a strategy, agreed upon by the student and the University, to allow the student to meet the essential function. Reasonable accommodation does not mean that the student will be exempt from certain tasks; it does imply that the faculty will work with the student within the context of the agreed upon strategy, to provide him/her the opportunity to successfully complete all program requirements. Students requesting a reasonable accommodation are not required to disclose specific information regarding the nature of their disability. If a student is unable to meet an essential function with reasonable accommodation, or the accommodation needed is not reasonable and would cause undue hardship to the University, or if the student's inability to meet the essential function would create a significant risk of harm to the student or others, the offer of admission or status in the program will be withdrawn. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy if, at any point after admission to the program, the student feels as though his/her health and/or functional status has changed and he/she does not meet one or more of the essential functions. The essential functions are:Observation Observation requires the use of vision, hearing, and other sensory modalities. Students must be able to observe lectures, laboratories, and other demonstrations. Students are required to observe patients accurately and interpret patient movement, skin conditions, changes in appearance, and identify safety hazards.
Questions regarding the essential functions should be directed toward the Department of Physical Therapy Chair. The Doctor of Physical Therapy requires criminal background checks for all students in the program. A positive result may prohibit a student from completing his DPT degree. Admission criteria is subject to change. The Department of Physical Therapy reserves the right to make final decisions concerning all admission criteria. |
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