Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to keep records of my exposure to physical therapy?

A. Yes, it is necessary to keep records of your exposure to physical therapy through volunteer work or employment. You should keep track of your experiences in terms of the name of the facility, hours worked, dates, your immediate supervisor and the types of patients observed.

Q. What classes should I take in high school?

A. It is important to have a strong background in science to prepare you for the University's physical therapy prerequisite courses. Taking high school biology, chemistry, physics, and communication is strongly advised.

Q. What can I do to increase my chances of being admitted to the DPT program?

A. The selection committee is looking for well-rounded students who have exposure and understanding of the field, a strong science background and good communication skills. Therefore, students should be involved in campus activities and organizations, have volunteered in physical therapy and excel in the classroom.  A minimum of 60 hours of exposure to physical therapy is recommended.  At least different settings should be represented in the hours.

Q. Are any classes more important than others?

A. All of the classes taken prior to entering the DPT program are important. A student's science and math GPA; however, is given greater consideration during the selection process.  A 2.75 GPA in the science and math prerequisite courses is required for admission consideration.  A 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended to be competitive.

Q. How many freshmen come to the University of Evansville for physical therapy?

A. Approximately 60-70 students each year plan to pursue physical therapy.

Q. How do you select students for the program?

A. Several factors are taken into consideration by the selection committee when selecting students for the DPT program. Some of these include the following: the student's overall GPA, pre-requisite science and mathematics GPA, exposure to and understanding of the physical therapy profession, campus involvement and commitment to learning.

Q. What is the average GPA for those students accepted into the PT program?

A. The average cumulative GPA for students who entered the DPT program in 2007: 3.55.

Q. When will I be notified if I am accepted into the DPT program?

A. Applicants will be admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on a rolling basis. Applications for summer 2009 admission will be available on the Department of Physical Therapy's Web site http://pt.evansville.edu beginning July 1. Review of application materials will begin in August. Interviews for qualified applicants will be conducted in October.

Q. What is an entry-level degree?

A. In a profession such as law, medicine, or physical therapy, an entry-level degree is the first degree one must have to practice and be licensed in the profession. Currently, physical therapy has two entry-level degrees: the entry-level master's degree and the entry-level doctorate. To be accredited, all programs must meet the same standards or competencies.

Q. Where are UE's clinical sites, including international sites?

A. There are approximately 300 clinical sites in the U.S. and additional international sites located in England, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and Argentina.

Q. May I go to Harlaxton College?

A. PT students may study abroad, using Harlaxton as a base, during their last semester while completing their clinicals in England. During the undergraduate years, students on the 3+3 track (3 years of undergraduate study, 3 years professional DPT program) may choose to study abroad for a 5 week summer session. Students on the 4+3 track (4 years undergraduate study, 3 years professional program) may study abroad for a full academic semester or a 5 week summer session.

Q. May I be in the athletic training program as well?

A. The University offers a Bachelor of Science in athletic training. A limited number of positions are available to physical therapy students who wish to pursue athletic training as their undergraduate major. The 4+3 track (4 years of undergraduate study, 3 years professional program) is recommended.

Q. May I participate in varsity athletics?

A. Several PT students have continued to participate in Division I athletics after being accepted into the program. Division I athletes should consider the 4+3 track (4 years undergraduate study, 3 years professional DPT courses).

Q. What is the difference between PT and PTA in terms of the programs and the professional roles?

A. The physical therapist is the professional and makes the decisions relative to patient care. The assistant provides more of the hands-on care and is considered a paraprofessional.

Q. What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

A. Physical therapists concentrate on the patient's ability to move and the movement dysfunctions which can develop after the body is injured. Occupational therapists help increase the patient's ability to perform activities of daily life such as returning to home or work after an injury.

Q. What are the areas of specialty within the field?

A. Areas of specialty include orthopedics, pediatrics, neurologic treatment, sports medicine, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, biomechanics, and electrophysiology. The University prepares graduates for general practice. Specialization and advanced degrees are available for practicing clinicians.

Q. What is the passing rate on the state board exam for University of Evansville graduates?

A. 2005, 2006, 2007:  100%

Q. What is the job market like for physical therapists?

A. The physical therapy job market offers a limitless number of opportunities in a wider variety of settings than ever before. Our graduates have been successful at obtaining jobs; the majority of students are employed before graduation or within one month of graduation. The average starting income for our 2007 graduates $55,900.

Q. Are college quarter hours transferable?

A. Yes, but we will recalculate to equate with the semester system.