EXCELLENCE, COMPASSION, DEDICATION DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy
1 WALSH UNIVERSITY DPT Welcome to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Walsh University. Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing and most rewarding careers in the United States. Our fully accredited physical therapy graduate program is committed to providing an educational program that both challenges and enhances a student s ability to learn through a student-centered, values-based teaching environment that focuses on clinical-decision making, evidence-based practice, and service to the wider community. Our curriculum prepares the student physical therapist to understand and meet the challenges of today s various treatment approaches in diagnosis, prevention and management of physical impairments and functional limitations. A variety of active learning strategies are implemented to enhance student learning and critical thinking. Coursework builds upon a foundation of basic sciences and problem-solving skills integrated through a series of practice-based courses centered on major body systems. Productive scholarship and licensure preparation are also keystone components to the program. We offer state-of-the art facilities, hands-on clinical experience opportunities throughout the entire U.S., and an outstanding faculty dedicated to preparing student practitioners to be successful in their field. Your interest in our professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program signifies your quest for quality and opportunity. We are confident that you will find these at Walsh University, a truly extraordinary place. Entrance into the DPT program: In order to apply, students are required to meet the following criteria Completed application on PTCAS and paid fee Bachelor s degree from an accredited, 4 year institution of higher learning Transcripts from all former institutions attended Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 Minimum pre-requisite course GPA of 3.00 GRE scores (writing, quantitative, verbal) TOEFL score (international students only) Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional) 30 hours of professional observation in 3 different settings (minimum of 10 hours at each setting) Onsite interview, by invitation Pre-requisites We consider persons for admission with bachelor s degrees from accredited colleges meeting the pre-requisites established by the physical therapy division, with promising scholastic standing, and with personal and professional potential. Course Name Semester(s) Required Credit Hours Required Biology 2 semesters, plus lab 8 Chemistry 2 semesters, plus lab 8 Physics 2 semesters, plus lab 8 Human Physiology 1 semester 3-4 Psychology 2 semesters 6 Exercise Physiology 1 semester 3-4 Statistics 1 semester 3
doctor of physical therapy 2 Health Requirements Physical and Mental Requirements for Program Admission: Students matriculating in the physical therapy division at Walsh University must have: Adequate gross and fine motor ability for safe performance of patient examination and intervention procedures. Adequate visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic senses for obtaining accurate examination and investigative findings. Ability to think critically and solve problems. Ability to effectively communicate (oral, nonverbal and written). Ability to organize and effectively manage tasks. Adaptability to perform tasks with persons from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings.
3 WALSH UNIVERSITY Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum Outline Year One Year Two Year Three Fall Semester Fall Semester Fall Semester PT 603 Human Anatomy...6 PT 703 Professional Experience I... 4 PT 705 Professional Experience III...5 (8 wks) (10 wks) PT 611 Foundations of Clinical PT 720 Research Methodology I... 3 PT 712 Community Health...3 Science...4 PT 615-IA Biomechanics I...2 PT 730 Neuromuscular... 6 PT 722 Research Methodology III...1 Impairments I PT 701 Professional Issues I...1 PT 732 Multi-Systems Impairment...4 PT 740 Special Topics...1 13 13 14 Spring Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester PT 604 Foundations of PT 721 Research Methodology II... 2 PT 706 Professional Experience IV...6 Neuroscience... 4 (12 wks) PT 606 Foundations of PT 731 Neuromuscular PT 713 Service Project...1 Pharmacology... 2 Impairments II... 6 PT 608 Foundations of PT 734 Cardiovascular Respiratory PT 723 Research Methodology IV...2 Clinical Exercise...4 Impairments I... 4 PT 615-IB Biomechanics II...2 PT 704 Professional Experience II... 4 PT 736 Capstone Seminar...2 (8 wks) PT 612 Musculoskeletal Impairments I...3 PT 702 Professional Issues II...1 16 16 11 Summer Semester Summer Semester Summer Semester PT 605 Motor Learning/... PT 711 Health Care Business Motor Control...3 Management II... 2 PT 613 Musculoskeletal... PT 735 Cardiovascular Respiratory Impairments II...5 Impairments II... 5 PT 614 Musculoskeletal... PT 742 Life Span... 4 Impairments III...5 PT 710 Health Care... PT 740-01 Pediatrics... 1 Business Management I...2 PT 740-06 Special Topics: Diagnostic Imaging... 1 15 13 0 Total Credit Hours YEAR ONE...44 Total Credit Hours YEAR TWO... 42 Total Credit Hours YEAR THREE...25 Total Credit Hours: 108-109
doctor of physical therapy 4 The Walsh Advantage At Walsh University, we strive to make your path to a graduate degree efficient and productive. We feature small classes and caring professors, administrators, and advisors to make sure you get the appropriate attention that you need and that your Walsh experience is a rich and rewarding one. Walsh Undergraduate Advantage Students attending Walsh University for their pre-physical therapy undergraduate education have the opportunity of being involved in program activities and becoming acquainted with PT faculty. Ranking advantages are also considered during the admissions process. Walsh University Undergraduate students may also be eligible for: Direct Entry Program* High school students who demonstrate a history of scholastic aptitude (GPA of 3.75 or higher; ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1200; top 10% of their high school class) along with professional potential can be considered for admission to the Direct Entry Program, a modified 4 + 3 model. Benefits: Preferential acceptance into the Graduate Physical Therapy program as a freshman Individualized interviews with faculty outside of the standard interview sessions. Not ranked with other applicants Accelerated Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy Track* The accelerated program enables qualified students to eliminate a year of university education. The first year in the DPT program accounts for the fourth year in the Biology/Pre-PT undergraduate major. Benefits: Provisional acceptance in the DPT program Eliminate one year of university education and enter the work force one year earlier Undergraduate advisor is a DPT program faculty member Opportunities to attend presentations and participate in projects/activities with graduate students in the physical therapy program Fellowship Program* The fellowship program is an undergraduate scholarship program for Biology/Pre-physical therapy majors. Benefits: Tuition scholarship award of $1000 for each year in the fellowship program as an undergraduate student (up to $4,000; awarded upon enrollment into the DPT program) Undergraduate advisor is a DPT program faculty member Opportunities to attend presentations and participate in projects/activities with graduate students in the physical therapy program *Students must meet acceptance standards for the Direct Entry Program, Accelerated Track, and/or Fellowship Program.
5 WALSH UNIVERSITY Frequently Asked Questions There are a number of PT schools in the state of Ohio. What makes Walsh a unique experience? Why should I consider applying to Walsh University s DPT program? Walsh is unabashedly a Catholic university. The faculty, students, and support personnel on campus live the mission of the university, which is to model the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and to foster service learning within the educational model. However, Walsh is welcoming to students of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. In addition, our smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty and administration, as well as our involvement and passion for the profession of physical therapy is unmatched. We feel Walsh is the perfect blend of spirit and sophistication. The clinical experiences within the program are critical to a strong education in physical therapy. What is unique about the clinical experiences at Walsh? Our students complete four clinical rotations in a variety of practice settings that encompass patients with diverse needs. The emphasis of our clinical education curriculum is placed upon the body systems encountered by students in the academic course work in contrast to the type of setting in which students are placed. I am interested in creating and participating in original research. Is there an opportunity at Walsh s DPT program to participate in research? Students and faculty work together in the creation of original research within the requirements of the DPT curriculum. Our students have been incredibly successful in publishing and presenting their research both locally and nationally. Students have contributed to textbook chapters, multiple journal publications, and have worked with licensed clinicians on joint research studies. Walsh s enrollment qualifies it as a small university. What has Walsh s DPT program done to assure that the education received at Walsh is commensurate to that of a larger university? Walsh is a complex blend of spirit and sophistication. Our mission allows careful emphases on the areas of education that we think are critical ingredients to be an effective, exceptional physical therapist. These include compassion, motivation, empathy, dedication, and effort. Furthermore, our faculty are exceptionally well trained, have won teaching awards, are internationally recognized scholars, and are fellowship trained clinicians, who have a wide variety of skill sets necessary for effective education. In areas where a unique teaching perspective is needed, outside faculty or clinicians are brought in to teach. That said there are no holes within the curriculum that lead to gaps in learning. Do I need to have a Bachelor s degree to apply and be admitted to Walsh University s physical therapy program? You do not need your degree in hand for us to interview you or make an offer of acceptance. However, you must have completed your degree and all pre-requisite coursework prior to the start of graduate program courses. The only exception is for Walsh undergraduate students who are enrolled in the accelerated program. What are the average overall and pre-requisite GPAs and GRE scores of students selected to attend Walsh University s physical therapy program? The minimum standard pre-requisite and overall GPA necessary for acceptance into the program is a 3.0. Completion of GREs is required prior to an invitation to interview, but there is no minimum standard. Currently, our applicant pool has had a mean overall GPA of 3.57, a mean pre-requisite GPA of 3.57, and a mean GRE of 300. What is the overall licensure pass rate of your graduates? For the graduating classes of our DPT program from 2009 to 2011, it is 100%. How many of your graduates are employed as PTs within 6 months of passing the licensure examination? It is 100%. What should I expect when I get there? Classes at Walsh are intense but rewarding. In the first few semesters of PT school, you will be surprised by the amount that you learn in such a short period of time. You should expect to work hard but have a great experience in a professional atmosphere with other students who will become your best friends throughout the 8 semesters at Walsh.
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