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Program FAQ

 

Is the program a Master or Doctoral degree?

The San Diego State University (SDSU) is an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree and will be eligible to take the national licensure exam for physical therapists.

What degree do I need to enter the DPT Program?

To be considered for the DPT Program, verification of a Bachelors’ (BA/BS) degree is required.

In what area of study should I get my Bachelors of Science Degree?

Many students receive a degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science to fulfill the prerequisites for Physical Therapy School; however, you may complete your degree in any area of study as long as you meet the minimum requirements needed to apply.

If accepted, when would I begin my physical therapy course work in the DPT Program?

All students begin their course work in August of the year they are admitted.

How often during the year do you admit students to the DPT Program?

Admission to the DPT Program occurs once a year. Application deadline is December 15th. Students are admitted through the Graduate School with the agreement of the DPT Program. Please refer to the Graduate School catalog and website for the University graduate admission application, procedures and deadlines. The due dates are subject to change each year, so please check the website for the most current deadlines.

Does my degree in physical therapy allow me to practice physical therapy?

No. Before graduates from accredited physical therapy programs can practice physical therapy they must pass a licensure board examination. Once the license examination has been passed, you are entitled to practice physical therapy in that state. All 50 states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia recognize the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy examination as the standard for determining licensure eligibility.

Are graduates of the program finding employment in physical therapy?

There continues to be a strong demand for physical therapists. Citing 2 national job satisfaction surveys, U.S. News & World Report added physical therapists to its list of best careers for 2009. Physical therapists also ranked 4th in a list of the 100 “Best Jobs in America” featured in the November 2010 issue of CNNMoney.com. There is a high demand for physical therapists in the workforce despite the economic downturn. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to APTA, with just a 0.2 percent unemployment rate, physical therapists are now experiencing the best employment conditions since enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The need for PTs is expected to increase into the foreseeable future as the U.S. population ages and the demand for physical therapy services grows.

Does the SDSU DPT program offer areas of specialty?

The SDSU DPT is a general degree which covers all basic aspects of physical therapy; we do not offer specialties, although there is opportunity for emphasis in an area through your choice of electives, clinical affiliations, and scholarly doctoral project.

How long is the program?

The DPT program lasts approximately three years. The first year begins in late-August and the third year ends in mid-May. This includes didactic coursework and clinical requirements.

Are there research opportunities within the DPT program?

Students are required to complete a scholarly doctoral project as part of the curriculum. Please refer to the course curriculum and course descriptions

Do California state residents get preference?

Yes, San Diego State University is a State school, therefore preference is given to residents of the State of California. However, this does not imply that California residents receive automatic acceptance. Admission to Physical Therapy Programs is fairly competitive and all completed applications are processed. Consequently, several out-of-state students may receive admission into the SDSU DPT Program. California residency of graduate students is in accordance with the regulations of the Board of Regents and the laws of the State of California. A full statement of the regulations is available in the SDSU Graduate Bulletin. Out-of-state residents must pay the out-of-state graduate student tuition rate.

How much is tuition?

For the 2013-2014 academic year, the cost of in-state tuition is $8,074 per semester. Out-of-state tuition is an additional $372 per unit. The tuition fee does not include campus fees.

Is Financial Aid available for the program?

Merit-based scholarships are offered through the SDSU Office of Financial Aid. Low-interest loans are also available to qualified applicants. International students do not qualify for these loans. Please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at (619) 594-6323 for more specific information.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

The SDSU Financial Aid office can discuss information regarding specific financial aid options. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at (619) 594-6323 for more specific information

What is the history of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program?

General information about the DPT degree may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website

What is the expected salary for a Physical Therapist?

Salaries for physical therapists vary according to factors such as geographical location, type of practice, and years of experience. Projected salaries are found here

What is the mean grade point average (GPA) for entering students?

According to the 2009-2010 PTCAS report, the mean grade point average of students entering an entry level physical therapy program was 3.47 on a 4.0 scale. For the Fall 2012 SDSU class the average overall cumulative GPA was 3.45. The average prerequisite GPA was 3.71 on a 4.0 scale.

What grade point average is required to be accepted to the SDSU DPT program?

Acceptance is on a competitive GPA basis. The Admissions Committee reviews all aspects of the application, such as overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, etc., when making an admissions decision.

What prerequisites are required to enter the program?

Regardless of undergraduate major there are specific prerequisite courses that are required:

  • General Biology with lab and upper division biology with lab(2 courses/one year)
  • Human anatomy with lab and human physiology with lab (2 courses/one year)
  • General lecture and lab-based chemistry (2 courses/one year)
  • General physics lecture and lab-based (2 courses/one year)
  • General psychology and upper division psychology (2 courses/one year)
  • Statistics (one course)
  • English writing

When must I have my admission course work completed to be eligible for admission to the DPT Program?

Students must complete the science prerequisites and graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester that they are making application. Documentation of all prerequisite coursework must be received and verified (completed with a grade of “C” or above) by the Spring semester (or quarter) prior to the 2013 Fall semester.

Where can I fulfill the prerequisite requirements?

You may complete the prerequisite requirements at any accredited community college, or university. However, it is recommended that most science and math prerequisites be completed at the University level.

Do I have to take the Graduate Records Exam (GRE)?

All applicants must have taken the GRE within the past five years. Please request that scores are sent specifically to SDSU Graduate Admissions CSUMentor using the code (Code 4682) The GRE is not required for applicants with verified PhD degrees.

I took the GRE a few years ago. Will you still accept my scores?

The GRE must have been taken within the past five years.

I’ve taken the GRE multiple times with multiple results. Which score will you use?

We will use the highest combined score earned at one testing session

What are the required GRE test scores to get into your program?

GRE scores prior to 09/2011: Minimum combined Verbal and Qualitative score of 1000, and minimum Analytical Writing score of 4.0;  GRE scores after 09/2011: Minimum combined Verbal and Qualitative score of 300, and minimum Analytical Writing score of 4.0.

If I have had a similar course, may I substitute it for a prerequisite?

For the 2013-14 academic year, no courses may be substituted for a required prerequisite course.

How many hours of experience do I need?

Experience in a Physical Therapy setting, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist is required. The minimum amount of volunteer work needed is 100 hours. A variety of types of clinical settings (for example: inpatient hospital settings, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient clinics) is recommended so that the applicant will have a well-rounded perception of the physical therapy profession.

Will observation or volunteer hours in health areas other than in a physical therapy department be counted toward admission requirements?

No. Again, only the hours spent observing or volunteering in a physical therapy department (e.g., hospital or outpatient) under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist will be counted toward the hours required for admissions.

I have been out of school for five years with a Bachelor of Science degree. Am I eligible to apply for your program?

All interested persons are encouraged to apply to our program. We value life experience in physical therapy applicants.

What is the process of being accepted into your program?

The admissions process involves submitting an application to SDSU Graduate Admissions through CSU Mentor, and a completed application through the SDSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. While there is a $55.00 fee to the Graduate School, there is no supplemental fee or application to the DPT program.

How do I submit an application to the SDSU DPT program?

Applications are handled by the SDSU DPT program. Some information is required via the SDSU DPT online application, while other information is required in one complete package mailed to SDSU. See the DPT admissions / application page.

How do I submit my letters of recommendation?

The three required letters of recommendation must be mailed in one (1) complete packet mailed to the SDSU DPT program. One letter of recommendation must be from a licensed physical therapist with whom you have volunteered, worked or observed, and one from a professor for whom you have completed a course. It is highly recommended that the remaining letter come from another licensed physical therapist you have had a professional association and can appropriately evaluate your potential as a student in the physical therapy program, or from another from a professor or instructor for whom you completed a course and can speak to your ability in a classroom setting.

Do you recruit minorities?

The SDSU DPT program is committed to recruiting and matriculating minority students for a career in Physical Therapy. We are committed to multicultural diversity in the program.

Do minorities have preference over the general population?

All applicants are expected to meet the same admissions requirements. Each applicant is evaluated on an individual basis.

What are my chances of being accepted into the DPT program?

We accept approximately 36 students into each class. Approximately 250-300 students are expected to apply to our program for the 2013-14 Academic year. We strongly encourage everyone who is interested in a physical therapy career to apply.

Do you have a part-time curriculum?

The DPT curriculum is a three year full-time commitment. We will not offer a part-time option.

Does the DPT program offer night classes?

Most coursework takes place during the day, but a few classes may be scheduled in the evening.

Can I work while I am in DPT school?

Due to the time intensive nature of the Program, outside employment is discouraged.

Is on-campus housing available at SDSU?

On-campus housing is available for students. Additional information about on-campus housing is available online

What If I have a disability?

See the enclosed statement on Essential Tasks for Admission and/ or contact the SDSU Student Disability Services (619) 594-6473 for information concerning disabilities and reasonable accommodations.

 

 

 

last updated: 8/30/2012