Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Physical Therapy, D.P.T.


Morsani College of Medicine  
Department School of Physical Therapy 
 

As an integral part of the USF College of Medicine and USF Health system, the School of Physical Therapy offers you top-notch classroom and clinical experience in your entry-level preparation as a physical therapy practitioner.

The School of Physical Therapy  boasts an impressive and broadly experienced cadre of faculty who are engaged in teaching as well as scholarly and research activities contributing to our discipline’s body of knowledge. As part of USF Health, our Doctor of Physical Therapy students are engaged in interprofessional education with physicians, nurses, public health professionals and basic science experts. Teaching and learning together form the basis for future successful collaborative interprofessional teamwork so necessary in today’s healthcare environment. The major begins a new cohort each July.

Accreditation and Licensure

Accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  Licensure Examination following graduation and prior to initiating practice – the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).  

Admission Information

Completed applications of qualified students with all supporting documentation, received by PTCAS will be reviewed by the School of Physical Therapy DPT Student Selection Committee. The most qualified applicants will be offered enrollment as a member of the next DPT Class. All admission decisions will be sent out on or before February 1.  A Waiting List will be maintained of otherwise qualified applicants in the event that a class opening should occur.

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien (PRA) with a Green Card in possession before we will consider your application;
  • Minimum 3.20 (out of 4.00) GPA overall, and in science and prerequisite courses.  We use the GPAs calculated by PTCAS.  To learn more about their calculations, visit: http://www.ptcas.org/GPA/
  • Total of twenty (20) volunteer, observational or employment hours’ experience.  Strongly recommend two (2) different types of sites (inpatient, outpatient, acute care, etc.)
  • All degree requirements completed or no more than two (2) pre-requisite courses outstanding at the time of application.Two References from Licensed Physical Therapists with knowledge of the applicant’s aptitude and potential for success in professional school.  We will not accept Occupational Therapists, Ph.D.s or Physical Therapist Assistants.

** All items must be submitted directly to PTCAS, we do not receive any items at USF.  Keep in mind you only have four (4) reference letter spots in PTCAS.  Please ensure two of them are from  licensed PT’s if applying to USF

**GRE Scores must be submitted. There is no minimum score required, but your GRE results will be used in the selection process. Make sure you use GRE code 4083 to have your scores sent to USF SPT.

Meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission to the School of Physical Therapy.

 

Curriculum Requirements


Total Minimum Hours – 120 Credit Hours

Core Course Requirements (120 Credit Hours)


The DPT degree program is a 3 calendar year program including two summers.

Comprehensive / Qualifying Exam information


In lieu of the Comprehensive Qualifying Exam students must satisfactorily complete required clinical experiences, a longitudinal comprehensive practical evaluation, and receive certification by the faculty. Licensure Examination following graduation and prior to initiating practice – the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).  The NPTE serves in lieu of a qualifying exam.