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Physical Therapy

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The Marymount University Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program prepares generalist practitioners to deliver best available physical therapist practice for improving movement, function and health across diverse individuals and communities. The program employs a dynamic learning-in-context environment that is warm and welcoming. Critical thinking, professionalism, respecting individual differences, and adherence to ethical practices ground all classroom, clinic, and community activities. The program utilizes a modified problem-based curriculum unique to the region.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

function independently, managing patients with a wide variety of simple or complex conditions;
perform skilled physical therapist examinations, interventions, and clinical reasoning proficiently and consistently;
apply best available scientific evidence, clinical judgment, and patient preferences in physical therapy patient management;
manage a full-time physical therapist’s caseload to achieve resource-efficient and patient-effective outcomes;
exhibit care, compassion, and empathy in delivering physical therapy services sensitive to individual, cultural, and social differences; and
implement a self-directed plan for professional development and lifelong learning.

The physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Admission Requirements and Eligibility: The physical therapy program is a three-year, full-time program. Applicants have a separate admissions process and a notification of admission status shortly after the required interview. Entry into the program is in the fall semester only. Class size is limited to 38 students. Marymount University participates in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), offered through the American Physical Therapy Association. With this system, one central application is completed. Materials are then forwarded to all programs to which the individual applied through PTCAS. The PTCAS website (www.ptcas.org) provides further information and instructions about the application process. The deadline to submit a completed application is November 15.

In order to be considered for admission, applicants need

a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the physical therapy program;
a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all college and university coursework;
a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all prerequisite science coursework; and
completion of 100 hours of observation or volunteer service work in a physical therapy clinical setting, verified by a physical therapist from the clinical setting. (These hours may be completed at more than one clinical facility.)

Application materials are available on the PTCAS website. A complete application includes the following:

the completed PTCAS application form
a $30 supplemental fee paid directly to Marymount's Office of Graduate Enrollment Services
an autobiographical essay, as described in the application packet
official transcripts for all college and university coursework
verification of completing 100 hours of clinical observation or work in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
two (2) letters of recommendation (using the form provided by PTCAS) from faculty, academic advisors, physical therapists, or employers addressing the applicant’s ability, motivation, and interest in pursuing graduate studies in physical therapy
scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

The physical therapy program’s admissions committee reviews all applications. Initial evaluation of applicants includes assessment of overall GPA, prerequisite science GPA, GRE scores, applicant’s written statement, community activities, and recommendations.

Special consideration is given to current Marymount students who have completed at least two full-time semesters at Marymount prior to applying, Marymount University graduates, and persons from minority groups that are underrepresented in the profession.

Applicants are selected based upon their qualifications and potential to contribute to the profession and their community, and who represent a broad diversity of backgrounds.

After the initial review of applicants’ preliminary materials, all individuals being considered for admission are invited to participate in a physical therapy department's interview, typically a Saturday in January. Interview Day consists of a personal interview, group activity, and facility tour. Please check the university website or call the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services to determine the date of Interview Day for the upcoming year. Admission decisions are announced to applicants within 30 days following their scheduled interview. All accepted students must confirm acceptance within three weeks of notification.

Prerequisite Coursework: The prerequisite courses, as identified below, must be completed with a grade of B- or better prior to beginning the physical therapy program; however, please note that a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in all PT prerequisite coursework is required for admission. No more than 12 credits from this group of courses may remain incomplete at the time of application to the program. All pre-requisite courses must be completed within the past seven (7) years. For those students admitted to the program, final transcripts for these courses (if applicable) must be submitted to the PT office by mid-August.

Prerequisite courses for the program are the following (Marymount course equivalences appear in parentheses):

Two (2) courses of biological sciences with lab (BIO 151-152 General Biology I and II)
One (1) course of anatomy/anatomy and physiology I with lab (BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology I)
One (1) course of physiology/anatomy and physiology II with lab (BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology II)
Two (2) courses of general chemistry with lab (e.g. CHM 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I and II)
Two (2) courses of general physics with lab (PHYS 171-172 General Physics I and II)
One (1) course of psychology (PSY 101 General Psychology)
One (1) course of statistics (MA 132 Statistical Analysis)

International students for whom English is a second language should review International Applicants for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic test score requirements.

Clinical Education: Clinical activities are integrated throughout the three-year curriculum. Integrated part-time clinical experiences take place in local physical therapy clinics and coincide directly with didactic learning activities. Clinical full-time practicums take place in clinics locally, nationally, and internationally. The majority of full-time clinical placements occur within the greater metropolitan Washington area and nearby states. Students complete three (3) full-time practicums in 8- or 12-week rotations, at three different clinic sites.

Clinical Requirements:

For admission to the program students must submit the following:

a medical examination
a criminal background check, which is a federal requirement for all persons working with vulnerable populations
a drug screen, required by clinical agencies

Students must also provide the following prior to entry into a clinical experience:

written verification of testing for tuberculosis or screening if PPD is positive (required annually)
written verification of the following immunizations: Hepatitis B, MMR, Chicken Pox, and Tetanus/Diphtheria
written verification of health insurance coverage
written verification of annual influenza vaccine
written verification of completion of blood borne pathogens precautions, tuberculosis precautions, and HIPAA confidentiality regulations training

Clinical Education Transportation: Students provide their own transportation to and from courses and clinical experiences. The university’s free shuttle service connects the Main Campus, the Ballston Center, and the Ballston-MU Metro station.

Comprehensive Examination: Each student must pass a comprehensive written examination and a comprehensive practical examination in order to graduate.

Minimum Grade and Academic Progression Requirements: Physical therapy students must meet all of the university academic standards for graduate students. In addition, physical therapy students are expected to receive a minimum grade of B in all required courses. However, students are allowed to continue in the program without interruption with up to two course grades of B-. Course grades lower than a B- are considered unsatisfactory. Upon receiving three course grades of B- or any course grade lower than a B-, the student is dismissed from the program.