General Program Description

Consistent with the mission of Howard University, the mission of the program is: “to recruit and prepare promising African Americans and underserved minority populations with leadership potential to become compassionate, and competent physical therapists, with expertise in clinical decision making, problem solving and research. The program is committed to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who promote critical thinking, self inquiry, active learning, community service, cultural sensitivity, and ethical behavior in their students and contribute to the practice and enhancement of the profession on national and international levels.” The program consists of 109 credit hours of post-baccalaureate work that is completed in two and a half years. Students begin the program in August, and graduate in December of their third year. The professional program is developmental and begins with foundational courses in semester 1, and culminates in integrated didactic and clinical experiences in semester 7. The program is designed around the four pillars of the APTA’s Guide to Physical Therapist Practice: 1) Cardiopulmonary, 2) Integumentary, 3) Musculoskeletal, and 4) Neuromuscular. Strong emphasis is also placed on communication, diverse communities, ethics, law and practice management.

Clinical Experiences
Students begin their clinical experiences through observation in the first semester. During the second semester, students complete monthly observation/participation experiences in environments representing diverse practice areas. They also complete a community-based health promotion project in this semester. Musculoskeletal and neuromuscular clinical experiences are also introduced in this semester. In the third semester, students complete an 8-week full-time clinical experience. The fourth semester allows clinical exposure in each of the four pillars. Weekly rotations in diverse practice environments are experienced in the 5th semester. Additionally, students participate in clinical experiences related to spinal dysfunction. The sixth semester includes two 7-week full-time clinical experiences. In the final semester, students participate in an 8-week specialty rotation that allows them to experience a specialized area of interest. Other clinical exposures include observation of wellness practice and mentorship through a practice management experience.

Faculty
The program has nine full-time faculty members, and numerous adjunct and associate faculty members. Eight of nine faculty members hold a doctoral degree (1 EdD, 4 PhD, 1 DrPH, 4 DPT, and two candidates for post-professional doctoral degrees). Three of the full-time faculty members are board certified specialists in Geriatrics or Orthopedics. Over the past four years, the faculty has averaged approximately 8-10 publications in peer-reviewed journals. The faculty-to-student ratio is currently 1:7.5.

Enrollment
Approximately 10,000 students are enrolled at the University on a full-time basis. The Department of Physical Therapy has the capacity to admit 24 students each fall.

Admission
Admission information is available on the Department’s website. Information is updated each October, and applications are due by February 1 of the year in which enrollment is sought. Early enrollment opportunities have been available in the past (check with the Department for current opportunities). Admission decisions are made in early April. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, verification of pre-requisite courses taken (by official transcripts), three letters of recommendation, verification of 80 hours of observation in physical therapy practice (at least 20 hours in acute care), and other University required documents. Students are required to have received a bachelors degree prior to beginning the program and should have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in pre-requisite coursework. Pre-requisite courses are divided into two categories: Science and Non-Science. Science pre-requisites include: statistics, pre-calculus, general biology (with lab), general chemistry I & II, general physics I & II, human anatomy (with lab), and human physiology (with lab). Non-science courses include: technical writing, general/introductory psychology, advanced psychology, and electives. Recommended courses include: exercise physiology and kinesiology.

Outcomes
No outcome information provided by the program.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Howard University is a private institution. Annual fees for the professional physical therapy program in 2007-2008 (fall and spring) were $18,013 (including fees). Summer tuition totals approximately $800 (including fees).

Student life
Howard University is an urban campus located in the heart of Washington, DC. The campus includes a hospital and has close access to public transportation (i.e., airport, bus, subway, train). Housing is available both on and off campus.