General Program Description
This program is designed for those who already possess a Bachelor’s Degree, and who wish to become practicing physical therapists. The program is rigorous, and is recommended only for highly motivated students with proven records of success as undergraduates. The DPT program of studies includes ~113 credits taken over 9 consecutive terms (3 years). Admission to the program is limited, and competitive.
Clinical Experiences
Students complete four semesters of clinical internship in a variety of settings. FIU has 800 clinical experiences from which to choose throughout Florida, and the United States.
Faculty
There are 11 FTE members, and 15 adjunct/associate faculty. Collectively, the faculty possess well over 100 years of teaching, research, and clinical experience. The clinical and research interests of the faculty range from pediatrics to geriatrics, and from neuroscience to biomechanics. Several faculty members specialize in the impact of social, psychological, and cultural factors on health care delivery and education. The faculty prides itself on its intellectual, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity.
Enrollment
Florida International University has a total enrollment of 54,000 students in Spring 2014. There are approximately 160 students in the physical therapy department at three levels of entry-level study.
Admission
Admission Requirements: Admission into FIU as a graduate student; a Bachelor’s Degree; a GPA of at least 3.0 for upper division coursework. Applicants are required to take the GRE to meet Graduate School requirements. A score above the 50th percentile on both Verbal and Quantitative section of the GRE is recommended. Students must also take the Analytical Writing portion of the GRE. A minimum score of 3.5 is recommended.
Outcomes
Approximately 95% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Information re: tuition, fees and financial aid are updated regularly and posted on the departmental website: http://www.cnhs.fiu.edu/pt/admission-and-advising/tuition-costs/index.html
Student life
Dormitories and off-campus rentals are available to the students, as are intercollegiate athletics including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and tennis. Florida International University is located 15 miles from downtown Miami. Multiple cultural and entertainment activities are available to students, and several major medical and other academic centers are within a one-hour drive. The program prides itself on diversity and welcomes applicants of all races, and ethnicities.