General Program Description
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an entry-level degree program with a mission to prepare graduate students as general practitioners in Physical Therapy. The length of the program is 36 months (three academic years and three summers plus one January Interim). Early coursework focuses on the foundational sciences integrated with basic clinical sciences. Didactic preparation is well balanced with five clinical education experiences. Before the final clinical experience, students participate in a capstone course in Differential Diagnosis. Students are involved in a collaborative research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. Small class size insures ample faculty-to-student interaction, productive classroom and laboratory problem solving, and exchange of ideas.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical Education represents an integral part of the overall DPT curriculum. It is designed to supplement and enhance classroom learning. Our philosophy of education places substantial value on these experiences as an important adjunct to the didactic DPT curriculum. Clinical Education begins with an initial 3-week experience and culminates with two 8-week experiences prior to the completion of the curriculum. Another 8-week and a 10-week experience are completed as well during the curriculum.
Faculty
There are ten full-time members with nine holding terminal academic degrees. Six of the ten faculty members are certified as clinical specialists representing four clinical specialty areas, eight of the ten core faculty are engaged in clinical practice. The overall faculty to student ratio is 1:5; the typical faculty to student ratio in laboratory experiences is 1:10 and in the classroom is 1:20.
Enrollment
Bradley is a medium-sized university of 5,800 students. The DPT program is limited to 24 students. Bradley is a private, comprehensive, co-educational university recently ranked by US News and World Report among the best comprehensive universities.
Admission
Admission to the program is competitive. A baccalaureate degree is required. Math and science GPA and the overall GPA from the undergraduate hours is heavily considered in admission decisions. Course requirements include a 2 semester course sequence of chemistry and of physics for science majors, 6-8 semester hours of biology that includes an introduction to cell biology, genetics and biochemistry, 1 semester of anatomy, 1 semester of physiology (or a combined 2 semester course of anatomy and physiology) and 1 semester of statistics. An applicant should have coursework and/or significant experience in human relations development and exposure to health care. Additionally, an applicant’s background should include computer literacy, medical terminology and oral and written communication skills. Once in the program liability insurance, immunizations, tuberculin test results and CPR certification is required. Applicants will submit a complete application, Graduate Record Exam scores, TOFEL scores (if applicable), an expanded resume, recommendations, and an essay. Other materials may be required. Please contact the department for the most current requirements.
Outcomes
100% of admitted students graduate from the program and 98% of the graduates passed the licensure exam on the first try (3-year average); the program’s all time pass rate is 100%. Employment rate is 100% six months following graduation.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Total tuition for the 3-year DPT program is set at $63,000 for the class beginning in 2010. Books and supplies are estimated at $2,000 for the entire program. Activity and health fees are $65 per semester. Vehicle registration is $50 per year. Room and board, transportation and personal supplies will vary from student to student. More than 50% of Bradley’s students receive need-based assistance, with 80% receiving some form of financial support. Physical Therapy students are not an exception. Virtually all qualify for Federal Stafford Loans. The Graduate School generally offers a limited number of scholarship and assistantship opportunities to DPT students. The cost of living in the Peoria area is substantially less than in large urban areas of the country.
Student life
Bradley University is located on a 50-acre campus in Peoria, central Illinois’ largest metropolitan area. Intercollegiate and intramural athletics and recreational facilities are abundant. Multiple cultural and entertainment activities are sponsored by the City of Peoria and Bradley University. Dormitories and apartments are available on campus. Convenient off-campus housing is available in a varying price range.