General Program Description

A strong liberal arts and sciences background, a diverse undergraduate experience, and innovative professional classroom and clinical course work define the University of Evansville’s Physical Therapy Program. The program is committed to providing professional education to students from throughout the United States and the international community. The faculty reinforces the values of the University and promotes the core values and beliefs of the physical therapy profession. The curriculum reflects contemporary professional education and clinical practice modeling professional excellence. Through a mix of classroom and clinical educational experiences, students are exposed to the diverse and culturally sensitive nature of healthcare. Critical decision making is emphasized based upon the current best evidence to promote the concept of life-long learning and effective patient care. The educational process is guided by the physical therapy faculty who encourage self-directed study. A student-centered learning environment also serves to facilitate student success. Completion of the program prepares the graduate for independent and ethical physical therapy practice within the dynamic and collaborative health care environment.

Clinical Experiences
Throughout the professional curriculum, students are exposed to integrated clinical activities. Students complete full time clinical experiences in orthopedics, acute care and neurorehabilitation. A fourth rotation may be completed in a setting of the student’s interest depending on availability. Students complete an eight-week, full-time clinical course during the summer between the first and second year and an eight-week clinical the following summer. Two seven-week clinical courses are arranged for the spring semester of the final year. During their 1200 hours of clinical education, students integrate patient care skills with scientific knowledge as preparation for becoming practicing physical therapists. Clinical courses take place in various physical therapy settings throughout the United States. International clinical experiences may be available. Our students have completed clinicals in Argentina, Australia, Belize, England, Italy, Mexico and the Netherlands.

Faculty
There are nine full-time, as well as adjunct faculty. The faculty has expertise in diverse areas including biomechanics, electrophysiology, geriatrics, kinesiology, neurobiology, musculoskeletal impairments, neurologic rehabilitation, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports medicine, and wellness. The PT faculty is involved in clinical practice, University service, professional organizations and research. Several have authored textbooks and/or made presentations at local, state, national, and international meetings. Six of the full-time faculty have terminal degrees; one is pursuing a terminal degree, and three hold specialty certifications.

Enrollment
There are 46 first-year, 45 second-year, and 38 third-year full-time DPT students enrolled in the physical therapy program. There are approximately 150 undergraduate students at UE who plan to pursue the DPT degree. Undergraduate students seeking a degree in physical therapy will be assigned an advisor in their undergraduate areas as well as a physical therapy advisor.

Admission
Direct entry admission is available to incoming freshmen who have displayed superior academic performance in high school. A minimum of 27 on the ACT or 1200 on the math and critical reading portions of the SAT is required for consideration, A minimum score of 500 on each section is required. Students interested in direct entry admission must apply to the University by November 1. Candidates for direct entry positions will be invited for an on-campus interview which will take place in late November. Students selected for direct entry are guaranteed a position in the DPT program as long as specific criteria are met during the undergraduate years. For all other applicants, admission decisions are made using prerequisite science and overall cumulative grade point averages, professional recommendations, written application assessment, personal interview, knowledge and understanding of the physical therapy profession and an on-campus writing assignment. Applications are assessed by members of the selection committee. Admission to the DPT program is selective; 40 students are admitted each year. Admission requirements and application materials are availalable on the web site at http://pt.evansville.edu. Students can earn both their undergraduate and DPT degrees in either six or seven years, depending on the selected track. High school seniors interested in the DPT program follow normal University admission procedures. Acceptance to the University does not guarantee acceptance to the DPT program. Incoming freshmen interested in the DPT program will declare an undergraduate major in athletic training, exercise science, health sciences administration, interdisciplinary studies or public health. Students may pursue other areas of study; however, an additional year may be necessary to complete all DPT prerequisite and undergraduate course work. Students who plan to pursue physical therapy have two options available for degree completion. One option is the 3+3 track: three years of undergraduate course work followed by three years in the professional program. This choice is best suited for students who meet direct entry admission criteria (27 or higher on the ACT or 1200 or higher on the math and critical reading portions of the SAT; or a three part score of 1800 on the SAT) a minimum score of 500 is required in each section) and seek and undergraduate degree in exercise science, interdisciplinary studies or puclic health. The 4+3 track: four years of undergraduate study may promote a richer educational experience for students who (1) do not meet direct entry criteria; (2) wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in athletic training, health services administration, or another area; (3) desire to study abroad at Harlaxton College for a full semester; (4) want to participate in NCAA Division I athletics. Both options culminate in the awarding of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Outcomes
The average first time pass rate on the PT licensure exam for our students who graduated in 2012, 2013 and 2014 is 91.18%. Our graduates have been successful in obtaining employment throughout the country. The employment rate for our graduates who sought employment as a physical therapist is 100%. The majority of our graduates are employed prior to graduation or within one month after graduation. The average starting annual salary for our May 2014 graduates is $66,000. Graduates are recognized for their outstanding communication and clinical skills.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Full-time day tuition (12-18 hours) and institutional fees for the 2014/2015 regular academic year is 30,900. Room and board is approximately $11,000 depending on the choice of residence. Summer courses are charged per credit hour and average $470 per hour. Average textbook costs are $400 per semester. Univeristy fees are approximately $1,000 annually. Program fees are approximately $150 annually. Students engaged in clinical internships assume the associated costs for tuition, travel, and lodging. Students in both the 3+3 and 4+3 models receive their UE merit-based scholarships throughout undergraduate and graduate studies as long as renewal criteria are met. Applicants who complete an undergraduate degree at another instituion are eligible for up to $10,000 per academic year for up to 3 years of the professional program. Students should consult with the Office of Financial Aid for information about financial assistance. Additional scholarships may be available through health care and professional organizations. Financial Aid criteria are subject to change.

Student life
Evansville is a pleasant city in southern Indiana, advantageously located within easy reach of Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, and Chicago by air or major highway. The campus consists of more than 20 buildings. A well-staffed Student Life Center assists students with their academic and career planning and personal, extracurricular, and placement needs. Housing is available for students in the form of dormitories, off-campus rentals, and fraternity houses. Intercollegiate athletic programs are also available. UE is ranked in the top tier as one of America’s best colleges by U.S. News and World Reports. As undergraduates, students have the opportunity to study abroad at Harlaxton College located in Gratham, England. Harlaxton is listed among the top 25 study abroad programs.