General Program Description

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to prepare highly competent physical therapists who have the broad knowledge and skills required for the scope of physical therapist practice. Graduates of the program will be known for their compassionate care for all individuals, professional development, commitment to life-long learning, and high standards of professional behavior. The sequence of the DPT curriculum is organized to allow for completion of the DPT degree in 2.5-years over a total of 28 months. Throughout the curriculum we stress critical thinking skills and help students bridge theory with practice. The curriculum is responsive to evolving trends in health care, with annual reviews to keep up with changing health care needs. Each incoming class starts in August and continues through December of the third academic year.

Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences in the DPT program includes 2 weeks (80 hours) during the first winter session; 3 weeks (120 hours) during the first summer; 2 weeks (80 hours) during the second fall semester; 2 weeks (80 hours) in the second spring semester; and three separate internship experiences over the second summer and third fall semesters totaling 26 weeks (8, 8, and 10 weeks, 1,040 hours). Overall, clinical experiences total 35 weeks (1,400 hours). Clinical sites are established in a variety of settings, in over 400 locations throughout the country.

Faculty
There are nine full-time departmental faculty members and two part-time departmental faculty member. Collectively, these faculty hold eight PhDs and post-professional doctorates, and 10 board certifications/fellowships. Many remain active in clinical practice across a variety of practice settings. Faculty members are active in professional associations and scholarly activities. The student to faculty ratio is 10:1.

Enrollment
Approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students are enrolled in the four colleges that comprise St. Ambrose University. Approximately 23% of SAU students are graduate students. The Physical Therapy Department accepts up to 36 students each year. No preference is given to state residents in the admissions process.

Admission
Applicants choose from three possible tracks to follow in seeking admission to the DPT Program at St. Ambrose University. Annually, up to 36 students are admitted into the DPT Program through these different tracks. Track I (3+2.5) was established for admitting up to 15 high school seniors per year who will be guaranteed placement in the DPT class three years later if they continue to meet all requirements as undergraduates at SAU. Track II (3 + 2.5) is intended for college juniors either from SAU or other institutions. Track III (4+2.5) is designed for persons who have completed an undergraduate degree. High school seniors interested in Track I should contact the SAU Admissions Office (563-333-6300). Early Honors Admissions Decisions are available in the fall for college students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of >3.7 / 4.0 and completed application portfolio. Early Honors Decisions Application deadline is October 1 (Tracks Ib, II and III). Spring deadline is December 15(Tracks Ib, II and III). Candidates with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 are encouraged to apply by the deadlines. Many factors are considered during the acceptance process, including: cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, GRE scores, references, documented clinical hours, and an on-site interview. Students applying through Track II and III submit an online application through the American Physical Therapy Association’s Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service at www.ptcas.org. Details on St. Ambrose application requirements can be found on the PTCAS website and at www.sau.edu/pt.

Outcomes
In the period from 2008-2010, 100% of admitted students have graduated, 100% of the graduates passed the licensure exam, and 100% of graduates seeking employment have positions.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Cost for tuition and fees based on 2009-2010 rates is $32,050 1st year (fall, spring, and summer), $27,225 for 2nd year and $12,460 for the 3rd year. Approximately 90% of PT graduate students receive financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and graduate assistantships. Housing costs in the metropolitan Quad Cities are moderate.

Student life
St Ambrose University is a private Catholic coeducational, liberal arts university with four colleges, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and Health Sciences, and the College of Professional Studies. Approximately 1,500 students live on campus. Private housing is available for students who wish to live off campus. St Ambrose University is located in Davenport, Iowa, in the upper Midwest, overlooking the Mississippi River. The metropolitan Quad Cities area has a population of nearly 400,000 and is made up of four larger cites and several smaller communities in Illinois and Iowa. Campus events include band concerts, plays, fine arts performances, an active intramural sports program and intercollegiate athletics. The Graduate Student Government Association and many student groups also sponsor social and cultural activities. The Student Physical Therapy Organization participates in a range of service, professional, and philanthropic activities. The Quad Cities area offers a lively array of events and entertainment opportunities, ranging from the symphony, to blues and jazz festivals, to arena football. The Quad Cities’ nationally acclaimed civic center brings in a wide variety of major concerts and events to the community.