General Program Description

The DPT Program is three calendar years (8 semesters) in length and includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum experiences. The curriculum begins with the foundational sciences, through which the student explores and studies normal human structure and function, and fundamental physical therapy techniques. From this critical underpinning, the student engages in the evidence-based approach to the physical therapy management of various health conditions affecting individuals across the lifespan. The curriculum sequence is generally organized according to key body systems (i.e., musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, integumentary). Coursework includes study of the functional and psychosocial impacts of health conditions, relevant medical and surgical interventions, and the physical therapy tests, measures, and interventions utilized within the patient/client management model. The student is also introduced to the physical therapist’s role in disease prevention and health promotion, education, consultation, legislation and policy-making, and administration. The student receives training and engages in scholarly inquiry, either by completing a case report or conducting a research project under the direction and mentorship of a faculty advisor. The student may also explore topics beyond those required in professional curriculum through elective courses or workshops offered by the Department and College.

Clinical Experiences
Students complete three full-time clinical experiences, totaling 36 weeks of clinical experience. More than 500 clinical sites around the United States are available to provide a broad base of experiences in a variety of settings. The sites represent the continuum of health care practice settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient private practices, ambulatory care centers, skilled nursing facilities, school/ preschool programs, and home health care. Full-time clinical experiences are integrated in the second and third professional years, enabling students to apply information learned in didactic courses to patients and clients.

Faculty
There are currently 12 core faculty. Eleven faculty hold doctoral degrees (DPT, PhD), and five are certified clinical specialists. The full-time faculty to student ratio is 1:15. Students also benefit from a wealth of local clinical resources – experienced physical therapists, physicians, and other health care practitioners from the greater Portland medical community – who provide instruction in the DPT program.

Enrollment
The University’s total student enrollment (spring 2015) is 6,295. Of this number, 2,762 are students in the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP), 1,096 are students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, 394 are students in the College of Pharmacy, 1916 are students in the College of Arts and Sciences, and 127 are students in the College of Dental Medicine. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program, located on the Portland campus in WCHP, has a current total enrollment of 176 students. The projected class size for students in the DPT program is 60. No preference is given to Maine residents.

Admission
The faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy value a class comprised of students with diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree, in any major, from any regionally accredited institution (see www.ptcas.org for specific accrediting bodies) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The Department Admissions Committee uses a portfolio approach in reviewing applications. To be considered for an interview, the applicant must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) AND a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in the specified math and science prerequisites. The average cumulative GPA and GPA in the specified math and science prerequisite courses accepted to the DPT program in 2014 were 3.52 and 3.51, respectively. The average percentile rankings in the quantitative, analytical and verbal components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for those students accepted to the DPT program in 2014 were 43%, 53% and 47% respectively. The Admissions Committee also looks for applicants who can clearly articulate their understanding of the depth and breadth of physical therapy practice.

Outcomes
Student Outcomes (Based on the most recent three years for which data is available): 94.9% of enrolled students graduated from the DPT program (2012-2014) 99.3% of graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) (2012-2014) 97.3% of graduates were employed within six months of passing the NPTE (as reported by graduates on a survey one year after graduation) (2011-2013)

Tuition, fees and financial aid
DPT tuition for 2014-2015 is 30,930 for the fall/spring semesters. Students in their second and third years attend during the summer, which has an added tuition charge of $8,000 for 2014-2015. There is an annual General Services Fee (graduate) of $600. The Malpractice Insurance Fee is $85 per year. For those parking a car on-campus, there is an annual Parking Decal Fee of $90. Tuition and fees are charged and payable in full at the beginning of each semester. Health Insurance for the student is $3,155 for the 2014-2015 academic year. Students are required to enroll in UNE’s Student Medical Insurance Plan unless proof of comparable insurance can be demonstrated. Other expenses include books and housing. Applicants are encouraged to review their financial resources carefully and anticipate them realistically. Students in the DPT program may be eligible to receive funding through Federal Student Loan programs as well as Alternative/Private Loan Programs up to their Cost of Attendance (direct and indirect costs). Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for detailed information on the financial aid application process and the student loan programs. Financial aid is designed to assist students in finding financial options to achieve their academic goals.

Student life
The Physical Therapy program is located on the historic Portland campus and is close to excellent medical facilities and clinics. Portland is Maine’s largest city and the business, financial, medical, and retail center, yet its relatively small size provides an exceptional living environment. A vibrant cultural atmosphere, with exceptional theater, concerts, and dining, characterizes Portland. In addition, the seaside location provides ample opportunities for water recreation and is within easy driving distance to inland lakes and mountains. The interprofessionsal focus of the College provides physical therapy students with many opportunities to interact with other students from a range of health care disciplines, providing a unique perspective on the needs of patients/clients, families, and communities. Students also have access to a full range of outstanding student support services, including counseling services, career services, academic support, disability services, multicultural and diversity services, GLBTQ services, veterans’ assistance and other health and wellness initiatives. Service providers are dedicated to working with students to develop personal and professional competencies.