General Program Description
The 3-year professional curriculum averages 20 class hours per week during the fall and winter semesters. Two summer sessions are included. The last three semesters are offered in 8-week blocks with clinical education alternating with problem-based learning activities. Graduation is in May.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical education is available at more than 200 affiliating institutions located throughout the United States. Diverse clinical settings, including rural opportunities, are scheduled in order to prepare the graduate for a wide range of employment options. Qualifying students may design a unique clinical rotation to meet specific interests.
Faculty
There are fourteen full-time faculty members. Seven of the full-time faculty hold post-professional academic doctoral degrees, four are board certified as clinical specialists. Faculty members are engaged in active research programs, present at scientific conferences and publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals. The faculty to student ratio is 1:10.
Enrollment
Total enrollment for the university is 30,000 students. The Department of Physical Therapy accepts up to 60 students per year. Transfer students are admitted at the beginning of the professional program.
Admission
Admission is competitive, and is separate from admission to the University. A bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, or at least 90 completed college credits with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher is required for consideration for admission to the professional program. The grade point average of recently accepted classes has been 3.6. Applicants must submit GRE scores. Prerequisites include approximately 5 semester hours in each: biology, chemistry, and physiology; and 8 semester hours of physics. Additional science, mathematics, and social sciences are also required. Application materials are available on the Department website or may be requested after October 1. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must also apply to the Graduate School.
Outcomes
98% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 100% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year ultimate pass rate); 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed within six months of graduation.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-state undergraduate tuition and SHP Professional fees for the 2014-2015 academic year are $16,272 for Missouri residents ($37,417 for non-residents). There are also charges for student health, activity and recreation and computer fees. The cost for room and board for undergraduates is about $9,500. Books and supplies total about $3,455. The Office of Financial Aid (573/882-7506) addresses all questions regarding loans, scholarships, and work-study options.
Student life
“MIZZOU” was established in Columbia in 1839 as the first public university in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. The university is made up of 19 schools and colleges, is a member of the Asociation of American Universities (AAU), and is one of the most complete institutions in the nation. Physical Therapy is in the newest free-standing entity-the School of Health Professions. MU is the state’s premier public institution for graduate and professional training including medicine, law, veterinary medicine, nursing, and health professions. As a land-grant institution, the university offers a wide range of majors and extension programs. It is internationally known for its School of Journalism. Dormitory, Greek, and off-campus housing are available. Recreational and library facilities are outstanding. The university is part of the Big Twelve intercollegiate and intramural sports programs.