General Program Description

In keeping with the mission of the University and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, the Physical Therapy Program strives to educate and graduate physical therapists, giving individual attention to admissions, curriculum, performance and outcomes while adhering to rigorous academic standards. The program was previously offered by Notre Dame College; upon closing of the college, Franklin Pierce College became the sponsor of the program and established the program at its Concord, NH campus in 2002. Franklin Pierce College became Franklin Pierce University in 2007 and the program is now administered through the University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies. An expansion of the program to the campus at Goodyear, AZ was approved in April 2009 and classes commenced in June 2009 at that campus. The delivery of this program is in a quarter system, over three academic years. Students enter the program for the Fall Term in NH and AZ, and continue through three academic years. Effective July 1, 2012 each program is now separately accredited but offer the same curriculum and maintain the same admission standards. Students engage in integrated clinical experiences within the program as well as clinical affiliations at the end of the program. Students are supported with on-line coursework while on affiliations to assure the integration of course content into the affiliation experience. Both Programs moved to new locations in academic year 2012-2013, the Arizona Program is still in Goodyear, while the New Hampshire Program is now located in Manchester.

Clinical Experiences
The curriculum is structured in such a way that the clinical applications of course content are observed, practiced and evaluated in integrated clinical experiences beginning in the third term of the program and extending throughout the curriculum. Students observe and participate in local physical therapy clinics, spend time with mentors, have opportunities to engage in wellness activities and engage with patient groups within specific courses. Four full-time clinical experiences are offered in a variety of settings. The University has more than 200 clinical sites throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Faculty
There are 9 full-time and faculty members in NH, 8 professional doctoral degrees, several are certified as clinical specialists, and all are actively engaged in clinical practice.

Enrollment
The approximate enrollment in the graduate programs of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies is 600 students. Currently 129 students are enrolled in the Physical Therapy Program in NH.

Admission
A cohort of 50+ new students are selected for classes in Manchester. Applications are received through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree and must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required in the following prerequisite science courses: Anatomy & Physiology, 8 credits; Chemistry, 8 credits; Physics, 8 credits;Advanced Psychology, 3 credits; Biology, 8 credits, Statistics, 3 credits. Admission policies are published in the University’s catalogue, on the University’s web site and can also be viewed through the PTCAS. GREs are required.

Outcomes
For the years 2009-2011: 91% of admitted students graduate from the program; 94.69% of students taking the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) have passed the exam (ultimate pass rate); & 100% of students passing the NPTE and becoming licensed were employed in the profession within six months.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Program tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $36,264. The tuition is $9,066 per Term. Student Financial Services works closely with students to help them secure resources for their education. Approximately 90-95% of the program’s students receive some sort of financial assistance. There are loans available through governmental and independent agencies. The program offers approximately five graduate work-study positions of $3,000-5,000 per academic year. Additionally, there are two graduate research assistantship positions for qualified PT students with excellent academic records, these are offered to second year students only.

Student life
The program is located in Centers for Higher Education, and the University does not provide housing, meals or transportation through the College of Graduate or Professional Studies. An active Physical Therapy Student Association can facilitate the transition to temporary residence in local communities for the didactic portion of the curriculum.