General Program Description

The graduate entry-level doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program is offered to applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate prerequisites required by the P.T. department. The graduate professional program is also offered as part of a sequential degree program. The college offers an opportunity to complete one of three undergraduate degrees as a pre-PT degree program. Students can complete a bachelors degree in: Health Services Management, Biology or Exercise and Sport Studies before matriculating in the DPT program. The D.P.T. curriculum involves 108 credit hours and includes traditional college coursework, distance learning, clinical fieldwork affiliations and required graduate research. Coursework in the doctoral program begins in the fall semester of the first year of graduate study and runs through 9 consecutive semesters to typically be completed by August of the third year. D’Youville’s 36-month doctoral professional program is organized as a 3 semester/year curriculum, allowing students to enter practice in a minimum of time. The physical therapy program is a demanding program in course work, time commitment and financial obligations. Students enrolled in the professional program must complete three full-time summer sessions in addition to the six full semesters of course work in the three-year doctoral program. Clinical fieldwork, which is scheduled throughout the curriculum, may require an additional expense for travel and room and board. Physical therapy students also incur an additional expense for laboratory fees and completing the thesis or clinically applied project. Successful defense of the thesis or project, and successful performance on a comprehensive exam are required for graduation from this program. A few students in the physical therapy program may seek employment as work-study students on campus. Due to the time commitment to the program, part-time off-campus work during the program is not recommended.

Clinical Experiences
D’Youville College is affiliated with over 500 clinical sites located primarily in the United States with a limited opportunity to perform clinical fieldwork in Canada. Students will select from a variety of clinical settings based on the availability of the clinical community. There are four inclusive clinical fieldwork experiences occurring in Year 2 and Year 3 for an equivalent total of 32 weeks of clinical experience. Clinical learning objectives are sequentially arranged in the program to enable students to gradually incorporate knowledge and skills acquired in the academic setting into their clinical fieldwork experience. There are 4 separate clinical fieldwork experiences integrated into the graduate curriculum. Clinical fieldwork is for 32 weeks divided into 6, 8, 8 and 10 weeks for the culminating experience.

Faculty
There are ten full-time faculty members and two half time faculty members. Seven hold post professional degrees; seven are engaged in clinical practice and four are certified as clinical specialists in the areas of cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary, pediatric, and orthopedic therapy. Professional experience averages 15 years. All full-time faculty participate in scholarship activities and many are invited guest presenters. The faculty to student ratio is 1:15.

Enrollment
D’Youville has a total enrollment of 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students, representing 26 states and 25 countries. offering 45 academic majors, from bachelor’s to doctorate. The physical therapy program accepts 60 students per cohort with maximum enrollment of 180 for the 3-year doctor of physical therapy program.

Admission
Applicants to the doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) must submit a graduate application to the Graduate Admissions Office to be evaluated on the basis of: 1. Academic performance based on official college or university transcripts. 2. Official academic transcripts from colleges and universities attended both undergraduate and graduate levels. 3. Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program, as shown by a cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 system). 4. Evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses completed with a grade of “C” or better and prerequisite GPA of 3.0. A listing of prerequisite courses can be found at http://www.dyc.edu/academics/physical_therapy/admissions.asp. Qualified applicants meeting all other admission requirements for acceptance in the professional program with the exception of PT specific undergraduate pre-requisites may be accepted into the program with matriculation pending completion of identified undergraduate coursework.

Outcomes
Approximately 99% of graduates enjoy employment in their field within 6 months of their graduation. The ultimate pass rate for D’Youville College as determined through FSBPT is currently at 97% which is an accumulated average of licensure pass rates over 3 years.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
The tuition and fees for the 2012-2013 academic year are approx. $27,560 per year. General fees are $230 for full-time study. Nearly half of all graduate students at D’Youville College receive an institutional merit scholarship or grant, averaging $6,600 at admission.

Student life
D’Youville’s campus is less than a mile from the heart of downtown Buffalo, and within walking distance of the Peace Bridge to Canada. It overlooks two parks and is near the city’s greatest cultural centers the Albright Knox Art Gallery, the Studio Arena Theater, and Kleinhans Music Hall, home of the Buffalo Philharmonic. Close to two exits of the New York Thruway, D’Youville is only minutes away from beaches, ski resorts, and the stadiums where the Buffalo Bills, Sabres, and Bisons play their home games. The nearest airport is located 20 minutes away and available public transportation includes, buses, cabs, and trains. We offer 2 full–time housing options: Marguerite Hall is available for all students and is a traditional residence hall. The Residence Apartment Complex is comprised of studio and 4-bedroom apartments and is available for those students who are at least junior status or 21 years of age. We also offer part-time housing in Marguerite Hall only, and based on availability, for those students who only want to stay occasionally (1-3 nights a week). If you’re already dreading the winter commute or you just want a place to stay and study away from the distractions of home, this may be the option for you. Extracurricular activities are an important part of college life and at D’Youville we want your academic experience to be safe, successful and fun. Several key services and programs will help you meet your goals and enjoy your time outside of the classroom. Our intercollegiate program is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, competing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference. A variety of recreational activities are available as well as a fitness center, swimming pool and game room. Students can also join academic, cultural, and recreational clubs, serve on campus wide committees, contribute to student publications, perform in the arts, attend special events, and take advantage of many volunteer opportunities.