General Program Description
The University at Buffalo’s Program in Physical Therapy was established in 1952 and was the 18th program accredited to award the DPT degree in the nation. The first DPT class was enrolled in August 2001. The program is currently accredited through 2017 and offers clinical training sites across the country in leading health care centers. The University at Buffalo is the largest and most comprehensive university in the 64-campus State University of New York (SUNY) system and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Clinical Experiences
DPT clinical experiences include a total of 52 weeks: 8 weeks at end of year one; 8 weeks mid semester and 12 week internship at end of year two; and 6 month entry level residency in the spring of year three.
Faculty
There are eight full-time and three part-time faculty members. 100% of our full-time faculty hold post professional doctoral degrees. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:17.
Enrollment
The University at Buffalo, State University of New York has a total student enrollment of 28,000. The physical therapy program enrolls 42-44 students per class selected from a pool of approximately 90 qualified applicants.
Admission
Admission to the physical therapy program is competitive and is based on previous academic performance in selected prerequisite courses, interview and essay. The size of the class is limited to 42 – 44 students per year. Approximately 95% of the class is from UB and 5% of the class is from other colleges/universities. Prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is considered qualified. Actual admission is based on GPA and other criteria as may be determined by the Admissions Committee. Students must apply to the program on or before November 1 preceding the August enrollment in the DPT academic year. Prerequisite courses include 2 semesters in each: general chemistry and general physics (for science majors, w/labs); 3-4 credits of statistics; 1 semester of calculus; a 4-6 credit course in anatomy; 1 course in human physiology; 1 course in psychology, 6 credit gross human anatomy, 3-4 credit exercise physiology, 4-6 credit neuroscience, 3-4 credit biomechanics/kinesiology. Students at UB are advised to major in Exercise Science as undergraduates which will prepare them for admission to the professional graduate DPT program. Admission procedures, including prerequisite courses, are subject to change; all students are urged to seek current information.
Outcomes
The average graduation rate for the last 3 classes of the DPT program is 100%. The average licensure exam pass rate for 2010 through 2012 is 99%. 100% of those responding to surveys are employed as physical therapists.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-state tuition for the 2013-14 academic year is $19,550. Out-of-state tuition is $34,440. Scholarship and loan opportunities are available to students. For information on general financial aid, contact the Student Response Center, 232 Capen Hall, Buffalo, 14260 ([email protected]).
Student life
The program starts with a three day session in the third week of August that precedes year one of the DPT. The DPT is a full-time three calendar year program comprised of didactic and clinical internships/residency. Students are encouraged to be active in the Student Physical Therapy Club as well as the Western New York District of Physical Therapy. Graduate teaching assistants who are pursing MS or PhD degrees and who are licensed Physical Therapist are available to provide additional support for classes. The University offers on-campus housing in a variety of living situations. For information on housing, contact the University Residence Halls Operations, 106 Spaulding Quad, Elliott Complex, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261-0008. Off-campus housing is plentiful. The campus is located within close proximity to Niagara Falls and Toronto, and Buffalo offers multiple cultural, sports, and entertainment activities including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, art, science, and history museums, professional baseball, football, and hockey, and recreational activities, including water and winter sports.