General Program Description

The Walsh University physical therapist curriculum, an intensive three-year (8-semester) program, including 2 summers, leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Coursework builds upon a foundation of basic sciences and problem-solving skills. Students gain knowledge and develop skills in teaching and scientific inquiry as well as physical therapy patient/client management, in accord with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. A professional portfolio is developed by the student throughout the curriculum and is evaluated in the final semester of the curriculum. Students must perform original research and present their work prior to graduation. Students take a comprehensive examination toward the end of the third year and must pass that examination to graduate. These capstone experiences along with their final 12-week clinical experience help assure competency as an entry-level physical therapist. The Division of Physical Therapy has committed itself to providing an educational program that both challenges and enhances a student’s ability to learn through a student-centered, values-based teaching environment that focuses on clinical-decision making, evidence-based practice, and service to the wider community. We have organized the curriculum around impairments found in the major body systems. We use traditional and non-traditional teaching techniques as well as problem-solving learning activities and case-study teaching methods in the major clinical science courses to enhance student learning.

Clinical Experiences
Student physical therapists at Walsh University complete four full-time clinical experiences (two 8-week, one 10-week and one 12-week) integrated throughout the curriculum beginning in fall of the second year. Sites for clinical experiences are located throughout the U.S., but primarily in Ohio and surrounding states.

Faculty
The core faculty includes nine full-time faculty positions. In addition, adjunct faculty members and a number of clinical faculty guest lecturers contribute to the students’ education. Of the full-time faculty 88% hold post-professional doctoral degrees, one is currently enrolled a PhD program, and two have obtained specialist certification from the ABPTS. Two held prior clinical certification previously. The core faculty to student ratio is 1:12.

Enrollment
Walsh University enrolls nearly 3000 students in its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The physical therapy division enrolls up to 32 students in each class for a maximum enrollment of 96 students.

Admission
The program received 258 applications for admissions in 2012. 163 applicants met all requirements for admissions and received an interview in hopes of filling one of the 32 spots in the class. We invite applicants who meet the qualifications for enrollment to campus for a group interview, an on-site group learning activity, and general information session (Lunch is included). Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university; cumulative prerequisite course quality point average (QPA) and overall QPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale; evidence of service to the community; and volunteer hours in three different physical therapy settings. Prerequisite course requirements include 8 semester hours plus labs in each: biology, chemistry, and physics; 6 semester hours in psychology; and one course in statistics, exercise physiology, and human physiology. Applicants must submit: GRE scores (analytical writing, quantitative, verbal–used as part of total process), and three letters of recommendation (must submit 2 academic, 1 health care professional or other personal reference). Additional Requirements (health requirements): Beyond the stated admission requirements, students matriculating into the physical therapy division at Walsh University must exhibit: 1) Adequate gross and fine motor ability to safely perform patient examination and intervention procedures; 2). Adequate visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic senses to obtain accurate examination and investigative findings; 3) Ability to think critically and solve problems; 4) Ability to effectively communicate (oral, nonverbal and written); 5) Ability to organize and effectively manage tasks; 6) Adaptability to perform tasks with persons from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings. The program enrolls students in the fall only. The division offers rolling admissions until class filled; we place additional qualified applicants who complete the interview process on a wait list. The wait list is adjusted when additional information is presented. Please direct all inquiries to the Walsh University admission office (330-490-7177). Average overall QPAs for the class entering Fall 2012 ranged from 3.0 – 3.91 with a mean overall QPA of 3.56. Prerequisite QPAs ranged from 3.14 – 3.84 with a mean prerequisite QPA of 3.55.

Outcomes
84% of enrolled students met all curriculum requirements and graduated from the program (3-year average: 2010-2012); 100% of graduates obtain their license to practice (3-year average 2010-2012); and 100% of the 2012 graduates report obtaining a position as a physical therapist within 6 months of graduation.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for the 2012–2013 academic year are: PTCAS fee =$130.00; Physical Therapy Program Tuition $9,915 per semester; Student Liability Insurance and Lab Fees are $360.00 per year; Books, lab equipment $2486.00 (estimated 3 year average). Most books are used throughout the curriculum and are purchased in the first year. APTA Student Membership (American Physical Therapy Association) is not required yet highly recommended and used frequently as a resource for education material.

Student life
Established In 1958 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church, Walsh University was named for the late Bishop Emmet M. Walsh, of the Youngstown diocese. Walsh University’s beautiful, tree-lined suburban campus includes 60 acres of well-tended lawns surrounding Blouin Peace Park, a monument to the traditions of peace and justice that have helped to shape the spirit of Walsh. Walsh University is located just north of Canton, Ohio, a city of about 84,000, with a wide variety of choices for cultural, recreational and athletic activities, as well as dining and shopping. Canton is home of the Professional Football Hall of Fame, as well as the McKinley National Memorial, honoring our 25th President, who called Canton home. The city also has its own symphony orchestra, art institute, civic opera, theatre guild and ballet. Akron is located just 20 miles north of campus, and Cleveland is within an hour’s drive. Walsh University does not offer graduate housing – most graduate students find apartments to rent within a short drive of campus.