General Program Description

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Tennessee State University (TSU) is a three-year lock-step program which prepares graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and eventually practice as physical therapists. The DPT program consists of didactic and clinical coursework that begins with the basic sciences and foundational physical therapy courses during the first year, followed by the clinical sciences and related professional coursework in the second year, and culminates with clinical education experiences and related professional course work in the third year. Students also have clinical education experiences during the summer sessions between the first and second years, and second and third years. The DPT program at TSU recognizes the reciprocal and responsive nature of professional education, where both the learner and the educator collaborate as partners in the learning process. Inherent in the relationship is the primacy of the learner and the facilitative role of the educator as together they embark on a process of professional education. The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to graduate competent entry-level physical therapists who demonstrate cultural competence, apply research evidence to practice, uphold the code of ethics, value lifelong learning, and engage in socially responsible community leadership.

Clinical Experiences
Students matriculating in the DPT program complete five clinical education experiences. The first clinical education experience is of the student’ choosing. During the last four clinical education experiences, however, the students are required to go to an acute care facility (pediatric or adult), a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center (in- or outpatient), an outpatient orthopedic clinic (can be hospital-based), and a specialty or choice clinical affiliation (pediatrics, home health, sports, women’s health, industrial, etc.). Variety in clinical affiliation choices is encouraged.

Faculty
The program consists of seven full time faculty members (core faculty) and two part time faculty members (associated faculty) whose credentials meet program goals and expected program outcomes. Of the seven core faculty members, 5 have terminal degrees (1 PhD, 4 EdDs), 3 have clinical doctorates (2 DPTs, 1 MD), 2 are in pursuit of terminal degrees (1 EdD, 1 PhD) and 2 have or have held clinical specializations (2 GCS, 1 CWS).

Enrollment
No more than 36 students are accepted into each class.

Admission
Admission to the program is competitive, with only 36 students accepted into each class. The program requires an undergraduate degree prior to the summer in which the applicant plans to begin in the program. Other admissions requirements include: completion of a required list of prerequisite courses with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better; a score of at least a 900 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); a minimum of 40 documented hours of physical therapy observation in at least two clinical settings; and two letters of recommendation (one of which should be from a physical therapist). Applicant meeting these requirements are invited for an interview and onsite essay.

Outcomes
The DPT program has a three-year (Class of 2008, 2009, and 2010) average graduation rate of 71% and NPTE pass rate of 86.44% Graduates who have obtained their licenses have a 100% employment rate.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-state and out-of-state students have differing tuition schedules. Applicants invited to the program are required to pay a reservation fee of $125.00 to hold a slot in the program. The reservation fee is non-refundable and will be applied to a student’s tuition upon enrollment into the program. Tuition and fee information may be obtained from the following link: http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=748. Over 80 of students in the program have some form of financial aid.

Student life
The University recognizes the diverse and varied educational objectives of its students and the need to offer programs and services designed to assist students in their decision-making and formulation of academic and co-curricular objectives. Through its Division of Student Affairs (http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=263), TSU seeks to assist students in enhancing the effective use of the varied opportunities made available to them through the University experience. These include, but are not limited to, the following: University Counseling Center, Career Development Center, Floyd-Payne Campus Center, Health Services, Student Activities, Student Services, Disabled Student Services, Women’s Center, Student Mediation, and Multicultural & International Affairs.