General Program Description

Clarke University offers 2 pathways into the DPT program. Studenst may enter the program via a 3+3 program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree after the 4th year of study and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree after the 6th year of study. Students typically enter the DPT program in the fall semester of their senior year and continue through the program for 3 years to graduation in May. Prior to graduation with the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, students will satisfactorily complete a summative evaluation in which they demonstrate competence as a graduating physical therapist. Approximately half of the current classes are composed of students who have transferred to Clarke University after graduating from another institution. There are 30 seats in each cohort.

Clinical Experiences
Students complete a 40-week sequence of clinical internships. These experiences take place for 8 weeks during the summer following the first year of the DPT program, for 8 weeks during the summer following the second year of the program, 4 weeks during the second winter semester, and 16 weeks during the spring semester of the third year in the program. Integrated Clinical practicum courses emphasizing health/wellness and prevention in susceptible populations are also completed throughout the academic year, beginning the second semester in the professional program. Every student is required to complete a clinical assignment in an acute care setting, an outpatient orthopedic setting, a rehabilitation setting, and a setting of their choosing. Clarke University has more than 520 clinical experience sites across the United States.

Faculty
Six full-time faculty members from the Department of Physical Therapy and three faculty members from the Department of Biology teach courses in the professional physical therapy program. Three members of the physical therapy faculty either hold post-professional doctoral degrees or are finishing their degrees, one holds an MBA, five are certified as clinical specialists, and each faculty member within the Department of Physical Therapy is engaged in clinical practice. There are numerous adjunct faculty from the community. The faculty have several publications in peer-reviewed journals on educational methods. The student/faculty ratio is approximately 15:1.

Enrollment
Approximately 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Clarke University. The Physical Therapy Program has a capacity of 90 students across the three years (30 per cohort).

Admission
Qualification for admission to the DPT program is based on the following: cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, GRE scores, record of clinical observation, letters of recommendation, and completion of prerequisite coursework. Undergraduate students from Clarke University who meet the minimum standards for acceptance will be given priority for the maximum of 30 openings in DPT program. Students possessing undergraduate degrees from other institutions, however, are encouraged to apply and may be admitted to the DPT program if all prerequisite coursework and admissions requirements are satisfied.Approximatley half of the accepted students are from other instituitions.

Outcomes
Current graduation, employment and board examination pass rates can be found at the following: http://www.clarke.edu/page.aspx?id=246

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for DPT students starting the program in the fall of 2013 will average approximately $30,200 each year. Clarke University participates in extensive federal and non-federal financial aid programs to assist students and their families to meet the costs of attendance. Over 90% of Clarke students receive some form of financial aid. Eligibility for various financial aid programs will depend on the academic status of the student (undergraduate or graduate).

Student life
Clarke University is nationally affiliated with the NAIA for athletics. Intramural programs are available as well as an array of other activities. Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facility and an outdoor fitness trail. Dubuque is a picturesque city located on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. Cultural and recreational activities are abundant. Activities in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Des Moines are within a reasonable driving distance.