General Program Description

The nine (9) semester DPT graduate program is designed to educate physical therapist generalists. Elective courses provide opportunities for students to focus on specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, sports physical therapy, orthopedics, and administration. Instructional methods vary from traditional to contemporary and technologically based. Nationally known physical therapists provide lectures through modern education facilities. Classrooms are designed to simulate the clinical environment and hands-on learning, which facilitates students’ preparation for clinical rotations. Students also have opportunities for experiential learning throughout the curriculum in a variety of settings.

Clinical Experiences
The program has in-state, out-of-state, and international clinical affiliation contracts with a variety of practice settings. Clinical rotation assignments are integrated in the curriculum to facilitate application of previously learned didactic and laboratory skills. All students have assignments in a variety of practice settings which enhances their abilities to ultimately practice as physical therapist generalists. The Director of Clinical Education may arrange for clinical opportunities in specialty areas when students have met certain clinical rotation performance criteria.

Faculty
Full-time core faculty have a post-professional doctorate degree and/or a specialty certification. Faculty are engaged in research, have a strong publication record, and are actively engaged in state, national, and international professional organizations. Support faculty from other WSU departments provide instruction on topics related to their individual specialty areas. The department has a close working relationship with Kansas University Medical School Wichita branch. In addition, the department has strong support from area clinicians who also teach in the program.

Enrollment
Total enrollment for Wichita State University is approximately 15,000 students. Each physical therapy class is limited to 40 students accepted for summer admission each year.

Admission
A baccalaureate degree is required for entry into the graduate school. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in each of the following is required: the last 60 hours of graded undergraduate academic work; required math/science courses; and all required prerequisite courses. No grade less than a C in each of the prerequisite courses following will be accepted: Basic Skills: 2 semesters of English composition and 1 semester of speech, 1 semester of Medical Terminology. Math/Sciences: biology (w/lab), 2 semesters of chemistry (w/lab), 2 semesters of physics (w/lab), 5 semester hours of human anatomy and physiology (w/lab), exercise physiology, statistics, and an equivalent college trigonometry course. Social sciences: 1 introductory and 1 advanced course in psychology. Recommended courses include kinesiology, embryology, motor learning, pharmacology, dietetics, and nutrition. A minimum of 20 hours observation or work experience in physical therapy is also required for admission. Students are encouraged to direct their questions to 316-978-5770 as well as utilizing our GPA calculator and other directions at www.wichita.edu/pt. Admission to the program is based not only on grades but also on the physical therapy admission review committee’s evaluation of application materials submitted.Applicants to the Program must be submitted through www.ptcas.org and a second application must be submitted to the WSU Graduate School ( http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=apply&p=/OnlineApplicationGateway ).

Outcomes
90.85 percent of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).
100 percent employment rate of graduates seeking jobs in physical therapy.
Examination pass rate is 99 percent (3 year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition is $264.20/hr for residents, $648.85/hr for non-residents not including other fees, books or housing. Students may apply for aid through the Office of Financial Aid, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS. 67260-0024. Several physical therapy fellowships or graduate teaching assistantships are available through the department.

Student life
Wichita State University is distinguished from other state-supported schools in Kansas by its urban setting. Wichita State’s location in the largest city in Kansas enhances the traditional classroom experience by providing students greater opportunities in resources, contacts with business and government leaders, employment, and internships. More than 90 social and special interest clubs provide opportunities for students to meet and work with others who share their interests. WSU is a Division I institution and fields teams in tennis, cross-country, basketball, track, golf, crew, soccer, and bowling, men’s baseball and women’s volleyball and softball. Intercollegiate athletic programs include volleyball, basketball, crew, swimming, and baseball. The Heskett Center provides many fitness, wellness and prevention opportunities for students in a well-equipped comprehensive facility including aquatics, rock climbing, and a variety of sports.