General Program Description
The program is a three-year post-baccalaureate doctoral degree curriculum. The curriculum begins with basic science and blends with clinical and physical therapy science courses throughout the three years. The curriculum is Guide to Physical Therapist Practice-based. Each course includes life-span issues and clinical cases are frequently used to facilitate learning. The DPT qualifies graduates to sit for the licensing exam in all 50 states.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical internships are eight-weeks in length and occur during the summers following the first and second years. During the spring term of the final year students complete two eight-week clinical internship experiences. Internship sites are located throughout the United States, with the majority of sites located in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.
Faculty
There are eight full-time and 8 part-time faculty members. Of the current full-time faculty 75% hold post-professional doctoral degrees, three are certified as clinical specialists, two hold the post-professional DPT degree, and all are engaged in clinical practice. Over the past three years, the faculty has averaged one publication in peer-reviewed journals annually and one presentation at a professional meeting. The PT Department faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15.1.
Enrollment
The University student population is approximately 5,300, including adult, part-time and graduate students. There are approximately 1500 graduate students in the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. Students at the University come from 27 states and 13 foreign countries. About 950 students enroll each year as freshmen. Approximately 83% of all full-time undergraduates live on campus.
Admission
Admission into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is limited to 45 qualified applicants each year. Inquiries should be directed to: The College of Graduate and Continuing Education, University of Scranton, O’Hara Hall, 2nd floor, Scranton, PA, 18510-4632 (570/941-7600, 1-888-SCRANTON). There are no undergraduate degree programs in The Department of Physical Therapy. Applicants to the freshman class who wish to become physical therapists must earn a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 in another major and complete the DPT prerequisites with grades of at least C before enrolling in the CPT Program. Graduate admission application information can be found on-line at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/gradsch/gradadmis.html. The following undergraduate prerequisites are required for application to the APT Program: General Biology with Labs (2 courses/6 credits minimum), General Chemistry with Labs (2 courses/6 credits minimum), General Physics with Lab (2 courses/6 credits minimum), Mammalian Physiology (1 course/3 credits), Mathematics (beyond Trigonometry- 1 course/3 credits), General Psychology (1 course/3 credits), Advanced Psychology (1 course/3 credits), Statistics (1 course/3 credits), Medical Ethics (1 course/3 credits), Computer Literacy (1 course/3 credits), Valid CPR, and Observation hours. Specific prerequisite information can be found at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/pt/program/dpt/prerequisites_dpt.html. Use forms for documenting observation experience that are included with the admissions application. A select group of incoming freshmen who indicate an interest in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be offered “guaranteed admission” as they enter the University based on the strength of their overall application. Students who receive a guaranteed admission must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, carry an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and undertake a required clinical experience as outlined by the Physical Therapy Department. They will be expected to confirm their intention annually and should apply to the College of Graduate and Continuing Education formally in the fall semester of their senior year by completing a Graduate application. University of Scranton students who are interested in the DPT Program can apply for early admission into the program by completing a Graduate application in the first semester of their senior year. Students must have completed all the necessary prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, carried an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and undertaken a required clinical experience as outlined by the Physical Therapy Department. Students not enrolled at The University of Scranton may seek regular admission into the DPT Program during their senior year, by completing and submitting a Graduate application. Physical Therapist interested in pursuing the DPT should apply in the fall semester of any given year for admission into the program in the following fall semester.
Outcomes
DPT outcomes are currently unavailable as the University of Scranton is in the process of converting to this curriculum.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
For 2007-08: undergraduate tuition $28,458, room and board $9,324-$11,630, university fee $300, PT lab fee $40 per lab hour each semester. Graduate tuition is $728 per credit. Inquiries should be directed to: The Office of Financial Aid, 401 St. Thomas Hall, The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4689, 570/941-7700, 1-888-SCRANTON, e-mail: [email protected], or the web page at: http://www.scranton.edu/admission/fa_fa.asp. The University offers a variety of scholarships in recognition of academic achievement, financial need, minority status and ROTC service. State and federal assistance, installment payment plans, and traditional work-study arrangements can also be a part of the mix of financing options.
Student life
The University consistently hears students and families state that The University of Scranton is a remarkable community. Among the reasons our community is so dynamic and supportive are the range of services and resources we provide and, most importantly, the way in which our students take ownership of their Scranton experience. A wide variety of activities, departments, clubs, organizations, services and resources are devoted to helping students take ownership of their Scranton experience. For further information, see the Student Life web page at http://www.scranton.edu/studentlife/sl.shtml.