General Program Description

Email for Job posting: Catherine Ortega, PT, EdD, ATC, OCS, [email protected]

Clinical Experiences
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a full-time program of seven semesters, including the summer of the second year. The program includes three required 10-week full-time clinical experiences that enable students to gain hands-on experience in the care of patients in neurological, orthopedic, and acute rehabilitation settings. In addition, a 4-week clinical selective in specialty areas is taken to broaden the student’s learning experience. Approximately 30% of clinical experiences are at health care facilities in the San Antonio area. Students need to make their own travel and housing arrangements while participating in these experiences. Costs of travel, temporary housing, maintenance of local accommodations, etc., will vary according to individual arrangements, so students are encouraged to budget for major expenses associated with clinical experiences.

Faculty
There are 7 full-time and three part-time faculty members. In addition, a number of adjunct faculty members assist with the program. Six of the full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees, four are certified as clinical specialists, and five are engaged in some type clinical practice. Over the past 3 years, the faculty has averaged three publications in peer-reviewed journals per year. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:16.

Enrollment
Approximately 2400 students are enrolled in health professions education programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). The Doctor of Physical Therapy program has the capacity for 40 students per class.

Admission
Students are encouraged to apply early as the program has a “first-come, first-served” policy of admissions. Applications are August 15 through November 1 of each year. An application and all supporting documentation must be received on or before December 1st to process your application. Applications received after this date will not be processed. Students are welcomed in the following categories: Category #1. Applicants without an earned baccalaureate or graduate degree. Complete all undergraduate core requirements: 6 hours of English Composition, 3 hours of math (college-level algebra or higher*), 9 hours of Natural Sciences, 3 hours of visual and performing arts (such as: art, dance, music, theater), 3 hours in humanities, (such as: literature, philosophy, modern or classical language/literature, and cultural studies), 6 hours in U.S. history 3 hours of statistics*, 6 hours in political sciences (U.S. and Texas constitutions) 3 hours in social/behavioral sciences.* And complete program prerequisite requirements include: 3 each of speech and sociology, 8 hours of Human or vertebrate Anatomy and physiology with labs, 8 hours of general biology with lab, 8 hours of general chemistry with labs, 8 hours of general physics with labs, 6 hours of psychology, and 13 hours of electives (such as Genetics, Psychology of Aging, Economics, Education, Philosophy, Anthropology, Foreign Language, Religion, Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation) *There are 15 hours of undergraduate core curriculum requirements that are satisfied by the DPT prerequisite Category #2. Applicants with an earned baccalaureate degree are not required to complete Texas Core requirements. Additional requirements and documentation: Offers of admission to the DPT program are based on competitive numbers of applicants in the following categories: grade point average (3.0 minimum) in the math & science and overall, and a minimum of two letters of reference (one of which must be from a physical therapist). Applicants must have experience in the physical therapy profession through a minimum of 50 hours of observation volunteer work, or as paid employees. (Documentation of volunteer hours form required). A personal statement on why you want to become a PT (one page single spaced), a personal resume, and all college transcripts are required. Application materials may be obtained at www.uthscsa.edu, by following the links to the School of Health Professions, then to the welcome center, physical therapy link. Applications may be submitted via the Internet by following instructions on the web page. The application fee is $40. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and selected individuals are invited by letter to interview with the faculty to be considered for admission. Graduation is in May. Approximately 15% of qualified applicants were admitted to the program in 2010.

Outcomes
Approximately 95% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); traditionally 90% of graduates pass the licensure exam on their first attempt; and 100% of program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3 year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-State tuition and general use fees for the 2010-2011 academic year are $181 per credit hour The cost of tuition fees, supplies, books and additional program fees over three years is approximately $29,895.00. More than 90% of students who apply for financial aid receive assistance. If an individual demonstrates need, the Office of Financial Aid will provide assistance in locating sources for funding. Out-of-state tuition for 2010-2011 academic year is $491 per semester credit hour.

Student life
No on-campus housing is available; however, affordable housing is located near UTHSCSA campus. Student organizations in the Department of Physical Therapy are among the most active student groups at UTHSCSA. Typically, they sponsor several major activities of community and professional involvement throughout each academic year.