General Program Description

Students are admitted in the fall quarter of the first year. The program runs 11 consecutive quarters and includes 35 weeks of clinical education. Students average 30-34 hours in class each week. The program employs nine full-time faculty members. Students graduate from the program in June.

Clinical Experiences
Throughout the program students have 35 weeks of clinical education. Opportunities exist to travel to Northwest regional and further locations during these periods as well locally in Spokane. All students complete full-time clinical experiences in acute care, in rehabilitation, and in a setting selected in cooperation with the Director of Clinical Education.

Faculty
There are nine full-time faculty members.Seventy-five percent of the full-time faculty hold post-professional doctoral degrees, two are certified as clinical specialists and four are engaged in clinical practice. Over the past 3 years the faculty has averaged approximately twelve publications in peer-reviewed journals. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12

Enrollment
Total enrollment at the University is approximately 12,000. Out-of-state students are accepted. Some preference is given to those students completing all prerequisites at a four-year institution. The physical therapy program accepts 38 students each year.

Admission
The admission process to the DPT program is highly competitive. The minimum requirements for application are: a cumulative grade point average GPA) of 3.0; a bachelor’s degree (additional consideration will be given for undergraduate degrees in basic sciences and for completion of any graduate degree); Graduate Record Examination; a minimum of 75 hours work, observation, or volunteer experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (participation in at least two different types of practice settings is required with a minimum of 30 hours in at least one setting); and letters of recommendation forms (included in the application packet) from 2 physical therapists and one employer. A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 based on the following courses is required: biology/zoology (w/labs) (including 1 quarter or semester each: human anatomy, human physiology, 1 quarter/semester upper division course (300 level or above) in Human or Animal physiology (may be satisfied by a course in Exercise Physiology offered through and Exercise Science department), 1 quarter/semester advanced course (300 level or above) of your choosing (at least 3 semester credits for 4 quarter credits) in Biology or Zoology. Recommended courses include Embryology, Microbiology, Development Biology, Cell Biology, and Pathology). 3 quarters (2 semesters) in each: chemistry and physics (w/labs); 1 course each in: behavioral science and statistics. All prerequisite course work must be completed by July of the year one matriculates.

Outcomes
95% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 100% of the graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) annually (3-year average); and 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
For the 2013-2014 academic year in-state tuition is $13,568 and out of state tuition is $27,161. A differential tuition of $500/quarter is also charged. Course fees vary but average $875 per quarter. Additional expenses include textbooks, health insurance, and malpractice insurance. Information about financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office, [email protected].

Student life
The main campus of the University is located in Cheney, a community 16 miles west of Spokane. Physical therapy classes are held in Spokane. The university student association is active in all areas of the student’s life. The region is served by an international airport with national carriers offering connections throughout the local area and nationwide. The system of surface transportation is excellent. There are numerous lakes, rivers, mountains, and pine forests surrounding the city. Mount Spokane offers seasonal skiing and is located 10 miles to the north. Seattle is 275 miles to the west. Spokane is an active art and cultural center having its own symphony orchestra.