Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science

Within Rockhurst’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, a student develops the skills, knowledge and competence to become a movement expert, working with individuals of all abilities across the lifespan. Through active learning experiences that embrace clinical reasoning and reflection, Rockhurst PT graduates provide education, physical therapy management, leadership, service and advocacy within the community and the profession. Rockhurst University’s Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science Education is committed to preparing competent, caring professionals who can help optimize movement and improve the life experiences for persons whose abilities are threatened or impaired due to developmental deficits, aging, physical illness or injury. Emphasizing and integrating critical thinking, problem solving and professionalism throughout the curriculum, the Rockhurst DPT program prepares a student for licensure as a physical therapist and enhances the student’s ability to clinically reason in a complex and changing health care system.

The Rockhurst DPT program is designed as an entry-level doctoral degree program. A new class of 50 students enters the program every June. The program consists of eight semester of coursework, including 34 weeks of fieldwork experience, presented throughout 2 and 1/2 academic years. Students participate in a wide variety of learning experiences including lectures, discussions, hands-on laboratories, service projects, independent study, group projects, research, integrated patient/client experiences and clinical internships.

The physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314-1488. Graduates are eligible to sit for the licensure examination in any state. Students are required to pass a national licensing examination after graduation to be eligible for licensure and practice.

Program Goals

• To prepare therapists who demonstrate excellence in clinical skills and professionalism.
• To implement an accredited, entry-level physical therapy curriculum with effective instructional strategies.
• To contribute to the growth of physical therapy education and physical therapy practice through the dissemination of scholarship in the areas of discovery, integration, application, teaching and learning.
• To establish partnerships that support and enrich students, faculty and the community.
• To foster the growth of faculty in areas of teaching scholarship and service.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate entry level competence through a solid foundation of physical therapy knowledge.
• Demonstrate entry level competence through sound clinical skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism in clinical and community settings.

Admission Pathways to the Program

Direct Admit (3+) or (4+) Pathway

Qualified high school students, Rockhurst undergraduates, or transfer students may be eligible for direct admission to the DPT program. These pathways guarantee a seat in the DPT graduate program and do not require an additional application for the graduate program. Students who receive a Direct Admit guarantee must maintain and complete specific academic criteria during their undergraduate studies in order to matriculate into the physical therapy program.

Freshman Direct Admit (3+) - high school students only

• Fast Track (3+) Pathway: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in 5.5 years.  Students enter the professional phase of the DPT program during their senior year in college.  
• High school requirements:
  • Prerequisite coursework consists of college preparatory high school curriculum. Emphasis on math and sciences.
• High school students apply through RU’s Admissions Office.

Junior Direct Admit (4+) - RU students who have completed 48-60 hours of undergraduate coursework

• Traditional (4+) pathway: Undergraduate degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 6.5 years. Students enter the professional phase of the DPT program after completing their Bachelor’s Degree. 
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). 
• Achieve a science prerequisite GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Prerequisite coursework completed prior to the start of the DPT program.
• RU undergraduates students inquire through SLCNHS Graduate Admissions Office prior to the start of their Junior year.

Transfer Direct Admit (4+) - students transferring to RU to complete their undergraduate degree

• Students who have completed between 48-60 hours of undergraduate coursework from another institution, or have been awarded an associate of arts degree.
• Traditional (4+) pathway: Undergraduate degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 6.5 years. Students enter the professional phase of the DPT program after completing their Bachelor’s Degree.  
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Achieve a science prerequisite GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Transfer students apply through RU’s Admissions Office.

Criteria to Maintain Direct Admissions

• Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science prerequisite GPA annually (on a 4.0 scale).
• Complete all prerequisite classes as specified by the Department of Physical Therapy by matriculation in the graduate DPT program.
• Maintain active membership in the PURPOSE (pre-health student club) by attending a minimum of 3 meetings per year. 
• Meet annually with a DPT program representative. 
• Demonstrate progression toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree by the end of the fourth year (before entry into DPT curriculum).
• Freshman Direct Admit 3+ students will complete their Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science no later than the fall semester of their first year in the graduate DPT program.
• Strongly recommend membership PURPOSE.
• Strongly recommend attendance at one or more Ellen Spake Lecture Series.
• Strongly recommended attending breakout department sessions at annual Interview Day.

Traditional Pathway

All current Rockhurst University students without a Direct Admit may apply to the Physical Therapy program in the summer prior to their senior year.  Applicants are expected to complete their degree requirements and Physical Therapy prerequisites prior to beginning the Physical Therapy program.

Post-baccalaureate students and those completing undergraduate degrees from an accredited college or university are considered for entry into the program on a competitive basis. Applications may be submitted beginning in the summer prior to the anticipated starting date.

Enrollment is limited and early application is encouraged. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the professional program. Applications for the graduate program can be obtained through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), www.ptcas.org. Interested students may request additional information about the program by contacting:

Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Admission

Applicants for the doctoral degree in physical therapy must show evidence of the following to be considered for admission:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution in a discipline other than physical therapy with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite and science prerequisite GPA of 3.2.
• A TOEFL internet-based minimum score of at least 80, or iTEP score of 3.9. Scores must be within the last two years.
  • This requirement applies if the applicant is an international student whose first language is not English.
• Completion of all materials in the online application.
• Personal interview.
• Completion of ALL designated prerequisite courses by the end of the Spring semester prior to beginning the professional curriculum as listed below:

Basic Proficiencies: English Composition I & II (EN 1110 and 1120). Interpersonal Communication (CT 2040) is strongly recommended.

Behavioral Sciences: Introduction to Psychology (PY 1000) and an upper-level psychology course. Developmental Psychology (PY 2400) or Psychological Disorders (PY 3550) is preferred.

Natural Sciences:

• General Biology I (BL 1250/1251)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BL 3030/3031)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BL 3040/3041)
• General Chemistry I & II (CH 2610 and CH 2630)
• Physics for the Life Sciences I and II (PH 2700/2710 and PH 2750/2760)
• Statistics (BSS 2100 or BIA 2200)

Exercise Physiology: Physiology of Exercise (EXS 3500/3501)       

NOTE: The above course numbers should assist both Rockhurst and transfer students in locating prerequisite course descriptions.

Requirements may be subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is important that all prospective applicants contact the Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science on a regular basis.

Promotion in the Program

To progress toward the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, students must:

1. Maintain a 3.0 semester AND cumulative GPA for all courses within the professional curriculum. All courses in the professional curriculum must be completed with at least a grade of C. Any grade below a C will result in dismissal from the  program.
2. Complete all required coursework in the DPT curriculum. Courses must be completed in the order outlined by the department curriculum plan. A student wishing to complete the courses in a difference sequence must obtain consent of the course instructor and/or program chair.
3. Complete a minimum of one elective course. Requirements concerning elective course work are described in detail in the Physical Therapy Student Handbook.
4. Successfully complete three comprehensive examinations in accordance with standards determined by the department; one each prior to matriculation to the second and third years of professional study, and one prior to graduation.
5. Consistently demonstrate professional behavior when interacting with faculty, students, and consumers. These behaviors reflect the capacity to deliver a high standard of health service and are as important as traditional academic  standards in determining criteria for promotion and continuation in the program. Professional behaviors are described in detail in the Physical Therapy Student Handbook.
   Students should be aware that a criminal background check will be required. The presence of any criminal conviction on the student’s record may affect his/her eligibility for participating in clinical internships, becoming certified or licensed, and/or securing a job in the field of physical therapy.

Decelerated Option

The Physical Therapy Doctoral Program at Rockhurst University acknowledges the need for some students to complete their doctoral degree education in more than two and a half years, as would be the case for students who encounter unforeseen or unusual circumstances. Students who are granted the Decelerated Option must take no longer than five years rather than two and a half, to complete their doctoral degree. Students who are granted the Decelerated Option are required to meet the same graduation requirements as students completing the two and a half-year sequence.

Graduation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires a cumulative quality grade point average of 3.0 or greater to graduate. The Physical Therapy Student Handbook contains additional supplementary information about the program.

Dual DPT/MBA and DPT/MA Program

Students enrolled in Rockhurst’s DPT program may complete a joint degree program in conjunction with the Helzberg School of Management. Rockhurst is one of only a few universities in the United States to provide students with this very unique opportunity, which will enhance the graduate’s ability to assume administrative, supervisory, and leadership roles in health care.

The Helzberg School of Management offers two degree programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MA). Both programs are taken concurrently during a student’s DPT studies and include a concentration in Health Care Management. The MBA and MA programs offer flexibility in timing of enrollment and structuring class schedules.

The length of time to complete the dual degree program is dependent on multiple factors, including the business degree selected and the student’s previous education. However, the program is designed for a student to complete the DPT degree in time to graduate with the cohort class in which he/she/they started.