Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science

Within Rockhurst’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, students develop the skills, knowledge, and competence to become movement experts, working with individuals of all abilities across the lifespan.

Through active learning experiences that incorporate clinical reasoning and reflection, Rockhurst PT graduates deliver 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 individuals 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 students for licensure as physical therapists by enhancing their ability to clinically reason in a complex and changing healthcare system.

The Rockhurst DPT program is designed as an entry-level doctoral degree program. A new class of 48 students enters the program every June. The program consists of eight semesters of coursework, including 34 weeks of fieldwork experience, presented over 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), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085. 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 Vision

To transform the health and well-being of our dynamic society by optimizing learning and movement.

Program Mission

Develop compassionate and ethical physical therapists who are prepared to champion societal transformation through service, clinical, and professional excellence.

Admission Pathways to the Program

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

Qualified high school students, Rockhurst undergraduates, or transfer students may be eligible for direct entry into 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 Entry guarantee must maintain and complete specific academic criteria during their undergraduate studies in order to matriculate into the physical therapy program.

Freshman Direct Entry (3+ or 4+) - 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.  
• Traditional Track (4+) Pathway: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in 6.5 years.
• Students complete their undergraduate degree in 4 years and seamlessly matriculate into the DPT program the following summer.  
• High school requirements:
  • Prerequisite coursework consists of a college preparatory high school curriculum. Emphasis on maths and sciences.
• High school students apply through RU’s Admissions Office.

Junior Direct Entry (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 must be completed before the start of the DPT program.
• RU undergraduate students inquire through the SLCNHS Graduate Admissions Office before the start of their junior year.

Transfer Direct Entry (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 Entry Status

• Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science prerequisite GPA annually (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework.
• Complete all prerequisite classes as specified by the Department of Physical Therapy before matriculation to the graduate DPT program.
• 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 Entry 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 in PURPOSE (pre-health student club).
• Strongly recommend attendance at one or more Ellen Spake Lecture Series.
• Strongly recommended attending breakout department sessions at the annual Interview Day.

Strongly recommend observation in one or more physical therapy settings.

Traditional Pathway

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

Graduate Admissions
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2561

(816) 501-4000
(816) 501-4059
1-(800)-842-6776

graduate@rockhurst.edu

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. Score must be within the last two years.
  • This requirement applies to international students 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 before beginning the professional curriculum as listed below:

Behavioral Sciences: 

• Introduction to Psychology
• Upper-level psychology course (Developmental Psychology or Abnormal Psychology is preferred)

Natural Sciences:

• General Biology I (with lab)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with labs)
• General Chemistry I & II (with labs)
• General Physics I & II (with labs)
• Statistics

Exercise Physiology: 

• Exercise Physiology

*Requirements may be subject to change without notice. Therefore, all prospective applicants must maintain regular contact with the Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science.

Promotion in the Program

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

• Maintain at least a 3.0 semester AND cumulative GPA for all courses within the professional curriculum. All courses in the professional curriculum must be completed with a minimum grade of C.
• 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 different sequence must obtain consent from the course instructor and/or program chair.
• Complete a minimum of one elective course. Requirements concerning elective coursework are described in detail in the Physical Therapy Student Handbook.
• Successful completion of three comprehensive examinations under standards determined by the department; one each before matriculation to the second and third years of professional study, and one before graduation.
• Consistently demonstrate professional behavior when interacting with faculty, students, and consumers. 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 experiences, becoming certified or licensed, and/or securing a job in the field of physical therapy.

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 unique opportunity, one which will enhance a student’s ability to assume administrative, supervisory, and leadership roles in healthcare.

The Helzberg School of Management offers two degree programs that can be completed concurrently with the DPT program:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• 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 the 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 the student started.