Pre-Physical Therapy “Early Assurance” Pathways

Special Undergraduate Academic and Co-Curricular Programs

Entry Points into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Rockhurst Doctor of Physical (DPT) program has the following points of entry for students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. 

Early Assurance Three Plus (3+) Entry Point

3+ Earn an undergraduate degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 5.5 years

With the 3+ entry point, high school seniors or Rockhurst University juniors can complete their Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees in five and a half years. Students awarded a seat through the 3+ entry point will complete their undergraduate degree in Exercise Science following a curricular map designed specific to the 3+ Entry Point plan.  

 

• The curricular plan enables students to enroll in the first year of graduate level DPT courses during the fourth year of their undergraduate program.  
• Students begin the first term of DPT classes in the summer semester following their third undergraduate year.  While still classified as undergraduate seniors, students enroll in ‘dual credit’ DPT courses which count as undergraduate electives to fulfill the 128 credit hours required to earn a bachelor’s degree.   
• These final undergraduate/4th year courses will also count towards the requirements for the DPT degree.  
• Note: Students following the Early Assurance Three Plus Entry Point must meet all undergraduate core and major requirements by the end of their 8th semester in the fourth undergraduate year to graduate in the bachelor’s program in December before proceeding into the third semester of the DPT curriculum in January. All undergraduate requirements must be fulfilled before the bachelor’s degree can be conferred.
• Important Note: Any student entering Rockhurst with transfer credits may fulfill their undergraduate program requirements in less than the standard four years. In such cases, those students must apply to graduate with the bachelor’s degree within the term in which all 128 credits are fulfilled.

• For admissions requirements, please see the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Requirements, located at https://www.rockhurst.edu/physical-therapy/admission/overview .

• For a complete list of all Doctor of Physical Therapy program requirements, please see the Rockhurst Graduate Catalog located at registrar@rockhurst.edu.

High School Seniors  

• Apply for admission as a high school senior to Rockhurst University’s DPT program as an undergraduate Exercise Science major.  

Rockhurst University Juniors 

• Apply for admission in your junior year, provided you have completed the first four semesters of the Early Assurance 3+ exercise science curriculum (or equivalent hours/ requirements). 

• For admissions requirements, please see the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Requirements, located at https://www.rockhurst.edu/physical-therapy/admission/overview

The following is a sample list of the courses to be taken during the summer and fall semester in the student’s final undergraduate year:

Year 1 DPT: Summer Term of final Undergraduate Year

• PT 6040 Foundations of Physical Therapy Lab (1)
• PT 6050 Anatomy I (2.5)
• PT 6051 Anatomy I  Lab (1)
• PT 6060 Movement Science (2) 
• PT 6061 Movement Science Lab (.5)
• PT 6070 Physical Therapy Management of Medical Conditions (3)
• PT 6080 Evidence Based Practice (3)

Total: 13 credit hours

Year 1 DPT: Fall Term of 4th Undergraduate Year

• PT 6130 Clinical Kinesiology (3.5)
• PT 6131 Clinical Kinesiology Lab (1.5)
• PT 6140 Clinical Examination Lab (2)
• PT 6150 Anatomy II (1)
• PT 6151  Anatomy II Lab (0.5)
• PT 6170  Professional Practice and Leadership (3)
• PT 6190  Physical Therapy Management of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions (4) 
• PT 6191  Physical Therapy Management of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions (1.5)

Total: 17 credit hours

Early Assurance Four Plus (4+) Entry Point

4+ Earn an undergraduate degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 6.5 years.

• With the 4+ entry point, high school seniors or college juniors complete a degree in Exercise Science or any other major prior to beginning the DPT coursework. 
• For admissions requirements, please see the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Requirements, located at https://www.rockhurst.edu/physical-therapy/admission/overview. Please refer to the graduate section of the catalog for more information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. That catalog is located at www.registrar.edu.

High School Seniors 

Apply for admission as a high school senior to Rockhurst University’s DPT program and pursue any major (including Exercise Science, B.S. ). 

College Juniors  

Apply for admission in your junior year, provided you have completed between 48 - 60 hours of undergraduate coursework at Rockhurst or another accredited institution or have been awarded an associate of arts degree.  

Traditional Four Plus Entry Point

Students from accredited universities are invited to apply to Rockhurst. Typically, students apply while in the last year of their undergraduate degree with a plan to enter the graduate program upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Please refer to the graduate section of the catalog for more information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. That catalog is located at www.registrar.edu.