Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM (D.P.T.)
Dr. Barbara Gresham, Program Director
Accreditation Statement:
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
Effective July 21, 2015, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates that the program is progressing toward accreditation and may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.
Program Vision
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program aspires to be recognized as the program of choice for individuals seeking to become competent, effective and ethical physical therapy practitioners with a foundation based in Christian principles and values.
Program Mission
The mission of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to prepare individuals for service as physical therapy practitioners who will collaborate with other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, contribute to critical inquiry, and serve in leadership roles within the profession and the community. Consideration for addressing the needs of underserved communities in a global society will serve as a guiding principle for program faculty, staff, students and graduates. The program will be offered in a Christian environment led by faculty who teach and mentor with integrity, sensitivity and a commitment to excellence.
Program Goals
1. The program will provide an innovative curriculum that includes interprofessional learning activities and service learning opportunities.
2. The program will collaborate with local clinicians to promote continued competence for physical therapists within the community.
3. Faculty will model professional behaviors that reflect commitment to service to the institution, profession and community.
4. Faculty will maintain currency in physical therapy practice.
5. Faculty will participate in scholarly activities to advance the teaching, research, and practice of physical therapy through rigorous inquiry.
6. Students will demonstrate competence in clinical practice by the end of the program.
7. Students will complete the requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
8. Students will demonstrate a commitment to service through engagement in service learning and community activities.
9. Students will demonstrate a commitment to the profession of physical therapy.
10. Graduates will demonstrate competence as practitioners with consideration for serving underserved communities.
11. Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to service to the profession and the community.
Program Entrance Requirements
- Submit official transcript of a completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum grade-point average of
a) 3.2 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of the Bachelor's or relevant Master's degree
b) 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C in each course
- Submit resume or curriculum vita documenting educational background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and volunteer or community service
- Submit verification forms documenting a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer/observation experience in each of two different physical therapy settings (a total minimum of 80 hours)
- Arrange for submission of three recommendation forms; two recommendation forms must be from physical therapists (PT) in different settings where volunteer/observation experience was obtained
- Interview (by invitation) with members of the DPT Admissions Committee
- Compose an essay response to a physical therapy related prompt (Interview and essay will be completed on the same day).
Program Lab/Classroom Activities
Students will practice various therapeutic techniques during required lab and, occasionally, lecture or classroom courses. In order to provide students both a complete perspective on various therapies and the opportunity to practice, students are expected to practice physical therapy techniques on one another. Any required participation in such exercises will be under the supervision of university faculty, instructors, or clinicians. Any student admitted to the program who is uncomfortable with any classroom or lab activity should discuss his or her concern with the DPT Program Director.
Requirements for Candidacy
Students must achieve candidacy for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree prior to entering full-time clinical experiences. In order to achieve candidacy, a student must:
- Complete at least one program Service Learning Activity
- Achieve a minimum of Intermediate Level rating on 80% of items on the Professional Behaviors form based on self-assessment and faculty verification
- Obtain approval for research project
Requirements for Graduation
In order to graduate from the DPT program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Successfully complete all coursework with a grade of “C” or better and maintain a 3.00 GPA
- Successfully complete a comprehensive examination and any required supplemental work
- Complete a professional portfolio presentation
Curriculum (109 hours)
View degree plan.
Degree Requirements
Fall Semester 1st Year
Spring Semester 1st Year
Summer Semester 1st Year
| PHTH 7431 | Patient Management: Musculoskeletal Rehab I | 4 |
| PHTH 7432 | Patient Management: Neuromuscular Rehab I | 4 |
| PHTH 7233 | Professional Practice: Psychosocial/Cultural Considerations | 2 |
| PHTH 7234 | Professional Practice: Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
| PHTH 7135 | Professional Communication | 1 |
| PHTH 7136 | Clinical Practicum | 1 |
Fall Semester 2nd Year
Spring Semester 2nd Year
Summer Semester 2nd Year
| PHTH 7961 | Professional Experience II | 9 |
| PHTH 7362 | Wellness and Health Promotion | 3 |
| PHTH 7363 | Professional Practice: Care Delivery and Practice Management Issues | 3 |
Fall Semester 3rd Year