Physical Therapy, Doctor of
Saint Louis University's program in physical therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree.
There are three paths of entry into the SLU program.
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Early-assurance, freshman-entry: The early-assurance pathway is a six-year curriculum, including two summers. Students admitted receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (B.S.E.S.-P.T.) concentration after successfully completing the first four years of coursework and the D.P.T. degree after completing the additional two post-baccalaureate years.
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Early-assurance, undergraduate transfer: The undergraduate transfer pathway allows students to transfer into the program as undergraduate students from within or outside of Saint Louis University.
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Post-baccalaureate: The post-baccalaureate pathway allows students who have already earned an undergraduate bachelor's degree to enter as a professional-phase student for three years of graduate coursework, including two summers.
Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for examining and evaluating patients/clients, developing and implementing intervention programs, providing patient education, and supervising other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as administrators, teachers, researchers and consultants.
Program Highlights
Advantages of earning a D.P.T. at SLU include:
- Direct admission to the program as a freshman
- Undergraduate transfer and post-baccalaureate transfer are both possible
- Opportunities to pursue additional curricular goals such as minors, including interprofessional education, certificates and study abroad programs
- Physical therapy pro bono clinic providing integrated curricular and volunteer opportunities for students while serving people from the local community
- Clinical education placements across diverse settings and geographic locations
- Highly qualified and accessible faculty
- State-of-the-art laboratories and clinical equipment
Curriculum Overview
SLU's PT early-assurance curriculum is divided into pre-professional and professional phases. Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences.
Once accepted into the program, a student progresses through the entire program without needing to reapply or take a graduate entrance exam, provided the student meets the program's academic and professional behavior standards.
During the professional phase, students enroll in coursework specific to the physical therapy profession and complete 38 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. Students begin their clinical experiences in the spring of year four with DPT 5290 Formation of Identity as a Physical Therapist (1 cr).
Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in specialty areas through elective courses in the physical therapy curriculum and clinical exposure. In addition to the PT curriculum, undergraduate students must complete a minor of their choosing before transitioning to the professional phase. Students will additionally earn a second minor in interprofessional education (IPE) upon completion of their bachelor's degree.
Upon graduation, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain a license to practice physical therapy.
Clinical and Research Opportunities
SLU's physical therapy program is affiliated with more than 250 clinical sites locally, nationally and internationally.
The faculty and clinical staff provide clinical services at a variety of locations, including the pro bono clinics, Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Clinic at Student Health, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, consultative services for senior Jesuits and the SLUCare Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic.
Careers
Graduates from SLU's PT program enjoy employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term rehabilitation facilities, collegiate and professional sports, schools, patient homes and fitness centers.
Physical therapists typically work in full-time positions and receive benefits. The 2023 median annual wage of physical therapists was $99,710 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specific salary depends on location and experience level.
Graduates of our Doctor of Physical Therapy program report a 100% employment rate within the profession within one year of graduation.
Admission Requirements
Freshman Applicants
Every application to the program in Physical Therapy for admission is reviewed on an individual basis.
For the freshman-entry admission, the best qualified high school seniors are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.2 on a 4.00 scale, with an emphasis on math and science.
The following high school courses are required for admission:
- One year of biology and one year of chemistry
- College prep courses equivalent to algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and/or trigonometry.
Strong applicants will have:
- Four years of math, including a course equivalent to pre-calculus
- Four years of science, including physics and anatomy/physiology
- Activities demonstrating leadership and community service
- An interest in the profession of physical therapy as demonstrated through observation, school activities, or personal experience
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
The deadline for completed physical therapy applications and financial aid consideration for all freshmen applicants is Dec. 1.
Transfer Applicants
General Information
As space allows, students may enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as internal change major (enrolled in another program at SLU) or external (enrolled at another college or university) transfer students.
Students must apply by October 1 to be considered for spring admission or March 1 for fall admission.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in required science coursework
- Completion of a minimum of 1 required science course/sequence as listed below:
- BIOL 1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution (3 cr) and BIOL 1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1 cr)
- BIOL 1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter (3 cr) and BIOL 1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1 cr)
- CHEM 1080 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEM 1085 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab (1 cr)
- CHEM 1480 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEM 1485 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab (1 cr)
- PHYS 1310 College Physics I (3 cr) and PHYS 1320 College Physics I Laboratory (1 cr)
- PHYS 1330 Physics II (3 cr) and PHYS 1340 Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)
- ANAT 1000 Basic Human Anatomy (3 cr)
- PPY 2540 Human Physiology (4 cr)
- EXSC 3230 Exercise Physiology (3 cr)
- In addition to the application, applicants must submit a personal statement describing interest in physical therapy as a profession. External transfer applicants will submit the personal statement to transfer@slu.edu.
- Internal transfer students who are academically eligible meet with the physical therapy academic advisor to review applicant qualifications and the application process. Qualified applicants who submit paperwork to change their major prior to the deadline will be reviewed by the program in Physical Therapy admissions committee.
- External transfer students can review course equivalency information here.
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Post-Baccalaureate Applicants
General Information
As space allows, students may enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as a post-baccalaureate student for classes beginning in Mid-May.
Application process
- Applicants must apply through PTCAS
- The priority deadline is November 3.
- The application close date is January 15.
- Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in September
Application Requirements
- Completion of an undergraduate degree prior to the start of classes
- Official transcript(s) must be received prior to the start of classes
- Personal statement describing interest in physical therapy as a profession
- Service and leadership experiences
- Recommendation letter
- While observation hours are not required, these hours will help you write the required personal statement
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A grade of C or better is required for prerequisite courses
- At the time of application, no more than 2 prerequisite courses may be outstanding. The list of prerequisites (and credits) is below:
o General Biology with a lab or Animal Biology with a lab (4) Not Botany
o Chemistry I with lab (4)
o Chemistry II with lab (4)
o Physics I with lab (4)
o Physics II with lab (4)
o Human Anatomy (3)
o Human Physiology (4)
o Exercise Physiology (3)
o General Psychology (3)
o Second Psychology (3)
o Statistics (3)
NOTE: Anatomy and Physiology I & II can be taken in place of Human Physiology and Basic Human Anatomy.
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:
- You must demonstrate English Language proficiency.
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at Saint Louis University.
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Tuition
| Tuition | Total Program Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | $115,000 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to SLU scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
- Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
For priority consideration of merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.
For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
Accreditation
The Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE).
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org
capteonline.org
If you need to contact SLU's program directly, please call 314-977-8505 or email sluptat@health.slu.edu.
For more information about the SLU physical therapy program's outcomes, matriculation rate, graduate rate, employment rate, NPTE pass rates and technical standards, please see the additional accreditation information (PDF).
View Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)
- Graduates will be able to serve others by advocating for the health of society.
- Graduates will be able to communicate in a way that optimizes patient-centered care.
- Graduates will be able to apply principles of evidence-based practice in patient care.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate typical versus atypical physical movement.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANAT 4300 | AHP Neurosciences † | 4 |
| ANAT 5010 | Human Gross Anatomy † | 5 |
| EXSC 5121 | Clinical Biomechanics † | 3 |
| EXSC 5241 | Clinical Research and Design † | 2 |
| DPT 5011 | Foundations in Physical Therapy | 1 |
| DPT 5125 | Therapeutic Modalities † | 3 |
| DPT 5127 | Basic Examination † | 3 |
| DPT 5130 | System-Based Pathology † | 4 |
| DPT 5147 | Human Growth and Development † | 3 |
| DPT 5290 | Formation of Identity as a Physical Therapist † | 1 |
| DPT 5222 | Kinesiology † | 3 |
| DPT 5228 | Basic Procedures † | 2 |
| DPT 5226 | Therapeutic Exercise † | 2 |
| DPT 5240 | Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions † | 4 |
| DPT 5123 | Clinical Gait | 2 |
| DPT 5134 | Multi System Management | 3 |
| DPT 5135 | Cardiopulmonary Conditions | 3 |
| DPT 5137 | Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
| DPT 5142 | Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
| DPT 5149 | Motor Control and Motor Learning | 2 |
| DPT 5162 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 4 |
| DPT 5215 | Cura Personalis as a Physical Therapist | 2 |
| DPT 5218 | Effective Communication and Teaching | 3 |
| DPT 5251 | Neurological Conditions I | 4 |
| DPT 5263 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 4 |
| DPT 5271 | Patient Management I | 3 |
| DPT 5291 | Clinical Experience IA | 2 |
| DPT 6072 | Patient Management II | 1 |
| DPT 6077 | Department Administration | 2 |
| DPT 6091 | Clinical Experience IB | 2 |
| DPT 6092 | Clinical Experience IIA | 2 |
| DPT 6192 | Clinical Experience IIB | 2 |
| DPT 6116 | Leadership and Advocacy as a Physical Therapist | 2 |
| DPT 6124 | Biomechanical Interventions | 3 |
| DPT 6138 | Concepts of Wellness | 1 |
| DPT 6152 | Pediatric Conditions | 2 |
| DPT 6173 | Patient Management III | 4 |
| DPT 6178 | Applied Administration and Management | 2 |
| DPT 6293 | Clinical Experience III | 3 |
| DPT 6294 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
| Total Credits | 105 | |
- †
Direct entry freshmen program courses taken in the Senior Year.
Continuation Standards
For a complete list of GPA and professional behavior continuation standards, see the Program in Physical Therapy Student Handbook. Students must earn a C or better in all required courses with a DPT, EXSC, and IPE prefix. Students must earn a C or better in all required ANAT courses at the 4000 level and above. For clinical education courses in the professional phase, an S (satisfactory) grade is required.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Pre-Professional Phase | ||
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
| CHEM 1080 & CHEM 1085 |
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab |
4 |
| CORE 1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy (satisfies CORE 1700) | 3 |
| DPT 1111 | Self and Community in PT (satisfies CORE 1500) | 1 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 |
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| CHEM 1480 & CHEM 1485 |
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab |
4 |
| DPT 1212 | Fueling the Fire, Discovering Your Passion (satisfies CORE 1000) | 2 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| CORE 1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (satisfies CORE 1200) | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| IPE 2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PHYS 1310 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 1320 | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANAT 1000 | Basic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| DPT 2213 | Professionalism and Physical Therapy Thought (satisfies CORE 2500) | 1 |
| IPE 4200 | Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
| PHYS 1330 | College Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 1340 | College Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Participation in Study Abroad Optional | ||
| CORE 1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
| CORE 2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
| CORE 3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
| PHIL 2050 or HCE 2010 |
Ethics or Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics |
3 |
| PSY 3460 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| EXSC 3230 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| IPE 4900 | Interprofessional Community Practicum (satisfies CORE 4000) | 3 |
| STAT 1100 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| DPT 3214 | Reflections on the Core and the Future | 1 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Summer | ||
| Professional Phase | ||
| DPT 5011 | Foundations in Physical Therapy | 1 |
| ANAT 4000 | Human Gross Anatomy | 5 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Fall | ||
| EXSC 5121 | Clinical Biomechanics | 3 |
| DPT 5125 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
| DPT 5127 | Basic Examination | 3 |
| DPT 5130 | System-Based Pathology | 4 |
| DPT 5147 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - PT awarded upon completion of this semester. | ||
| ANAT 4300 | AHP Neurosciences | 4 |
| DPT 5222 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| DPT 5226 | Therapeutic Exercise | 2 |
| DPT 5228 | Basic Procedures | 2 |
| EXSC 5241 | Clinical Research and Design | 2 |
| DPT 5240 | Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions | 4 |
| DPT 5290 | Formation of Identity as a Physical Therapist | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year Five | ||
| Fall | ||
| DPT 5123 | Clinical Gait | 2 |
| DPT 5134 | Multi System Management | 3 |
| DPT 5135 | Cardiopulmonary Conditions | 3 |
| DPT 5137 | Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
| DPT 5142 | Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
| DPT 5149 | Motor Control and Motor Learning | 2 |
| DPT 5162 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| DPT 5215 | Cura Personalis as a Physical Therapist | 2 |
| DPT 5218 | Effective Communication and Teaching | 3 |
| DPT 5251 | Neurological Conditions I | 4 |
| DPT 5263 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 4 |
| DPT 5271 | Patient Management I | 3 |
| DPT 5291 | Clinical Experience IA | 2 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year Six | ||
| Summer | ||
| DPT 6072 | Patient Management II | 1 |
| DPT 6077 | Department Administration | 2 |
| DPT 6091 | Clinical Experience IB | 2 |
| DPT 6092 | Clinical Experience IIA | 2 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Fall | ||
| DPT 6116 | Leadership and Advocacy as a Physical Therapist | 2 |
| DPT 6124 | Biomechanical Interventions | 3 |
| DPT 6138 | Concepts of Wellness | 1 |
| DPT 6152 | Pediatric Conditions | 2 |
| DPT 6173 | Patient Management III | 4 |
| DPT 6178 | Applied Administration and Management | 2 |
| DPT 618X | Physical Therapy Elective (optional) | 0-1 |
| DPT 6192 | Clinical Experience IIB | 2 |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Doctor of Physical Therapy awarded upon completion of Semester 12 | ||
| DPT 6293 | Clinical Experience III | 3 |
| DPT 6294 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 203-205 | |
Program Notes
The six-year curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (years one through three) and the professional phase (years four through six). Year four represents the final year of the baccalaureate degree for freshman-entry or pre-professional-phase transfer students and first year of the professional phase for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences. The post-baccalaureate curriculum is the coursework outlined in years four through six.
Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu