Physical Therapy Program

Saint Louis University's early assurance (freshman-entry) Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) curriculum is a six-year program, including two summers. Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (BSES-PT) after completion of the first four years, and the D.P.T. degree after successful completion of the additional two post-baccalaureate years.

Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for the examination and evaluation of patients/clients, the development and implementation of intervention programs, patient education and supervision of other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as administrators, teachers, researchers and consultants.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (freshman–junior years) and the professional phase (senior year–second post-baccalaureate year). Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences.

Once accepted, a student will progress through the entire program without the need for reapplying or taking a graduate entrance exam provided the student meets the program 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 the senior year.

Elective courses in the physical therapy curriculum and clinical exposure help students gain advanced knowledge and skills in specialty areas. In addition to the PT curriculum, students are required to complete a minor.

Upon graduation, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain a license to practice physical therapy.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

The program in physical therapy is affiliated with more than 300 clinical sites locally, nationally and internationally.

The faculty and clinical staff provide clinical services at a variety of locations including the Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Clinic, Student Health, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic.

Careers

Graduates enjoy employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, out-patient 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 2017 median annual wage of physical therapists was $86,850 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary depends on location and experience level.

Alumni of the program in physical therapy DPT alumni report a 100% employment rate within the profession within one year of graduation.

Admission Requirements

High school seniors applying for admission have two options for acceptance into the Saint Louis University program in physical therapy. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis.

• The standard selective admission process is for students with an ACT composite score of 25 or higher with no subsection below a 23 (or equivalent SAT scores) and a high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale (with an emphasis on math and science).
• The early-acceptance admission process is for students with an ACT composite score of 30 or higher with math and science subsections scoring at least a 28 ACT (or equivalent SAT scores), a high school GPA of 3.85/4.0 and an outstanding high school academic record (with an emphasis placed on excellence in math and science courses).
• Students that do not meet the requirements for early acceptance will automatically be considered for the standard selective admission process.

Minimum eligibility requirements also include:

• Four years of science, including biology and chemistry. Physics is strongly encouraged but not required.
• Four years of math, including a level equivalent to pre-calculus.
• Four years of English.

Meeting minimum GPA and test score requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. The deadline for completed program in physical therapy applications and financial aid consideration for all freshman is Dec.1.

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 University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Accreditation

The Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE), 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 314-977-8505 or email sluptat@health.slu.edu. 

For more information about the SLU Physical Therapy program outcomes, matriculation rate, graduate rate, employment rate, NPTE pass rates and technical standards, please see Additional Accreditation Information.

Additional Accreditation Information

Technical Standards

Complaint Policy and Instructions

1. DPT Graduates will be able to serve others by advocating for the health of society.
2. DPT Graduates will be able to communicate in a way that optimizes patient-centered care.
3. DPT Graduates will be able to apply principles of evidence-based practice in patient care.
4. DPT Graduates will be able to evaluate typical versus atypical physical movement.

Foundation 

Physical Therapy Requirements (for B.S. in Exercise Science, PT)

Physical Therapy Requirements (for DPT)

Continuation Standards

For a complete list of continuation standards, see the Program in Physical Therapy Student Handbook located on the program web page.

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.

Program Notes

The curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (freshman – junior years; semesters 1-6) and the professional phase (senior year – second post-baccalaureate year; summer semesters 1 and 2; semesters 7-12). Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please contact:
Katie Smialek
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu