Physical Therapy Program

Saint Louis University's early assurance (freshman entry) Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) curriculum takes six years, including two summers. Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BSES) 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 also work with clients who want to improve their physical performance and fitness level. A physical therapist's duties include 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.

Physical Therapy by the Numbers

• The three-year average (including the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014) of graduates who pass the National Physical Therapy Examination is 99.1 percent.
• Physical therapists are reported as having one of “The Ten Happiest Jobs” and report among the highest job satisfaction levels in the country, according to a 2013 Forbes article.

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 internships. Students begin their clinical experience 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 program, students pursue minors and double majors.

The Physical Therapy Program offers Pre-Medicine and Pre-Physician Assistant curricular tracks along with a curricular track of up to 4 semesters at the Madrid, Spain campus.

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

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

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

The faculty and clinical staff provide clinical services at Student Health, Saint Louis University Hospital and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic with more than 3,500 patients served annually.

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 2014 median annual wage of physical therapists was $82,390 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary depends on location and experience level.

Students completing the PT program report a 99 percent employment rate after 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 25 (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 PT 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

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
1111 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 706-3245
http://www.capteonline.org

Additional Accreditation Information

Technical Standards

Complaint Policy and Instructions

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

Foundation 

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

Physical Therapy Requirements (for DPT)

Continuation Standards

Professional Year I students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 and Professional Year II and III students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 in all graduate/professional courses.

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 preprofessional (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.