Go to information for Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy for more information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Department Contact:
Program Chair: Dr. Jessica Cammarata, jcammarata@francis.edu
Program Description:
The Saint Francis University Bachelors of Health Science degree leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The program will prepare students to enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy Professional program with foundational information to demonstrate critical thinking, embrace lifelong learning, and use an evidence-based approach to support decisions.
Student Learning Objectives:
Goal 1: Students will be prepared to enter professional practice as competent doctors of physical therapy.
Goal 2: Students will be prepared to be ethical and compassionate practitioners of physical therapy.
Goal 3: Students will be aware of and prepared to function in a complex health care environment.
Goal 4: Students will use clinical reasoning in professional practice.
Goal 5: Students will become lifelong learners able to formulate plans for professional and personal learning.
Goal 6: Students will use evidence-based approach to support decisions and serve the needs of consumers and society.
Goal 7: Students will be prepared to meet the healthcare needs of patients and society through professional advocacy and service.
Admission Requirements:
Accelerated 3+3 leading to Doctor of Physical Therapy
There are two options for admission into the Accelerated 3+3 Health Science/Physical Therapy program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy
Students applying completing Standardized testing - SAT/ ACT
In addition to University admission requirements the program also requires the following:
- SAT score of 1210 or higher in critical reading and math or an ACT composite score of 25 or higher.
- GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 with 16 academic units indicated below:
- 4 units of science including biology and chemistry; physics recommended but not required; 4 units of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; calculus recommended but not required; 4 units of English; 4 units of academic electives.
Students apply without completing standardized testing - SAT/ACT (Test Optional)
In addition to University admission requirements the program also requires the following:
- GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 with 16 academic units indicated below:
- 4 units of science including biology and chemistry; physics recommended but not required; 4 units of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; calculus recommended but not required; 4 units of English; 4 units of academic electives.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
Pre-Professional Curriculum Progression Standards
All physical therapy majors in the three-year pre-professional curriculum must meet the following academic requirements prior to the summer of the fourth year of study in order to have a guaranteed seat in the professional curriculum.
- Must maintain an overall cumulative QPA of 3.20 or higher
- The overall cumulative QPA will be reviewed at the end of each year of the pre-professional curriculum to assess progress towards the attainment of entrance requirements for the professional phase of the program.
- QPA’s are evaluated as reported by the student’s Saint Francis University transcript. Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation.
- Must maintain a cumulative QPA of 3.20 or higher in all prerequisite courses. Grades below a “C” are not accepted. The student may, prior to the end of the spring semester of the junior year, retake up to two courses one time to achieve the minimum grade of “C.”
- Cumulative and pre- requisite QPA will be reviewed at the end of the junior year. QPA’s are evaluated as reported by the student’s transcript.
- QPA’s are evaluated as reported by the student’s Saint Francis University transcript. Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation.
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Prior to the fall semester of the junior year, 50 hours of documented volunteer experience or paid employment in at least one physical therapy practice settings, with two being recommended.
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Completion of the pre-professional curriculum in 3 consecutive years.
Students who do not achieve the required progression standards at the time for matriculation into the professional program have the option to request to enter the 4+ 3 program, provided the requirements are met for the 4 + 3 program.
*The cumulative math/science QPA is based on courses taken at SFU; BIOL 111, 205, 206, CHEM 113,114, EXPH 305, PHYS 104,105, and STAT 205.