Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
The Doctor of Physical Therapy is the post-baccalaureate degree conferred upon successful completion of a professional entry-level physical therapy educational program. Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical application in the preservation, development and restoration of optimal physical function. This Doctor of Physical Therapy program is intended to prepare physical therapists to be employed within the healthcare delivery system. Upon graduation, these practitioners will be able to provide a broad range of patient care services as well as pursue research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. The curriculum also provides graduates with the skills to assume roles in rehabilitation services, prevention and health maintenance programs, and professional and community organizations.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. CAPTE is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Seton Hall University is accredited by:
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org
The program’s accreditation has been granted until June 30, 2031.
Mission
The mission of the program is to educate individuals to become Doctors of Physical Therapy, who are competent practitioners capable of autonomous and inter-professional care, possessing a depth and breadth of knowledge to support the best practice of physical therapy for optimizing movement and function throughout the lifespan. Program graduates are prepared to be reflective practitioners to address the needs of society and to assume leadership roles within the profession and health care environment. As a program within a Catholic university, graduates learn to provide care with sensitivity and respect for all individuals within the communities they serve. The mission is accomplished through diverse academic and clinical experiences, professional development, and evidence- based inquiry, which is supported by faculty leadership, scholarship and service. The shared missions of physical therapy and the other professional entry programs within the School of Health and Medical Sciences provide opportunities for mutual support and interprofessional practice, sharing of resources and interactive development of programs.
This is a three-year, full-time academic program that includes academic and clinical experiences in physical therapy that foster the integration of foundation sciences, clinical practice, professional roles and expectations, and servant leadership. This combination allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge, behaviors, and hands-on skills to enter a variety of practice settings. The coursework emphasizes the application of theory and research to practice, with emphasis on the human movement system and collaboration within inter- and intra- professional teams. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Admission
The curriculum of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is rigorous, and the admissions process is extremely selective. Applicants holding a baccalaureate degree must complete an application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Admissions Service (PTCAS); this is located at www.apta.org/cas/ptcas. In reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee will determine candidates’ eligibility upon review of the following: undergraduate academic performance, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and non-quantifiable items such as letters of recommendation, healthcare experiences, and essay review. Special admissions consideration is given to students enrolled in the dual degree program at Seton Hall University, who do not participate in the PTCAS process.
Information regarding the application deadline may be obtained from the School of Health and Medical Sciences, (973) 275-2051.
Academic Requirements for Admission
Admission to the program requires:
- official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
- a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 on a four-point scale;
- completion of the following prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.2; and a grade of “C” or better in each course;
- Biology (8 credits)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits)
- Physics (8 credits)
- Chemistry (8 credits)
- College Math or Statistics (3 credits)
- English/Communication (3 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
- Psychology (3 credits)
- a minimum of 25 hours of clinical observation with a licensed physical therapist in the delivery of physical therapy services in a clinical environment;
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which is from a physical therapist and another from an academic faculty or advisor and/or employer:
- the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Seton Hall PTCAS GRE Code is 3886;
- a written essay; and
- completion of the essential functions statement.
As noted above, prerequisite science courses listed above must include a laboratory component (online laboratories are accepted) and must have been completed within 10 years prior to matriculation. Students with incomplete prerequisites may apply; however, they must state how they will satisfy the prerequisites by June 1st prior to the start of the program. For more information on COVID-19’s impact on admission requirements, please visit the Doctor of Physical Therapy admissions webpage for the most up-to-date guidance.
Individuals who do not possess a baccalaureate degree should consult the Undergraduate Catalogue for the Dual Degree program (BS/DPT) with the College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Biological Sciences.
Standardized Testing
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. While the program does not use a strict cutoff score, most competitive applicants will have scores at or above the 50th percentile in each test area. Candidates who have already earned a graduate degree may request that the GRE be waived. Such requests will be considered on a case- by-case basis.
If English is not the native language, a student must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score Report documenting a computer-based score of 220 or above, or pass all four sections of the new TOEFL examination. The passing section scores are:
- Writing = 24
- Speaking = 26
- Listening = 18
- Reading = 21
All international transcripts must be evaluated by a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Interviews
All applicants considered for admission will be invited to campus for an interview. Meeting the minimum standards for admission does not guarantee that an applicant will be invited for an interview.
Advanced Standing and Transfer Students
All students must complete the required 111 credits to graduate from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Seton Hall University. There will be no advanced placement or credits for experiential learning. Transfer credits from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Curriculum Requirements
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a full-time lock-step program and requires continuous enrollment throughout the three years of study. Students who have interrupted enrollment will be required to register and successfully complete a 1 credit Independent Study course prior to beginning courses with clinically-related experiences. This independent study will emphasize continued mastery of previously learned knowledge and skills. Permission of the department chairperson is required. The following courses must be taken in the predetermined sequence.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| Session II | ||
| GDPT 6150 | Physiology I - Fnd Hum Physio | 2 |
| GDPT 6160 | Kinesiology I - Bio Hum Motion | 2 |
| GDPT 6170 | Crit Think - Clin Reason Proc | 1 |
| GDPT 6180 | Prof Roles in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| First Semester | ||
| GDPT 6250 | Human Physiology II | 2 |
| GDPT 6260 | Kinesiology II | 3 |
| GDPT 6270 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| GDPT 6280 | Clin Assessment - Diag Skl I | 3 |
| GDPT 6290 | Critical Inquiry I | 2 |
| GDPT 6340 | Therapeutic Interventions II | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| GDPT 6330 | Neuroscience | 3 |
| GDPT 6350 | Physiology III - Bioenergetics | 2 |
| GDPT 6240 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 2 |
| GDPT 6360 | Kinesiology III - Posture Gait | 3 |
| GDPT 6370 | Comm Htlh-Wellness Outreach I | 1 |
| GDPT 6380 | Clin Assessment Diag Skl II | 3 |
| GDPT 6390 | Critical Inquiry II | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| GDPT 7140 | Therapeutic Interventions III | 3 |
| GDPT 7180 | Clin Assess Diagnos Skills III | 2 |
| GDPT 7190 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| GDPT 7150 | Movement Dev Across Life Span | 3 |
| GDPT 7170 | Clin Diagnosis and Mgmt I | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| First Semester | ||
| GDPT 7240 | Therapeutic Interventions IV | 4 |
| GDPT 7250 | Psychosocial - Ethical Issues | 3 |
| GDPT 7280 | Clin Diagnosis Management III | 4 |
| GDPT 7380 | Clin Diagnosis Mgmt V | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| GDPT 7340 | Mgmt Regulatoryv Iss Heathcare | 3 |
| GDPT 7350 | Comm Hlth Wellness Outreach II | 1 |
| GDPT 7370 | Clin Diagnosis Mgmt IV | 4 |
| GDPT 7390 | Clin Diagnosis Mgmt VI | 2 |
| GDPT 7270 | Clinc Diagnosis-Management II | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| Session I | ||
| GDPT 8150 | Clinical Educ Seminar | 0 |
| GDPT 8170 | Clin Diag Mgmt VII - Multi-Sys | 4 |
| GDPT 8180 | Clin Diag Mgmt VIII Urogenital | 1 |
| Session II | ||
| GDPT 8190 | Clinical Internship I (8 weeks) | 4 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| First Semester | ||
| GDPT 8290 | Clinical Internship II (12 weeks) | 6 |
| GDPT 8240 | Evidence Based Practice Prjct | 2 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| GDPT 8360 | ClinReasoning Capstone Prj III | 1 |
| GDPT 8370 | Prof Devel and Leadership Sem (3 weeks) | 2 |
| GDPT 8390 | Clinical Internship III (12 weeks) | 6 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 111 | |
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