Frequently Asked Questions
On October 30, 2002, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) voted to continue accreditation to the physical therapist education program at Indiana University, continuing over 40 years of continuous program accreditation. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree was previously approved by the Indiana University Board of Trustees at its meeting in June 2001 and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) in November of that year. The IU DPT charter class began their studies in August 2002 and graduated July 2005. Over 110 students are currently enrolled in our degree program. For the class entering in fall 2005 we received 79 eligible applications, offered admission to 59 applicants, and matriculated 36 students.
- Why change to a DPT program?
- When was the first DPT class admitted?
- What is the "best" undergraduate major for a student?
- What prerequisite courses are required for the DPT program?
- What GPA is required to apply to the DPT program?
- What is a competitive GPA for students applying to the DPT program?
- What additional materials are required in the DPT application?
- Is the GRE required to apply to the DPT program?
- Is a dissertation required for the DPT degree?
- How many students are accepted into the DPT program?
- What semester does the DPT program begin and how long will it take to complete?
- Can the DPT program be completed on a part-time basis?
- Can an international student apply to the DPT Program?
- How do I get to the Department and where do I park?
- What is the typical DPT student's day like?
- If I'm in high school, how can I prepare for a career in physical therapy?
- What is the American Association of Physical Therapists?
- Why does APTA advocate a doctoral degree?
- Is there a ranking of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant programs?
- What factors can one use in deciding on a school?
- Where can I find financial aid?
1. Why change to a DPT program?
The nationwide transition from the baccalaureate degree to the post-baccalaureate professional degree, which has been ongoing in Physical Therapy for over a decade, has been driven by the numerous changes within the healthcare system in the US and the dramatic impact upon the roles and responsibilities of physical therapists. Physical Therapists now assume leadership roles in rehabilitation services, prevention and health care maintenance programs, and community organizations. The scope of practice for physical therapists has also continued to expand over the past decade. As of this date over 80 physical therapist professional education programs, including Indiana University, have transitioned to awarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association's Vision 2020 Statement. Further information may be found on the APTA's website - http://www.apta.org.
2. When was the first DPT class admitted?
The charter class for IU's DPT Program enrolled in the of Fall 2002 and graduated July 2005. Please check the admissions section of the program's website - http://www.dpt.indiana.edu/ for more details.
3. What is the "best" undergraduate major for a student?
The "best" major of study is in ANY area in which the student would enjoy working after receiving their undergraduate degree and should be selected based on the student's interests. The DPT Program does not have a preference as to the major area of study for the baccalaureate degree as long as prerequisite courses are completed.
4. What prerequisite courses are required for the DPT program?
Prior to enrollment in the DPT Program, students must have completed requirements for their baccalaureate degree. The following are the required prerequisite courses for program admission, which may be taken within the plan for the student's undergraduate degree or as electives:
DPT Course Prerequisites
General College Chemistry w/lab*
General College Physics w/lab*
Human Anatomy w/ lab*
Human Physiology w/lab*
Introductory Statistics#
Introductory Psychology
Human Lifespan Development
Humanities/Social Sciences - 2 courses such as sociology, anthropology, art, history, philosophy, literature, religion, music, minority studies, journalism, folklore, or classical studies.
*#Level of courses must be appropriate for science majors and must have been completed within seven years of application
Students must demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology prior to entering the professional program. Proficiency can be demonstrated through formal course work, on-line instruction with certificate of completion, or self-study with departmental examination. Students need to be competent writers and demonstrate computer literacy including e-mail, Internet, database searches, spreadsheet and word processing capabilities.
In addition to prerequisite course work, students must complete observational, volunteer or other work experiences in both hospital inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings in order to appreciate the differences in physical therapists' responsibilities in each setting. Each experience must be of a sufficient length of time to enable the supervising physical therapist to adequately complete the Generic Abilities Assessment Form included as part of the Application Portfolio.
Recommended Elective Courses
Medical Terminology
Abnormal Psychology
Biomechanics/Kinesiology
5. What GPA is required to apply to the DPT program?
The minimum required cumulative and math/science prerequisite courses grade point average is 3.20 on a 4.00 scale. The minimum grade point must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.
6. What is a competitive GPA be for students applying to the DPT program?
Admission to the DPT educational program remains competitive. The GPA for the incoming class has averaged 3.4.
7. What additional materials are required in the DPT application?
The DPT application portfolio requires a written statement of personal values and purpose for attending IU's DPT degree program and a form for the student's volunteer experience supervisors to return to the DPT admissions committee.
8. Is the GRE required to apply to the DPT program?
Yes, the GRE is required. Verbal scores must be at least 450.
9. Is a dissertation required for the DPT degree?
No. Dissertations are most commonly associated with the research PhD degree.
10. How many students are accepted into the DPT program?
The class size is 36 students.
11. What semester does the DPT program begin and how long will it take to complete?
Students in each entering class will begin their course work in August (fall semester), following the School of Medicine fall calendar rather than the academic calendar for undergraduate programs. Students will complete their course of study in nine continuous semesters (including two summers). For example, students entering Fall 2003 will graduate July 2006.
12. Can the DPT program be completed on a part-time basis?
No. The curriculum is designed for completion on a full-time basis, as each semester builds on the courses of the previous semester. Each course is offered only once per year in sequence.
13. Can an international student apply to the DPT Program?
Yes. International student applicants interested in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program should obtain an International Application packet from the IUPUI campus Office of International Affairs. Information and an International Application packet may be downloaded from the web at http://www.international.iupui.edu. International applicants are required to pay an additional $55 to evaluate foreign credentials and must submit an application portfolio no later than February 1st of the year prior to entry.
14. How do I get to the Department and where do I park?
Renee Akins, Student Enrollment Services Coordinator, is located in room 120 Coleman Hall, which is also the location of the Dean's Office for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Faculty offices are located in Coleman Hall as well. Occupational therapy classrooms are on the second floor of Coleman and physical therapy classes are on the third floor of Long Hospital. Parking can be found in the Riley Hospital Outpatient garage. Please see the attached map for all locations: http://www.iupui.edu/misc/campusmap.htm
15. What is the typical DPT student's day like?
A typical first-year DPT student's day begins at 7am or so, depending on how long it takes you to get to campus. The day's first class, Physiology, starts at 9:00 and is followed by a three hour break from 10:00-1:00 (except Mondays when Clinical Decision Making is held for one hour). During the break you might return home, study on campus, eat lunch, or just hang out with fellow classmates. Occasionally, the class gets together for some flag football during the break. The afternoon classes and their accompanying labs run from 1:00-5:00, with Biomechanics being held Tuesday/Thursday and Gross Anatomy on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. The rest of the day might include eating, exercise, television, or working, but it definitely must include studying!
- Preparing yourself for the amount of studying may be difficult, but here are a few key points:
- The studying technique used in Undergraduate studies will more than likely not work in Graduate studies. Therefore, an individual must tailor their study habits based on the demand from classes.
- The time spent studying will be significantly greater during Graduate School than it was during Undergraduate.
- Due to the difficulty of the courses that are taken during Graduate School, an individual should be prepared to receive lower grades (not significantly lower) than they received in undergrad classes - even after all that studying!
A typical schedule might be:
| Time | Activity |
| 7-8 am | Up, ready, and drive to campus |
| 8-9 am | Study or prepare for classes |
| 9-10 am | Morning class |
| 10-1 pm | Study, eat lunch, prepare for class |
| 1-5 pm | Afternoon class and lab |
| 5-6 pm | Dinner |
| 6-12 pm | Personal time (probably studying) |
16. If I'm in high school, how can I prepare for a career in physical therapy?
Many times high school students express an interest in a career in the health professions, but may be unaware of options or how to prepare academically for their career of choice. Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences on the IUPUI campus offers professional entry level education in physical therapy (PT) as a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Physical Therapists are in high demand and experience rewarding opportunities for life work.
High school students should know that educational preparation for this degree program is now only at the post baccalaureate level. That means that students interested in a career in physical therapy need to obtain a baccalaureate degree before entering into a professional program, although some universities offer the professional program in conjunction with the baccalaureate degree. While in high school, students interested in PT should be encouraged to take courses in anatomy and physiology, if these courses are offered. Students interested in PT should also be encouraged to take courses in chemistry and physics. Job shadowing while in high school is strongly encouraged and is required for entrance into the program.
Once in college, students should select a major based on their academic interests and not necessarily one labeled as pre-PT. For general career information as well as specific college prerequisite requirements and other admissions information students can access the professional organization website for physical therapists at www.apta.org.
Students who might be interested in a career in physical therapy but who don't want to pursue graduate studies may explore opportunities as physical therapist assistants. These people work directly with patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. A two-year degree from an accredited institution is required to be eligible to sit for the licensure examination; several colleges in Indiana offer this degree. Interested students may obtain additional information by accessing the American Physical Therapy Association website.
17. How can the public or clinicians register concerns or complaints about the educational program?
Student, Center Coordinator of Clinical Education, Clinical Instructor, and public complaints regarding the appropriateness of student preparation, clinical instruction, responses of the University to requests by either student or clinical site among others are taken seriously. If complaints are not handled appropriately or in a timely manner by the ACCE, the Department Chair should be notified. If the ACCE and Department Chair have not adequately addressed a situation that requires further attention, the Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences should be contacted. In the event that the issue remains unresolved, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education can be contacted at 703-706-3245. (from the Clinical Education Handbook, 2006 edition, p. 20).
18. What is the American Physical Therapy Association?
APTA represents more than 66,000 Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist assistants, and Physical Therapy students throughout the United States. Among the Association's objectives are enhancement of Physical Therapy education, practice, and research; accreditation of Physical Therapy education programs; communication with members; improvement of minority participation and representation in the profession; quality assurance; professional development and continuing education; interaction with government agencies and legislative bodies; attention to reimbursement issues; and development and implementation of public awareness programs.
19. Why does APTA advocate a doctoral degree?
A doctoral degree allows the student to obtain a broad background in the liberal arts and provides time for students to integrate the significant amount of material included in a Physical Therapy curriculum. Also, for those who currently possess a bachelor's degree in another area, it is a logical choice to progress to a doctoral degree. Over the years, the volume of scientific technology and literature included in Physical Therapist education programs has grown well beyond what can be reasonably included in a baccalaureate degree program. APTA believes that a doctoral program more adequately prepares the graduate to meet the expectations of the profession and the health care needs of society.
20. Is there a ranking of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant programs?
APTA does not rank programs. Physical Therapy education programs are accredited by CAPTE, which assures quality in Physical Therapy education. Graduation from an accredited program is currently required for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in those states in which licensure is required.
21. What factors can one use in deciding on a school?
The decision to attend a Physical Therapy program is a very personal one that must be made on the basis of a variety of factors, including: geographic location and size of the school, cost, class size, faculty composition and cohesiveness (number of years working together, for example); degree awarded; and design and length of curriculum. In an effort to compare the above factors, you may wish to survey current students and recent graduates of the program and interview employers who hire graduates and ask about program strengths and weaknesses.
22. Where can I find financial aid?
You can purchase APTA's Resource Guide on Financial Assistance (Order No P-62), which also includes information on minority scholarships, from APTA's Service Center at 800.999.2782, ext 3395, or order from the APTA Online Resource Catalog. Additional resources are available from the office of financial aid at the school of interest, the public library, and the National Clearinghouse for the Professions Information Center at the Council for Exceptional Children, 1920 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091; 703.264.9476 or 800.641.7824. Other sources include various Internet sites.
Click here for more information regarding financial aid opportunities at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
Questions? Call Renee Akins, Student Enrollment Services Coordinator, at (317) 274-7238 (reakins@iupui.edu)