Graduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.04.06
PHYSICAL THERAPY
[1] Mission
The mission of the UCA Department of Physical Therapy is to develop outstanding physical therapy professionals who are practicing autonomously in the global clinical and research communities.
[2] Professional Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
[2.1] Program Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Graduate School, the applicant must complete a department application and
- Present two official transcripts from every college attended including a transcript showing an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Degree must be awarded by August enrollment date. (Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at UCA may want to consider the BS in Health Sciences with a physical therapy emphasis.)
- Demonstrate evidence of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 and a science GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00 for all biology, chemistry, and physics course work.
- Provide a score report for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
- Provide documentation of 45 hours of PT observation at three different clinical settings (10-20 hours per facility).
- Submit the application fee (specific fee information provided yearly in the application packet).
- Attend an interview (scheduled after review of applicant's packet).
- Have completed the following courses or their equivalents:
- Have completed 30 of the 38 hours of science course work prior to the application deadline.
| SCH | |
| General Psychology (PSYC 1300) and a Psychology elective | 6 |
| Chemistry (CHEM 1402 and 2450 or 1450 and 1451; other courses such as CHEM 2401 and 3411 are available by approval) | 8 |
| Physics (PHYS 1410 and 1420; Physical Science not accepted) | 8 |
| Biology, including the following: 4 hours of Biology 1440 or equivalent, at least 6 hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 3 hours of Introductory Neuroscience, 3 hours of Pharmacology or Pathophysiology, 4 hours of Histology | 22 |
| Introduction to Computers (CSCI 1300) or another computer course that includes word and data processing. | 3 |
| Statistics (PSYC 2330, MATH 2311, SOC 2321, QMTH 2330) | 3 |
| Medical Terminology (H SC 3123) | 1 |
| Technical Writing (WRTG 3310) | 3 |
| Total Hours Required | 54 |
The professional curriculum in physical therapy has enrollment limitations, and entry is by specific application and competitive admission. Three options exist for application to the professional DPT program.
[2.2] Options for Admission
[2.2.1] Special Admission
Application Deadline: Selection of this option should be confirmed with the pre-PT advisor by October 15 of the sophomore year.
Students who begin study at UCA as a freshman and meet specific performance standards will be eligible to apply and be admitted to the DPT program after completion of 28 semester hours. Actual enrollment into the professional program will occur after completion of the baccalaureate degree.
To be eligible for special admission, the applicant must:
- Take all coursework at UCA
- Score at least 30 on the ACT (from high school)
- Complete the GRE
- Complete 28 credits at UCA in the Fall and Spring of the freshman year with a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or above and at least two science pre-requisite courses with a science GPA of 3.50 or above
- Attend three Pre-PT Club meetings each year (12 total in 4 years)
- Maintain a 3.70 cumulative GPA and a 3.50 science GPA for all undergraduate work
- Complete 45 hours of observation at three different physical therapy clinics/facilities by August of the year of enrollment in the DPT program
- Complete the baccalaureate degree and all required prerequisites by August of the year of enrollment in the DPT program
No interview is required of applicants entering the program under Special Admission. Contact the UCA Pre-Physical Therapy Advisor for more details regarding Special Admission
[2.2.2] Early Admission
Application Deadline: October 15 each year.
Early Admission is designed for applicants who possess a high cumulative and science GPA and a high GRE score. Students applying under this option may complete undergraduate work at any accredited college or university. Applicants who apply for Early Admission will receive an admission decision by December 15 prior to the year the student enters the professional DPT program. Only the top students academically will be accepted via the Early Admission option.
To be eligible for Early Admission, the applicant must:
- Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.60 and a minimum science GPA of 3.40
- Possess a minimum GRE score (combined verbal and quantitative) of 1000 with a minimum score of 4.0 on the writing section of the exam.
- Complete 45 hours of observation at three different physical therapy clinics/facilities
- Be enrolled in the 30th hour of required science in the Fall semester in which they apply
- Successfully complete an interview by the Admission Committee
Application deadline for early admission is October 15 of each year. The application is posted on the Department of Physical Therapy web-site at www.uca.edu/pt/.
All applicants who meet the qualifications for Early Admission are invited to a mandatory interview scheduled for early November. The DPT Admission Committee Chair will inform invited applicants of their interview time. The interview is used to assess such factors as the ability to present oneself professionally, to use verbal and non-verbal communication appropriately, to express knowledge about the profession of physical therapy, to function within the group for the interview, and to express ideas quickly and succinctly. Applicants accepted via Early Admission are notified by December 15. Applicants to the Early Admission process who are not selected will automatically be transferred to the Regular Admission pool.
If accepted, the student must complete all remaining science requirements with a grade of B or better.
[2.2.3] Regular Admission
Application Deadline: January 10 each year
Those applicants not using the Special Admission or Early Admission option must complete an application for Regular Admission. The deadline for Regular Admission is January 10 of the year of planned enrollment. The application for Regular Admission is posted on the Department of Physical Therapy website at www.uca.edu/pt/.
To be eligible for Regular Admission, by the application deadline, the applicant must:
- Possess a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
- Possess a science GPA of at least 2.75 for all biology, chemistry, and physics course work
- Have received a score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Have completed a minimum of 30 hours of the 38 required hours of science prerequisites
- Have completed 45 hours of PT observation at 3 different clinical settings (10-20 hours per facility).
All applications of candidates who meet qualifications for Regular Admission are reviewed by the DPT Admission Committee composed of physical therapy faculty, other departmental faculty, the Graduate Dean, and the Registrar. Applicants are ranked using a composite score derived from the cumulative grade point average (CGPA), the science grade point average (SGPA), points on extra science course work above the first year level, and scores on the GRE. Of the criteria, the SGPA is weighted most heavily. The top applicants are invited to a mandatory interview scheduled for late February. The DPT Admission Committee Chair will inform invited applicants of their interview time. The interview is used to assess such factors as the ability to present oneself professionally, to use verbal and non-verbal communication appropriately, to express knowledge about the profession of physical therapy, to function within the group for the interview, and to express ideas quickly and succinctly.
Applicants accepted for admission are notified of acceptance in early March. A ranked alternate list is also prepared. Individuals may be chosen from this list to replace applicants who decline their appointment at any time, up to the date of August 1. Ranking as an alternate is indicative of the Committee’s high opinion of a candidate’s potential but does not assure placement in the class or in any future class. If class positions are not filled in the first application process, applications will be received until all class positions are filled or until August 1.
Students who do not meet the stated criteria for admission may appeal to the DPT Admission Committee. Requests for exceptions to the prerequisite course work and policies must be submitted to the DPT Admission Committee by the application deadline. Failure to be admitted does not prevent reapplying for a later year.
Grade Point Averages for recent course work (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours): The GPA for recent course work may be considered by the DPT Admission Committee as a substitute for the cumulative GPA, for admission purposes only. The substitution may be made if the GPA for the last 30 semester hours (45 quarter hour equivalent) is at least 10% higher than the cumulative GPA and includes 15 hours of appropriate science course work. A minimal 2.75 cumulative GPA requirement and a minimal 2.75 science GPA requirement must be met prior to utilizing this option. No more than 8 hours of the science course work may be repeated course work. The total hours for the recent college GPA are obtained by beginning with the last semester or quarter of course work and moving backwards chronologically on the transcript(s) until 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hour equivalents are obtained. All courses are included. No more than one-third of the non-science course work included in the recent course work GPA may be repeated course work. All other requirements still apply.
[2.3] Tuition and Fees
In addition to the general registration and other mandatory fees established by the university, a departmental fee of $11.00 per semester hour and a $5.00 per semester hour lab fee are required for physical therapy course work. Information on general registration and other mandatory fees is available from the Business Office. No departmental fee is required during the full-time clinical work. Textbooks cost approximately $2,200 for the DPT curriculum, and other required fees total approximately $200. Fees are subject to change at any time.
[2.4] Accreditation Status
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (professional degree) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the APTA. Contact information for CAPTE is 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; phone: (800) 999-2782 or (703) 706-3245.
[2.5] Professional Curriculum (126 hours)
PHIL 5350 Health Care Ethics
PTHY 5370 Pathology I
PTHY 5403 Human Physiology
PTHY 5505 Gross Anatomy
PTHY 6240 Pathology II
PTHY 6250 Pharmacology in Physical Therapy
PTHY 6305 Fundamental Skills in Physical Therapy
PTHY 6314 Neurophysiological Principles of Motor Control
PTHY 6316 Therapeutic Agents
PTHY 6336 Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Disability
PTHY 6340 Research Design
PTHY 6353 Independent Studies in Physical Therapy
PTHY 63XX/73XX Elective
PTHY 6401 Kinesiology I
PTHY 6402 Kinesiology II
PTHY 6405 Therapeutic Exercise
PTHY 6408 Clinical Administration and Management
PTHY 6501 Neuroscience
PTHY 7106 Educational Roles in Physical Therapy
PTHY 7109 Outcomes Assessment in Physical Therapy
PTHY 7203 Patient Management I
PTHY 7205 Professionalism in Physical Therapy
PTHY 7208 Patient Management II
PTHY 7210 Integumentary System: Principles and Practice
PTHY 7228-7528 Clinical Education Practicum in Physical Therapy
PTHY 7303 Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning in Physical Therapy
PTHY 7405 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II
PTHY 7408 Clinical Electrophysiological Intervention
PTHY 7410 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy: Complex
PTHY 7505 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I
PTHY 7515 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy: Infancy to Adolescence
PTHY 7516 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy: Adult
PTHY 7520 Cardiopulmonary Principles and Practice
[3] Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PP-DPT) Degree
The post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PP-DPT) degree program requires the development of skills essential to a doctoring professional and some elective work for advanced competencies. The program consists of 36 credits of core courses and 6 credits of electives. Selected courses are available online and the University plans to offer the entire post-professional DPT degree online pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission. All course offerings meet the UCA Principles of Electronically Offered Courses.
Students may enter the PP-DPT program having completed a professional master's degree or a post professional master's degree. Students must hold a license to practice physical therapy in a state or territory of the United States. Dependent upon the degree, credit-hour requirements for completion of the DPT degree are as follows:
Entry Degree |
Credit hours required |
|---|---|
Professional Master's Degree |
42 credit hours |
Post-Professional Master's Degree |
42 credit hours (up to 6 hours of post-professional graduate course work from another accredited institution may be transferred for elective course work |
[3.1] Program Vision
The post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PP-DPT) degree is designed to extend the roles of physical therapists in areas that were not fully developed in initial professional degree programs, particularly diagnosis and evidenced-based practice. The degree program focuses on content the profession has determined is essential to the practice capabilities of holders of the clinical doctorate.
[3.2] Program Objectives
A graduate of the PP-DPT degree program
- Integrates medical screening, diagnosis, and prognosis within clinical practice and serves as a primary care practitioner.
- Applies contemporary, culturally aware practice language and principles using disability and patient/client management models.
- Exhibits knowledge in screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention in the four areas of practice (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary) and exhibits advanced clinical skills in at least one of these areas.
- Mentors less experienced therapists in at least one area of practice, provides consultation to patient/clients and other health care practitioners, and facilitates the client referral process.
- Uses evidence-based practice where evidence is available and consensus-based practice when necessary.
- Evaluates clinical practice outcomes for individual patients/clients and for populations.
- Participates in clinical scholarship (including dissemination of new findings to colleagues through presentations and publications), clinical administration, and clinical or academic teaching.
- Advances the profession of physical therapy through participation in activities of professional organizations, accreditation agencies, patient and legislative advocacy, public health policy decisions, and other professional roles.
[3.3] Admissions Requirements
- Earned professional degree in physical therapy (MS or MPT).
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination.
- A GPA of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) for the professional degree and any graduate course work taken since earning the professional degree.
- Admission to graduate school at UCA.
- License to practice physical therapy in the United States or its territories.
[3.4] Curriculum for the PP-DPT
[3.4.1] For the Student with a Master's Degree
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
| PTHY 7217 | Professional Self-Assessment | 2 |
| PTHY 7310 | Professional Leadership in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7320 | Research Methods in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7322 | Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
| PTHY 7388 | Lifespan Motor Development | 3 |
| PTHY 6250 | Pharmacology in Physical Therapy | 2 |
| PTHY 7314 | Applied Histology and Physiology | 3 |
| PHIL 5350 | Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| PTHY 7365 | Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7215 | Professional Management | 2 |
| PTHY 7220 | Wellness and Advanced Health Management | 2 |
| PTHY 7315 | College Teaching | 3 |
| PTHY 7211 | Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| PTHY 7207 | Professional and Clinical Outcomes Assessment | 2 |
| Electives from Existing Courses | 6 |
|
Total |
42 |
[4] Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
[4.1] Objectives
The PhD degree program graduate will demonstrate
- Skill in conducting original research and providing evidence of an understanding of research designs
- The ability to formulate hypotheses, plan methodologies, gather data (quantitatively and qualitatively), and draw conclusions
- Effective communication and dissemination of research findings;
- A commitment to engage in scholarship after graduation and to discover new knowledge and develop theoretical principles that advance the understanding of physical therapy practice;
- Breadth of knowledge of the discipline and the research literature; and
- The ability to teach at beginning and advanced levels of instruction; and
[4.2] Application Process
Students wishing to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program in physical therapy will be admitted through a process involving a mutual decision between the graduate dean and the Department of Physical Therapy. Applicants must submit the application materials to the Graduate School and should contact the department for further information. The following materials must be submitted:
- A completed application for admission to the Ph. D. program from the Department of Physical Therapy (online application and resources at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/pt)
- An application for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Central Arkansas (online application and resources at http://www.uca.edu/uca/admissions.php)
- Scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A minimum of 1000 is required on the general test and a minimum of 3.5 is required on the analytical writing test (http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/graduate)
- Score of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is also needed for international students. Contact the Graduate Office for the minimum acceptable score.
- Two letters of reference
- A brief letter indicating a statement of purpose
- Verification (transcripts) of completion of a CAPTE accredited physical therapy curriculum or equivalent * with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- *International students should refer to http://www.uca.edu/newweb/international/admissions.php for important additional requirements concerning graduate admissions.
- A current copy of a license to practice physical therapy in Arkansas or a letter from the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy (http://www.arptb.org/) as proof of license eligibility (Arkansas license must be in place within six months of admission to Ph. D. program or student will not be allow to continue doctoral studies)
[4.3] Admission Process
[4.3.1] Review by the PhD Admissions Committee
The PhD Admissions Committee for the Department of Physical Therapy consists of five members of the UCA graduate faculty. Four members are faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, and one member is a graduate faculty member from a department other than Physical Therapy. Upon submission of the application materials, the PhD Admissions Committee will determine whether the applicant meets the criteria for acceptance including academic credential, GPA, scores on the GRE and TOEFL (if required), and appropriate interest area and statement of purpose.
[4.3.2] Interview
Applicants who meet the criteria are invited for an interview. An on-site interview at the University of Central Arkansas is preferred, but a telephone interview may be conducted when extenuating circumstances prevail.
[4.4] Residency Requirements
A minimum of three years of study will be necessary to attain the level of achievement required for completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy degree. To assist in achieving the required level and to have ample opportunity to be part of the scholarly environment, the student is required to be in residence onsite in the Department of Physical Therapy in the form of two full semesters (Fall/Spring), or three Summer semesters. The minimum time for a Summer semester will be 10 weeks, while the minimum for a Spring/Fall semester will be 15 weeks each semester. During this residency, the student is required to be registered full time (9 credits) or part-time (6 credits) and should be expected to serve as a research or teaching assistant within the department. Specific requirements of the residency will be negotiated with the research advisor.
[4.5] Program of Study
As graduates of accredited physical therapy educational programs, applicants to the PhD degree program are expected to possess knowledge regarding the profession of physical therapy and its practice environments and culture. The program of study will be individualized for each student based upon current skills in statistics, research design, and a specific interest area. The program includes a major field, independent scholarship (consisting of core and research courses), and elective courses that provide breadth within the student's interest area.
Apprenticeship to and close association with faculty members allow the student to evaluate pertinent literature, determine issues and problems, apply appropriate principles and procedures, and commit to ethical practices necessary for research. The course of study is individualized for each student based upon recommendations by a faculty advisor and two committee members. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the master's degree is required. An individual holding the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree may be allowed to apply up to 15 hours of course credit from the DPT degree toward the PhD. Minimum credits for master's degree holders are outlined below.
[4.5.1] Core Courses (33 credits)
Through seminars and specific courses, students learn to interpret the implications of research and identify complex questions and possible answers for the profession. The core emphasizes pertinent issues for physical therapy researchers and educators as well as continuous involvement in scholarship.
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
| PTHY 6116 | Research Seminar I | 1 |
| PTHY 6216 | Research Seminar II | 2 |
| PTHY 7388 | Lifespan Motor Development | 3 |
| PTHY 7305 | Scientific Bases for Motor Control/Development | 3 |
| PTHY 7310 | Professional Leadership in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7315 | College Teaching in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7320 | Research Methods in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7321 | Evidenced-Based Practice | 3 |
| OR | ||
| PTHY 7323 | Efficacy in Physical Therapy Practice | 3 |
| OR | ||
| PTHY 7385 | Teaching Practicum in Physical Therapy Education | 3 |
| PTHY 7102-7902 | Dissertation (variable credit 1-9 for total of 12) | 12 |
[4.5.2] Research Courses (24 credits chosen from the following)
Research courses foster the development of skills in research design and statistical analysis. Students acquire the tools essential for conducting research and effectively disseminating the findings.
| PTHY 7101-7901 | Advanced Research in Physical Therapy (variable credit 1-9) | 1-9 |
| PTHY 7316 | Advanced Biomechanical and Kinesiological Analysis | 3 |
| PSYC 6330 | Advanced Psychological Statistics | 3 |
| KPED 6316 | Data Analysis | 3 |
*PTHY 7101-7901 may be repeated as needed. The student will learn to use the research tools necessary for the dissertation and professional scholarship.
[4.5.3] Elective Courses (Interest Area) (15 credits chosen from the following)
The elective courses foster development of breadth in the student's area of interest. The student's committee will approve specific courses to complement the research focus. Students may not repeat for credit any course equivalent to one taken for a previous degree.
| ELECTIVES | ||
| PTHY 6250 | Pharmacology in Physical Therapy | 2 |
| PTHY 6330 | Transdisciplinary Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| PTHY 6335 | Advanced Spinal Cord Injury Management | 3 |
| PTHY 6354 | Transdisciplinary Intervention of Young Children | 3 |
| PTHY 7211 | Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| PTHY 7220 | Wellness and Advanced Health Management | 2 |
| PTHY 7304 | Foundations in Sports Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7306 | Sports Physical Therapy: The Lower Extremity | 3 |
| PTHY 7308 | Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Spine | 3 |
| PTHY 7309 | Lumbopelvic Dysfunction | 3 |
| PTHY 7311 | Developmental Anatomy | 3 |
| PTHY 7312 | Sports Physical Therapy: The Upper Extremity | 3 |
| PTHY 7329 | Application of Physical Therapy in Geriatrics | 3 |
| PTHY 7314 | Applied Histology and Physiology | 3 |
| PTHY 7333 | Occupational Health and Work Injury Management | 3 |
| PTHY 7334 | Aquatic Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7337 | Wound Management in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7345 | Advanced Electrophysiological Assessment | 3 |
| PTHY 7350 | Clinical Assessment of peripheral nervous system compromises for the sports, orthopedic, and industrial therapist. | 3 |
| PTHY 7360 | Advanced Examination and Evaluation in Pediatrics I | 3 |
| PTHY 7361 | Advanced Examination and Evaluation in Pediatrics II | 3 |
| PTHY 7365 | Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PTHY 7380 | Geriatric Orthopedics | 3 |
| PTHY 7390 | Advanced Gross Anatomy | 3 |
| PTHY 6138-6338 | Directed Graduate Study (variable credit 1-3) | 1-3 |
| PTHY 6101-6301 | Special Problems in Physical Therapy (variable credit 1-3) | 1-3 |
*PTHY 6301 and 6338 may be repeated.
[5] Graduate Courses in Physical Therapy (PTHY)
Follow this link for PTHY course descriptions: course link.
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