The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program prepares individuals to function as entry-level physical therapists. Successful completion of this accredited academic program in physical therapy will meet one of the eligibility requirements for state licensure.
The faculty of the physical therapy program has determined that for students to successfully complete the professional physical therapy program, they must have abilities and skills in observation, communication, motor function, intellectual performance, and professional behavior. A student must, with or without reasonable accommodation, possess these technical skills upon admission to the physical therapy program. A copy of these technical standards for the physical therapy program can be obtained from the Physical Therapy Program Office.
In addition to the usual costs for a university student, physical therapy majors are responsible for the costs involved with
appropriate clinical attire
transportation to and from, and room and board at, clinical facilities
proof of Hepatitis B, rubella, mumps, rubeola, and varicella immunity
annual TB tests
student professional liability insurance
clinical site specific requirements
maintenance of CPR certification
professional textbooks and supplies
Full-time clinical experiences are an integral part of the curriculum, providing the student opportunities to apply academic knowledge under the supervision of skilled physical therapists. Clinical experiences, offered throughout the United States, are scheduled by the NIU physical therapy faculty. Students are required to complete two full-time six-week clinical experiences, as well as two full-time eight-week clinical experiences. Specific clinical sites may require background checks and/or drug testing.
Admission
Admission to the D.P.T. is limited and competitive. To be assured consideration for admission to the D.P.T. program, prospective students must submit separate and completed application materials to the physical therapy program and to the Graduate School no later than October 1 for the following fall session.
Applicants must meet or exceed the following admission requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in progress or completed
Competitive scores on the GRE General Test
A minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work
A minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the following prerequisite courses:
AHPT 405 - Physical Therapy and the Rehabilitation Process (3)
3 semester hours of general psychology
3 semester hours of developmental psychology
3 semester hours of abnormal psychology
3 semester hours of statistics
3 semester hours of research methods
5 - 8 semester hours of anatomy and physiology
8 semester hours of general biology with laboratory
8 semester hours of general chemistry with laboratory
8 semester hours of general physics with laboratory
Provisional acceptance may be granted pending completion of admission requirements. Contact the physical therapy program regarding admissions.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 106 semester hours that include the following:
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