Physical Therapy, DPT

Physical Therapy is a health profession that promotes optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunctions. Physical therapy encompasses areas of specialized competence and includes the development of new principles and applications to more effectively meet current and emerging health needs. Other professional activities in which physical therapists participate are research, education, consultation, and administration.

The three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides entry-level professional education in physical therapy, beginning with Gross Anatomy and Kinesiology in the first summer. The program was granted full accreditation status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in November 2000 and is fully re-accredited through 2027.

For information on the freshman-entry combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy, view Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Official New York Institute of Technology Policy
Our policy states: "As a condition of admission and continued enrollment, students may be required to authorize the university to obtain a criminal background check(s). Students may be required to obtain a background check themselves or authorize clinical training facilities to conduct this check. Students may also be required to permit the results be released to New York Institute of Technology and/or to clinical facilities by the reporting agency. Offers of admission will not be considered final and enrollment will not be permitted until completion of the background check(s), with results deemed favorable by the university. If the results of the background check(s) are not deemed favorable by the university, or if information received indicates that the student has provided false or misleading statements, has omitted required information, or in any way is unable to meet the requirements for completion of the program, the admission may be denied or rescinded, or the student may be disciplined or dismissed. Students must also agree to notify the university of any convictions, guilty pleas or no contest pleas to any crime, misdemeanor or other offense and of any arrests, charges or investigations by any law enforcement authorities or professional licensing authority, which occur subsequent to the applicant's/student's submission of the Accepted Applicant/Enrolled Student Disclosure Form. Notification is required the next business day following the reportable event. If next day reporting is not feasible, the student must notify the New York Institute of Technology Doctor of Physical Therapy program chairperson as soon as possible, and in no event later than ten working days following the event."

Expected Outcomes
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to prepare students in the entry-level proficiencies needed in the practice of physical therapy. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Determine the physical therapy needs of any patient or client through examination and evaluation
Develop and implement a plan of care to meet the individual's physical therapy needs
Demonstrate integration of the foundational sciences as they relate to physical therapy practice
Communicate appropriately and effectively with patients and families, colleagues, and the public
Adhere to safe, ethical, and legal practice
Apply sound administrative principles to the management of physical therapy practice
Apply basic educational strategies of teaching within the scope of physical therapy
Implement and integrate research methods adherent to the standards of evidence-based practice
Participate in health and wellness community-based initiatives across the lifespan
Accept that being a professional is a continuing process and assume responsibility for professional and personal growth and development

Program Format
The doctoral degree program is 100 credits taken over three years in a full-time, day format only, except for occasional evening coursework, as scheduled by course instructors. Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory.

Academic Standards

Academic Criteria
A 3.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the professional phase of the Physical Therapy program.

Prerequisites
Successful completion of all prior coursework (including clinical education) is required to continue in the program.

Academic Probation
Students will be placed on academic probation if any of the following circumstances occur:

GPA for any one semester falls below 3.0
Cumulative GPA falls below 3.0

Grade Appeal Process
Students may appeal an assigned course grade by following the procedures outlined in the School of Health Professions' grade appeal policy on the Facilities and Resources page.

Academic Dismissal/Failure
A student may be dismissed from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program if any of the following occur:

Cumulative GPA falls below 2.3 at the end of the first semester (summer session)
Cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 at the end of the third (spring) semester of the first year
After the first year, a cumulative GPA that falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters
Grade of F is earned in a course – if this occurs at any time during or after the first fall semester, the student may be given the option to matriculate with the next class (decelerate) and repeat the course the following year. If the student was on academic probation at the time the course was failed, they will be dismissed and will not be permitted to return to the program the following year.
Second F is earned at any time throughout the curriculum (including a failed clinical education experience) – if dismissal is based on receiving two F grades in DPT coursework, the student will not be permitted to reapply to the program.
If the student fails Gross Anatomy or Kinesiology during the first summer session, the student will need to formally reapply through PTCAS for entry the following year. Acceptance upon reapplication is not guaranteed.
Academic dishonesty/plagiarism

Non-Academic Dismissal/Failure
Students may be dismissed from the program for the following non-academic reasons:

Behavior endangering others' safety or well-being
Disrespectful behavior toward faculty, staff, students, and others
Unprofessional conduct, as defined by the professional behaviors delineated in the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook
Unexcused absences/lateness

Please refer to the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook for other pertinent departmental policies.

Graduation Requirements
Students must:

Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA
File a completed application for graduation with the Student Enrollment Center
Obtain account clearance from the Office of the Bursar

Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation

The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to the admission and matriculation of all qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender orientation/identification, national origin, religion, sexual preference, or disability. Regarding disabled individuals, the college will not discriminate against such individuals who are otherwise qualified, but the college will expect that minimal technical standards be met by all applicants and students as set forth herein. These standards reflect what we have determined are reasonable expectations for physical therapy students in performing common and important functions, keeping in mind the safety and welfare of the patients for whom our graduates will care. These standards do not reflect what may be required for employment of the graduate physical therapist.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

A physical therapist must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical settings and to render a wide spectrum of therapeutic interventions. In order to perform the activities required of a professional, a physical therapy student must be able to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data quickly, accurately, and consistently. This is the process of critical thinking. Multiple skills and abilities required include observation, communication, sensory/motor, behavioral, and social attributes. Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities in some of these areas, but a physical therapy student must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

Observation

Physical therapy students must have sufficient vision to be able to observe classroom lab demonstrations and exercises. In the clinical setting, they must be able to observe a patient accurately both at a distance and in close proximity. It is essential to have adequate visual capabilities to assess the change of abnormalities of the musculoskeletal or integumentary systems.

Communication

Physical therapy students should have the ability to clearly speak, hear, and observe in order to elicit and gather information, describe the findings, and understand any nonverbal behavior. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and other healthcare providers. This includes the ability to read and communicate, both verbally and in writing, in English, using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.

Sensory/Motor

Physical therapy students need enhanced tactile abilities and must have sufficient motor function and muscular strength to execute those movements required in the evaluation and treatment of patients. These activities may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:

Safely handle and lift patients, guard patients during ambulation, and perform therapeutic procedures, such as joint mobilization
Adjust and position equipment and patients, which involves stooping to floor level and reaching overhead
Assist and/or resist patients, or to provide emergency care, which may involve prolonged sitting, standing, kneeling, or walking
Manipulate gauges, dials, small nuts/bolts, and/or tools located on equipment or within the Department of Physical Therapy
Palpate, auscultate, percuss, and perform other evaluatory skills in order to obtain information

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Physical therapy students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with others, especially patients. This also includes the ability to apply knowledge of principles, indications, and contraindications for physical therapy treatment interventions. Physical therapy education requires the ability to adapt to change, including treating people of diverse ethnic and social cultures, economic status, age, and those with emotional difficulties. This requires flexibility and a spirit of cooperation, as well as motivation.

Physical therapy students utilize touch during evaluation and treatment procedures and must be able to touch others in a sensitive, professional manner, as well as tolerate being touched as part of the learning process. Professional behavior is expected, as well as attributes such as integrity, honesty, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills. Students are required to adhere to the program dress code as found in the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook.

Clinical Education

Students must have successfully completed all prior coursework in order to be placed in clinical education. All physical therapy students will participate in a total of 36 weeks of clinical education located in a variety of settings. This requires eight to twelve-hour days, not including commuting time. This is a full-time commitment. The student must make themselves available during the hours determined by the coordinator of clinical education. These hours will not be adjusted for the schedule of the student. Students are discouraged from working elsewhere as the clinical experience demands additional time in the clinical and independent learning setting.

Specific clinical education objectives that must be met with each completed affiliation. Applicants to the School of Health Professions should be aware that certain legal issues and/or convictions may preclude a student from being accepted by clerkships, internships, and/or field work and impact the student's ability to complete the required program courses and qualify for graduation, certification, and/or licensure. Refer to the Physical Therapy Department Clinical Education Manual for full policies and procedures.

Admission Pathways and Application Materials for the Physical Therapy Program

1. Graduate Student Applicants with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree

Students with a degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university may apply directly to the professional phase of the program, which begins in May of each year.

This is a full-time, seven-semester, daytime program with a limited number of evening classes required.

Bachelor's or master's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Academic record that includes a balance of coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, including competency in English writing
Science and math grades of C+ or higher from an accredited college in the following areas:
- Two courses in general chemistry with lab
- Two courses in general physics with lab
- Two courses in general biology with lab, not botany
- One course in college algebra, trigonometry, or precalculus
- One course in general/introductory psychology
- One additional course in psychology
- One course in statistics
- One course in human physiology with lab OR Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
In addition to academic requirements, you must also meet the Technical Standards for the physical therapy program.
The New York Tech DPT program does not award or grant advanced standing under any circumstances. All courses in the curriculum must be completed within the program.

Graduate Student Application Materials

The application deadline is December 15.
Submit an application through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Specific instructions related to the application process can be found on the PTCAS website.
Proof of a minimum 100 hours of experiential time completed by the time of application. These hours must be completed under the direct supervision of a physical therapist. It is strongly suggested that applicants have more than the minimum number of hours and at a variety of locations.
Essay detailing applicant's desire to pursue physical therapy as a career, as described on PTCAS.
Two professional letters of recommendation, signed and on letterhead, with at least one from a licensed physical therapist. All recommendations must be within the last six months.
Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester, with the exception of those who complete their coursework in the spring immediately prior to admission. Admission is contingent upon meeting the requirements above.
Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee will review completed applications. Those who qualify will be invited to the interview process. The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee will then render the final admission decision.

All accepted candidates will need to complete a criminal background check.

2. B.S./DPT Combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Physical Therapy Option/Doctor of Physical Therapy Requirements and Application Materials

This six-year, combined degree program is designed for high school seniors who wish to be admitted to the professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program following the completion of three years of pre-professional, undergraduate work. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Please view admissions requirements and materials under the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate program.

Refer to the Continuation and Matriculation Criteria section below for information regarding continued enrollment and progression criteria for the B.S./DPT EA program.

3. Early Assurance Requirements and Application Materials for New York Tech Exercise Science, B.S. Students

The Department of Physical Therapy has an early assurance agreement with the New York Tech Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Exercise Science program whereby, annually, up to four Exercise Science, B.S. students who began New York Tech in their freshman year may be accepted into the professional phase of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students can apply after completing their sophomore year to begin the professional phase of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program upon completion of their undergraduate Exercise Science degree.

To be eligible for this early assurance program, the applicant must have completed the first two years of undergraduate study as an Exercise Science major at New York Tech and have met the following criteria:

An overall grade point average of 3.2 at New York Tech
No science or math grades below a grade of B-
No grade of D or F in any course
At least 150 hours of volunteer/paid experience under the direct supervision of a physical therapist by entry into the professional phase of the DPT Program
A favorable recommendation by the Exercise Science faculty at New York Tech

For entry into the professional phase of the DPT program, students:

Must graduate from the B.S. Exercise Science program in four years.
Must complete as electives all DPT requirements that are not part of their major.
- Please refer to the semester map for students in B.S. Exercise Science/Physical Therapy DPT Intent for specific required prerequisites.

Note: Students accepted into the program will be dual-advised by faculty and staff in the Departments of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (Exercise Science) and Physical Therapy.

4. Early Assurance Requirements and Application Materials for Other New York Tech Bachelor of Science Students (Internal Transfers)

The early assurance program is also available to current New York Tech undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree within the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, or those who have completed all prerequisite courses to be eligible for a B.S. in Life Sciences following completion of the first professional year in the DPT program.

Please view admissions requirements and materials under the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate program.

To be eligible for an internal transfer, an applicant must have:

Completed the first two years of undergraduate study as a Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences major, or any other undergraduate degree at New York Tech, and completed all prerequisite courses to be eligible for a B.S. in Life Sciences following completion of the first professional year in the DPT program.
50 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of a physical therapist at the time of application. The hours must be completed at the time of enrollment.
Submission of a Letter of Intent to transfer into the early assurance program by April 15.

Admissions decisions are made by July 1 following completion of the first or second undergraduate year.

Once the student has been accepted to the B.S./DPT program, a change of major form must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by August 1.
Before the start of the third year, students must complete and submit a formal Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) as an early decision applicant by September 1.

5. Early Assurance Requirements and Application Materials for Bachelor of Science Students at Other Universities (External Transfers)

The Early Assurance admission pathway is available to students who complete one or two years of undergraduate prerequisite coursework at another regionally accredited institution and intend to transfer to New York Tech to pursue a B.S./DPT degree. This option provides eligible students with provisional early assurance into the DPT program, contingent upon successful completion of all academic and professional requirements.

External transfer students must complete at least one academic year (a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits) at New York Tech to be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences degree, which is awarded after successful completion of the first professional (DPT) year.

To be eligible as an external transfer student, an applicant must have:

A 3.2 cumulative grade point average
Minimum grade of a B- in all prerequisite courses:
- Biology with lab: BIOL 110 and BIOL 150
- Chemistry with lab: CHEM 110 and CHEM 150
- Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 210 and BIOL 310
- Microbiology: BIOL 235
- Bio-Organic Chemistry: CHEM 215
- Physics with lab: PHYS 140/141 and PHYS 160/161
- Two Psychology courses: PSYC 101 Psychology and PSYC 310 Abnormal Psychology
- Statistics: MATH 210
50 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of a physical therapist at the time of application. The hours must be completed at the time of enrollment.

Formal application to New York Tech to transfer into the early assurance program is due by April 15, and includes:

An official college transcript(s). Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credits must also submit their high school transcripts.
Please be sure to check the designation for B.S. Life Science/DPT on the application and email rgalla01@nyit.edu and maria.severance@nyit.edu to inform the DPT program that your application has been submitted.
External transfer students must complete at least one academic year (at least 30 undergraduate credits) at New York Tech to be eligible for the B.S. in Life Science degree, which will be granted after the first professional (DPT) year.
If the student has not fulfilled all prerequisites per the B.S. LS/DPT degree map at the time of application, they may apply as an internal transfer once they have completed the requirements for the undergraduate degree and met the matriculation criteria below.
Completion of a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer/paid experience with PT supervision by the time the students enter the professional phase, for a total of 150 hours.
Before the start of the third year, students must complete and submit a formal Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) as an early decision applicant by September 1.

Continuation and Matriculation Criteria for all enrolled Early Assurance Students

Maintain the overall and science grade point averages of 3.2 at New York Tech.
Maintain all science and math grades at a B- or better.
Only one course may be retaken one time to achieve the required minimum grade.
Perform 50 hours of volunteer/paid experience with PT supervision each academic year, so the students enter the professional phase with 150 hours.
Graduate from the Exercise Science, B.S. program in four years.
Those in the Exercise Science, B.S. program must complete as electives all DPT requirements that are not part of their major.
Formally apply to the program through PTCAS (centralized application service) in the summer before beginning their fourth year.
Successfully pass a criminal background check.
Any accepted student will be dual-advised by faculty and staff in the Departments of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (Exercise Science) and Physical Therapy.