Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Our vision is to graduate critical thinkers who are change agents for our profession, who are lifelong learners, who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, who are consumers and contributors to evidence based practice, who dedicate themselves to service through mentorship, community-based care, and altruistic endeavors.

Program Mission

The mission of the Physical Therapy Program is to educate students to: demonstrate requisite knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behavior consistent with the profession of physical therapy; exhibit culturally sensitive and ethically sound conduct; display critical thinking; demonstrate leadership in service; become committed lifelong learners; contribute to evidence based practice; and advance the profession of physical therapy. The mission of the Physical Therapy program is consistent with the mission of Walsh University, which encourages individuals to act in accordance with reason guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Program Philosophy

The philosophy of Walsh University's Physical Therapy Program reflects an understanding that to be a practitioner of choice, our faculty and students should demonstrate professional behaviors both in the academic and clinical settings. Furthermore, our students will demonstrate an ability to become an autonomous practitioner by active reflection and implementation of best practice based on evidence. The goal of these guiding principles is to provide care and manage persons with movement system dysfunction that result from a variety of health conditions across a person’s lifespan. Our graduates will be able to practice as generalist physical therapists in a variety of practice settings across the continuum of care, in both direct access and referral environments.

Program Goals

Building on a solid grounding in the liberal arts, the graduate level program focuses on the development of students emphasizing those values and characteristics that will enable the graduate to function as a competent provider of physical therapy services.

Based on the missions of Walsh University and the Physical Therapy Program, the following goals were developed to:

Goal 1: Prepare competent Doctors of Physical Therapy for evidence based and collaborative clinical practice.

Goal 2: Develop consumers and creators of scholarship by promoting and supporting academic excellence through engagement in basic science, clinical, and translational research for dissemination of new knowledge.

Goal 3: Engage in physical therapy service partnerships that provide health care education, service/outreach, research activities, and clinical care to the general population.

Goal 4: Promote ideal ethical and professional behaviors consistent with the physical therapy profession.

Goal 5: Demonstrate excellence in innovative instructional strategies and/or communication methods.

To achieve these goals the students must demonstrate the general knowledge, skill, and mindfulness of a competent physical therapist who exhibits the Judeo-Christian values of Walsh University.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Since our outcomes are directly related to our student’s ability to demonstrate entry-level competence in Physical Therapy, we call our intended accomplishments “Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs).” The following PSLOs have been adopted as the key learning outcomes for Walsh University Doctor of Physical Therapy students:

1. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will demonstrate competency in patient outcome based examination, evaluation and intervention across the physical therapy scope of practice.
2. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will demonstrate competent and comprehensive entry level critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills consistent with entry level physical therapists.
3. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will demonstrate oral, written and interpersonal communication skills consistent with entry level physical therapists.
4. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will demonstrate competency in service in the domains of education, participation, design and reflection.
5. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will contribute to research procedures associated with evidence based physical therapy practice.
6. Physical Therapy DPT graduates will demonstrate cultural sensitivity, professional behavior and ethically sound behavior.

Routes of Admission

In consideration of the non-discrimination policy of Walsh University, any candidate who demonstrates a history of scholastic aptitude along with professional potential will be considered for admission. There are 3 routes of admission into the graduate program in Physical Therapy. All qualified students applying to our program are required to successfully complete an interview prior to being accepted. 

1. Traditional Entry

Traditional entry involves a 4+3 model in which the student completes an undergraduate degree in 4 years prior to entry into the graduate program in Physical Therapy. Students can complete their undergraduate degree from Walsh University or other accredited institutions and submit application materials for review.

Traditional Entry Requirements for Admission 

• B.S. or B.A. degree with an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or greater from an accredited institution
  Students who are in their senior year of completing their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for admission
• Application to PTCAS.org
  Our program utilizes the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS), endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Completion of course prerequisites with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the following:
  Biology (2 semesters, plus lab) • 8 semester hours
  Chemistry (2 semesters, plus lab) • 8 semester hours
  Physics (2 semesters, plus lab) • 8 semester hours
  Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters) • 8 semester hours
  Psychology (2 semesters) • 6 semester hours
  Statistics (1 semester) • 3 semester hours
  Exercise Physiology (1 semester) • 3 semester hours
• Transcripts from all former institutions attended must be submitted
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken with scores reported (quantitative, verbal, analytical writing)
• Three letters of recommendation (one academic; one professional; one may be professional, academic or an athletic coach).  Supplemental recommendation forms can be requested from Graduate Admissions.
• Exposure to the field of Physical Therapy and submission of observation forms documenting 30 hours of clinical observation in 2 different Physical Therapy settings, 1 inpatient and 1 outpatient (a minimum of 10 hours in each setting).  Supplemental observation forms can be requested from Graduate Admissions.
• On-Site Interview (by invitation only)
• TOEFL score (international students only)

Additional Requirements

Beyond the stated admission requirements, students matriculating in the professional entry program in Physical Therapy must have (with or without reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act):

• Adequate gross and fine motor ability for safe performance of patient evaluation and treatment procedures
• Adequate visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic senses for obtaining accurate evaluative and investigative findings
• Ability to think critically and problem solve
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral, nonverbal, and written)
• Ability to organize and effectively use time
• Adaptability to perform tasks with persons from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings
• The Physical Therapy Student Manual provides more details on additional requirements including physical examination, immunization and substance abuse information. 

Additional Prerequisite Course Information

An applicant may major in any undergraduate area, but must successfully complete course prerequisites with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisite courses must be a grade of C or higher to be accepted.  Prerequisites courses taken at 4 year institutions (listed for science majors) are preferred. Prerequisites should be taken within the past 5 years; exceptions will be considered if higher level coursework has been successfully completed in these subjects within the past 5 years

We evaluate prerequisite courses taken at other institutions through review of course syllabi. The requirements listed above represent semester credit hours. If course work was designated as quarter credit hours, conversion of quarter credits to semester credits is necessary to ensure fulfillment of requirements.  In order to convert quarter hours to semester hours, divide the quarter hours by 1.5. (Example: 4 QH/1.5 = 2.6 semester hours).

To begin the application process, review our admissions process and then refer to PTCAS.org to begin.

Please contact Mona McAuliffe, Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, regarding traditional entry and any other questions about the admissions process at 330-490-7406 or mmcauliffe@walsh.edu.

2. Early Decision

The Early Decision option is a 4 + 3 model for applicants who are certain that Walsh University is their first choice. Applicants will complete an undergraduate degree prior to entry in to the graduate program in Physical Therapy. However applicants have the option to apply and be accepted prior to the regularly scheduled interviews in the fall.

• If accepted to Walsh, applicants may not apply to any other schools during that application cycle.
• If not accepted, applicants may apply to additional schools (including Walsh University as desired) in the same application cycle during the normal admissions period.
• To be considered for Early Decision, applicants must have a 3.5 overall and pre-requisite GPA and a minimum combined score (verbal & quantitative) of 298 on their GREs.

Please contact Mona McAuliffe, Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, regarding Early Decision and any other questions about the admissions process at 330-490-7406 or mmcauliffe@walsh.edu.

3. Early Assurance

The Early Assurance, direct freshman entry program is a 3 + 3 model, available to a limited number of graduating high school seniors who will enroll in Walsh University’s Division of Mathematics and Sciences Biology Pre-PT Early Assurance program/curriculum. The students in this program will complete 3 years of undergraduate curriculum at Walsh University and finalize their undergraduate degree during their first year of graduate school (as part of the 3 year professional DPT program). The Early Assurance direct freshman entry program is competitive and allows for automatic acceptance into the DPT program upon completion of specified milestones during one’s matriculation as an undergraduate student within the University. The following criteria must be met prior to submitting an application to the early assurance program.

Prior to Attending Walsh University:

• High school GPA of 3.75 or higher
• Minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1200 (critical reading and math, not including writing)
• Successfully complete a standardized interview with faculty members of the Physical Therapy Program.

Once at Walsh University:

• Must be enrolled in the Biology Pre-Physical Therapy major
• Must complete pre-requisites for the program with a 3.5 GPA or higher
• Must complete a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate education at Walsh University
• Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher during their undergraduate curriculum
• Must achieve a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 298 (total) or higher (verbal & quantitative)
• Must meet the requirements of DPT admissions (with the exception of a PTCAS application) as follows:
   • A letter of recommendation from an undergraduate PT advisor
   • A letter of recommendation from a licensed Physical Therapist
   • A letter of recommendation from an undergraduate faculty member familiar with the student’s academic performance
• Documentation of 30 hours of clinical observation in 2 different Physical Therapy settings, 1 inpatient and 1 outpatient (a minimum of 10 hours in each setting)
• Successfully complete an interview with a member of the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee prior to matriculation into the graduate program.

Please contact the undergraduate admission office regarding Early Assurance and any other questions about the admissions process at 1-800-362-9846.

Eligibility

All students applying for the Physical Therapy Program should be aware that prior criminal convictions could affect the student’s ability to obtain a license to practice in the State of Ohio and in other legal jurisdictions (states, districts and territories) in the United States upon graduation from the program. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether he or she is eligible for licensure as a physical therapist.

Registration Procedures

Students fully admitted to the program are required to mail an initial registration form to the Physical Therapy Program Office for the first semester of courses. Each subsequent semester, students will register electronically through the Cavalier Center.

Academic Standards

The Physical Therapy Program has three primary academic standards:

1. Students must maintain a B (3.0) overall GPA throughout matriculation;
2. Student must receive a satisfactory/pass grade in the professional experience courses; and
3.  Students must receive a course grade of B- or higher in every class.

The Physical Therapy Program follows the Student Retention Policy in the Program Student Manual which outlines a stepped process of formative and summative assessment geared to keep students informed of their academic standing and status in the program. As gatekeepers for the profession, the Physical Therapy faculty have a dual responsibility of helping facilitate student success while ensuring public safety by maintaining a standard of professional, clinical and academic competency. Students who do not meet one or more of the primary academic standards may be given a warning and/or placed on probation with remediation as deemed appropriate.  Failure to complete the conditions of probation may result in recommendation for dismissal from the program.

Appeals

The Physical Therapy Program adheres to the University guidelines for the appeal process as outlined earlier in this Graduate Catalog.

Withdrawal

Walsh University has a policy that allows students to withdraw from individual courses. The Physical Therapy curriculum is lock-step; therefore, students cannot withdraw from individual courses and continue in the curriculum.  Students may need to step away from the Physical Therapy Program for various reasons including a medical leave of absence.  Please refer to the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures for more information on leaves of absences and withdrawals.  Students who are dismissed from the program will not have the option to return to complete the program.

Academic/Research Advising

Upon entry into the Physical Therapy Program, each student is assigned an academic advisor. The advisor assists/counsels the student as needed to help ensure success in the program. Students are highly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor to facilitate communication and progression in the curriculum. When a research advisor is assigned, that advisor may be different from the academic advisor to provide the student with the most suitable mentor for the chosen topic or design. If at any time there is a need for a change in an academic or research advisor, the student and current advisor will present their request to the Program Director.

Student Membership in Professional Organizations

Students are encouraged to join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the national professional organization for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The APTA sets the standards for the physical therapy profession; students are exposed to many APTA documents and publications during their physical therapy education. The APTA has a student category for membership. The American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT) is also a national organization for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The AAPT’s mission pertains to recruitment and mentoring of minority and disadvantaged students for careers in physical therapy and toward improving health care for minority and other disadvantaged individuals.