IUPUI Campus Bulletin 2010-2012

• Admissions
  • Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant Studies
• Contact Information
• Degree Programs
• Student Learning Outcomes

Academic Programs

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Department Co-Chairs: Joyce Mac Kinnon, Peter Altenburger

Professor Emerita: Ruth Ladue

Professor: Joyce MacKinnon, Lisa Riolo

Associate Professor: Rebecca Porter

Associate Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy: Mary T. Loghmani

Assistant Professors: Tracy Dierks, Robyn Fuchs, Stuart Warden, Peter Altenburger

Assistant Clinical Professors of Physical Therapy:  Amy Bayliss, Valerie Strunk

Lecturer and Director of Clinical Education: Valerie Strunk

Educational Program

Length of the Program

The course of study is 35 months (102 graduate credit hours) of graduate professional course work.

Structure of the Program

The program is presented in a full-time, day format only.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The physical therapy curriculum is organized so that the lecture and laboratory course work is integrated with patient care experiences. Full-time clinical education experiences of varying length occur throughout the course of study. The Physical Therapy Program course of study develops an understanding of normal and abnormal physical structure and function. The curriculum focuses on the management of patient problems rather than procedures. The graduate of the Physical Therapy Program demonstrates competencies in evidence-based physical therapy practice parameters and the basic skills of critical inquiry, administration, and patient education. Additionally, the graduate shows the ability and interest to continue professional development.

Opportunity for Students to Work

Because of the intense nature of the program, students are not encouraged to seek outside employment during their enrollment.

Additional Cost

In addition to Physical Therapy Program tuition and university fees, students should expect to pay program-related expenses. Contact the program office in Coleman Hall for a current cost sheet.

Facilities

Physical Therapy Program offices are located in Coleman Hall. Lecture and laboratory classes are located in Coleman Hall, Long Hospital Building, and other locations on the IUPUI campus.

Accreditation

Indiana University has received continuing accreditation for the postbaccalaureate professional education program from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Admission

Students accepted into the program must complete the school's admission requirements and the following Physical Therapy Program–specific admission requirements before the first day of classes. Admission to the professional program is competitive and selective; therefore, completion of the prerequisites does not guarantee admission to the program.

Criteria Used for Selection of Class

Admission into the Indiana University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is based on the applicant's overall GPA, the applicant's GPA in mathematics and science prerequisite courses, the applicant's GRE scores, the applicant's suitability for the physical therapy profession as reported by volunteer experience supervisor evaluation of generic abilities, and a statement of personal values and purpose for attending Indiana University's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Class Size

38 students each fall semester.

Specific Requirements

The following admission policies apply to the Indiana University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours

Applicants may have no more than two Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prerequisite courses unfinished at the time of program application (see below). No waivers for degree completion or course prerequisites will be granted by the Physical Therapy Program.

Minimum Cumulative GPA

3.2 on a 4.0 scale. The minimum cumulative GPA must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.

Minimum Specific GPA

3.2 on a 4.0 scale in all credit hours attempted in prerequisite courses. The minimum GPA must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.

Minimum Grade Requirement in a Stated Prerequisite Course

C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Technical Standards

See School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ technical standards.

Medical Requirements

Basic immunizations as determined by Student Health Services must be completed by the first day of classes. Students must demonstrate proof of health insurance before entry into the program and must maintain health insurance throughout their enrollment.

Volunteer Experience

In addition to prerequisite course work, students must complete observational, volunteer, or other work experiences in both hospital inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings (minimum of 20 hours in each setting for a combined total of 40) 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 super-vising physical therapist to adequately complete the IU DPT Program's Generic Abilities Assessment form included as part of the application portfolio.

Additional Requirements

Accepted applicants, conditionally accepted applicants, and applicants placed on the alternate list must complete all requirements for their baccalaureate degree before enrolling in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and maintain the following:

• a 3.0 grade point average in each semester following notification of their status
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in all attempted credit hours
• a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in all credit hours attempted in prerequisite courses

International Student Applicants

There are special application procedures for those who are not citizens of the United States or who have had previous schooling outside of the United States. 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 or from the Web at www.international.iupui.edu. Because of the extra procedures required to evaluate foreign credentials, there is an additional application fee for international students.

International student applicants (except those whose native language is English) are expected to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is given worldwide throughout the year. IUPUI's school code number for the TOEFL application is 1325. The Physical Therapy Program faculty has established a minimum TOEFL test score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) for program eligibility. All newly admitted international students are also required to take the IUPUI English (ESL) examination administered by the IUPUI ESL Program and Office of International Affairs before registration for classes. Students are required to take any ESL courses that are determined necessary as a result of this testing until they have fulfilled university and program requirements for English proficiency.

Curriculum

Prerequisites

Before entering the D.P.T. program, students must have completed requirements for their baccalaureate degree, in any major, and the following undergraduate prerequisite courses. Students should consult with their academic advisors for appropriate courses and semester sequence in order to complete prerequisties. Listed below are prerequiste minimums.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology before entering the professional program. Proficiency can be demonstrated through formal course work, online instruction with certificate of completion, or self study with departmental examination. Students must also be competent writers and demonstrate computer literacy, including knowledge of e-mail, the Internet, database searches, and spreadsheet and word processing capabilities.

Semester 1, Year 1, Fall Semester

Semester 2, Year 1, Spring Semester

Semester 3, Year 1, Summer Session 1 (6 weeks)

Semester 4, Year 1, Summer Session 2 (4 weeks)

Semester 5, Year 2, Fall Semester

Semester 6, Year 2, Spring Semester

Semester 7, Year 2, Summer Session 2 (6 weeks)

Semester 8, Year 3, Fall Semester

Semester 9, Year 3, Spring Semester

Total Credits: 102

Optional Course P685 Independent Study 1-3 cr.

Students must successfully complete and maintain current health care professional level CPR certification before beginning clinical education experiences.

Fellowships

The Constance Brown Memorial Fellowship, established in memory of a deceased classmate, is awarded to an outstanding first-year physical therapy student, as are the Patricia Rae Evans and the Stephen O. Jones Fellowships. The Katherine Belzer Fellowships are awarded to outstanding firsty-year and second-year students. The Frances C. Ekstam Fellowship, in honor of the Physical Therapy Program’s first director, is awarded to an outstanding third-year physical therapy student.

Awards

The program recommends to the university superior academic students for degrees awarded with distinction. The William D. Porter Award is presented to a D.P.T. graduate selected by faculty as having demonstrated excellence in both the study and clinical application of neurological rehabilitation techniques. The award is in recognition of Mr. William D. Porter, who contributed to the education of innumerable Indiana University physical therapy students through his textbook photographs and classroom audiovisual materials.

Graduation Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 102 graduate credit hours, including clinical education. All course work must be completed in compliance with the program and school’s academic and professional policies.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Peter Altenburger, Co-Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, IU, Coleman Hall 120, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5119; phone: (317) 278-1875.