Academic Programs
Degree Programs
Doctoral Programs
- Department Co-Chairs: Joyce Mac Kinnon, Peter Altenburger
- Professor Emerita: Ruth Ladue
- Professor: Joyce MacKinnon, Lisa Riolo
- Associate Professor: Tracy Dierks, Rebecca Porter, Stuart Warden
- 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
- Director of Clinical Education: Valerie Strunk
Educational Program
Length of the Program
The course of study is 35 months (103 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 Hall, 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
Students are required to meet technical standards established by the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. These standards are available upon request.
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 supervising physical therapist to adequately complete the IU D.P.T 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 628P or 327C or 113I is required. This policy is waived if the applicant has received an undergraduate degree from an accredited school in the United States by the time of entrance into the program. 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.
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 prerequisites. Listed below are prerequisite minimums.
Introductory Statistics |
1 semester |
Human Anatomy |
1 semester with lab |
Human Physiology |
1 semester with lab |
Chemistry |
2 semesters with labs |
Physics |
2 semesters with labs |
Introductory Psychology |
1 semester |
Human Lifespan Development |
1 semester |
(Note: Level of the anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics courses must be appropriate for science majors.) |
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.
Curriculum
Semester 1, Year 1, Fall Semester
P510 | Clinical Integration | 1 cr. |
P511 | Framework for Clinical Decision Making & Professionalism | 2 cr. |
P513 | Functional Anatomy & Clinical Biomechanics | 4 cr. |
P515 | Introduction to Physical Therapy Examination & Interventions I | 3 cr. |
D850 | Gross Anatomy | 8 cr. |
Total: |
18 cr. |
Semester 2, Year 1, Spring Semester
P520 | Clinical Integration II | 1 cr. |
P526 | Introduction to Physical Therapy Examination & Interventions II | 5 cr. |
P531 | Clinical Pathophysiology I | 4 cr. |
P534 | Introduction to Motor Sciences | 2 cr. |
P570 | Pharmacology for Physical Therapists | 3 cr. |
P646 | Therapeutic Interventions | 4 cr. |
Total: |
19 cr. |
Semester 3, Year 1, Summer Session 1 (6 weeks)
P599 | Clinical Education I | 3 cr. |
Total: |
3 cr. |
Semester 4, Year 1, Summer Session 2 (4 weeks)
P514 | Evidence-Based Critical Inquiry I | 2 cr. |
Total: |
2 cr. |
Semester 5, Year 2, Fall Semester
P533 | Lifespan Motor Development & Motor Control | 2 cr. |
P535 | Clinical Pathophysiology II | 4 cr. |
P643 | Psychosocial Dimensions of Physical Therapy Practice | 2 cr. |
P645 | Evidence Based Critical Inquiry II | 2 cr. |
D852 | Neuroscience and Clinical Neurology | 5 cr. |
Total: |
15 cr. |
Semester 6, Year 2, Spring Semester
P524 | Cardiopulmonary Practice Patterns | 3 cr. |
P541 | Musculoskeletal Practice Patterns I |
4 cr. |
P641 | Neurorehabilitation I | 4 cr. |
P650 | Integumentary Practice Patterns | 2 cr. |
P680 | Health Promotion and Community Outreach | 2 cr. |
Total: |
15 cr. |
Semester 7, Year 2, Summer Session 2 (6 weeks)
P532 | Legal & Ethical Issues in Physical Therapy |
2 cr. |
P695 | Clinical Education II | 3 cr. |
Total: |
5 cr. |
Semester 8, Year 3, Fall Semester
P622 | Musculoskeletal Practice Patterns II | 4 cr. |
P642 | Neurorehabilitation II |
4 cr. |
P660 | Selected Topics in Physical Therapy | 3 cr. |
P661 | Prosthetic & Orthotic Interventions | 2 cr. |
P664 | Administration & Management ofPhysical Therapy Services | 3 cr. |
Total: |
16 cr. |
Semester 9, Year 3, Spring Semester
P696 | Clinical Education III (10 weeks) | 5 cr. |
P697 | Clinical Education IV (8 weeks) | 4 cr. |
P675 | Capstone Seminar | 1 cr. |
Total: |
10 cr. |
Total Credits: 103
Optional Course
Electives:
- P685 Topics in Sports Rehabilitation 1 cr.
- P685 Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (GRASTON) 1 cr.
- P699 Clinical Specialty Experience 1 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 first-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. The Zachary H. Gregory Emerging Leadership Scholarship, established in memory of Zachary Gregory, DPT Class of 2010, is awarded to a third-year student who demonstrates emerging traits of both academic and professional leadership.
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 103 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 TherapyColeman Hall 120
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5119
(317) 278-1875