- Department Chair: Peter Altenburger
- Associate Professor: Peter Altenburger, Tracy Dierks, Robyn Fuchs, Mary T. Loghmani, Stuart Warden
- Associate Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy: Amy Bayliss, Valerie Strunk
- Assistant Professors: Keith Avin, Mary Beth Brown, Kristine Miller, William Thompson
- Assistant Clinical Professors of Physical Therapy: Valerie Strunk
- Director of Clinical Education: Valerie Strunk
The course of study is 35 months (105 graduate credit hours) of graduate professional course work.
Structure of the ProgramThe program is presented in a full-time, day format only.
Design of the Professional CurriculumThe P.T. curriculum is organized so that the lecture and laboratory course work is integrated with patient care experiences. Full-time clinical education experiences and integrated clinical experiences of varying length occur throughout the course of study. The 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 D.P.T. Program demonstrates competencies in evidence-based P.T. 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 WorkBecause of the intense nature of the program, students are not encouraged to seek outside employment during their enrollment.
Additional CostIn addition to D.P.T. 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.
FacilitiesD.P.T. 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.
AccreditationIndiana University has received continuing accreditation for the postbaccalaureate professional education program from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
AdmissionStudents accepted into the Program must complete the school's admission requirements and the following D.P.T 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 ClassAdmission into the Indiana University D.P.T. Program is based on the applicant's overall GPA, GPA in mathematics and science prerequisite courses, GRE scores, and interview score.
Class Size38 students each fall semester.
Specific RequirementsThe following admission policies apply to the Indiana University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Total Number of Prerequisite Credit HoursApplicants 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 GPA3.2 on a 4.0 scale. The minimum cumulative GPA must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.
Minimum Specific GPA3.2 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 CourseC (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).
Technical StandardsStudents are required to meet technical standards established by the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. These standards are available upon request.
Medical RequirementsBasic 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 ExperienceIn 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 RequirementsAccepted 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
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 http://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.
PrerequisitesBefore 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
Term 1, Year 1, Fall Semester| P510 | Clinical Integration I | 1 cr. |
| P511 | Framework for Clinical Decision Making & Professionalism | 2 cr. |
| P513 | Functional Anatomy & Clinical Biomechanics | 5 cr. |
| P515 | Introduction to Physical Therapy Examination & Interventions I | 3 cr. |
| D850 | Human Structure | 8 cr. |
| Total: |
19 cr. |
Term 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 & Pharmacology I | 5 cr. |
| P534 | Introduction to Motor Sciences | 2 cr. |
| P646 | Therapeutic Interventions | 4 cr. |
| Total: |
17 cr. |
Term 3, Year 1, Summer Session 1 (6 weeks)
| P599 | Clinical Education I | 3 cr. |
| Total: |
3 cr. |
Term 4, Year 1, Summer Session 2 (4 weeks)
| P514 | Evidence-Based Critical Inquiry I | 2 cr. |
| Total: |
2 cr. |
Term 5, Year 2, Fall Semester
| P533 | Lifespan Motor Development & Motor Control | 2 cr. |
| P535 | Clinical Pathophysiology II & Pharmacology II | 5 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: |
16 cr. |
Term 6, Year 2, Spring Semester
| P524 | Cardiopulmonary Practice Patterns | 3 cr. |
| P541 | Musculoskeletal Practice Patterns I | 4 cr. |
| P610 | Clinical Integration III | 2 cr. |
| P641 | Neurorehabilitation I | 4 cr. |
| P650 | Integumentary Practice Patterns | 2 cr. |
| P680 | Health Promotion and Community Outreach | 2 cr. |
| Total: |
17 cr. |
Term 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. |
Term 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. |
Term 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: 105
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.
FellowshipsThe 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 Fellowship is 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.
AwardsThe 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 RequirementsGraduation will be recommended after satisfactory completion of 106 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, Chair, Department of Physical Therapy Coleman Hall 326 Indianapolis, IN 46202-5119 (317) 278-1875