Freshman and Direct Entry Admission
The University of Evansville (UE) offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This six or seven year curriculum involves three or four years of prerequisite and undergraduate coursework followed by three years (nine semesters including summers) of professional study depending on your selected track.
There are many advantages for completing your bachelor's degree at UE.
- UE provides a strong undergraduate curriculum and nurturing environment.
- The average class size for undergraduate classes is 18, and the student to faculty ratio is 13:1.
- Direct entry admission is possible for high school seniors who display superior academic performance while in high school.
- As a pre-professional student, you will have the opportunity to join the PT Club . The PT Club members are current DPT students and pre-professional undergraduate students.
- As a freshman pre-professional student, you will be assigned a physical therapy advisor in addition to your undergraduate advisor.
- You will receive your UE merit scholarship for either 12 semesters (3+3 track) or 14 semesters (4+3 track). Awards remain fixed at their fourth year value during the remainder of the program. The UE housing requirement will be in effect during the first four years of either the 3+3 of 4+3 program.
- You may have the opportunity to study abroad at Harlaxton College in England for a full academic semester or a five week summer session depending on the your selected track.
Direct Entry Admission
If you are a high school senior, submit your application to the University by November 1, and score 27 or higher on the ACT, or 1800 or higher on the three part SAT, or 1200 on the math and critical reading sections of the SAT, you will be invited to Direct Entry Day, which will take place on November 19. Individual interviews and other activities are planned for Direct Entry Day. If you are unable to attend Direct Entry Day, alternate interview days can be arranged. Interviews will will not be conducted after December 7. Deadlines are firm. If you are a candidate for direct entry, it is recommended that you increase your knowledge of the physical therapy profession through independent exploration and physical therapy observations prior to your direct entry interview.
If you are chosen for direct entry, a spot will be reserved for you in the DPT program following three or four years of undergraduate coursework, depending on your selected undergraduate track.
To secure direct entry admission, you must...
- achieve a 3.35 cumulative GPA by the end of the summer following your sophomore year in college (3+3 track) or junior year (4+3 track) and earn a grade of C or higher in all undergraduate coursework.
- achieve a 3.0 science and math prerequisite course GPA by the end of the summer following the sophomore year (3+3 track) or junior year (4+3 track).
- complete four of the seven science prerequisite courses by the end of the summer following your sophomore year (3+3 track) or junior year (4+3 track). The remainder must be completed prior to entering the DPT Program.
- be involved in at least one campus activity each semester.
- complete a minimum of 40 hours of exposure to physical therapy through observation, volunteer work or employment by the end of the summer following your sophomore year (3+3 track) or 60 hours by the end of the summer following your junior year (4+3 track) or senior year (5+3 track). Employment does not mean direct patient care, but rather experience in a health care setting. At least two different types of physical therapy settings must be represented in the hours.
- submit documentation to the Department of Physical Therapy verifying that you have met the direct entry requirements. The direct entry verification form may be accessed on the Requirements and Application page of this site.
Note:
- All prerequisite science courses must be designed for science majors. Other designs will not be accepted.
- Only two of the prerequisite courses may be repeated with the exception of medical terminology. The highest grade will be used in calculation of the science and math grade point average.
- Online courses are acceptable for science prerequisite courses as long as they are approved by the Office of the Registrar and contain a lab component.
- Once established as a UE student, a maximum of 10 credit hours may be completed at another institution.
- Direct entry candidates who do not meet the requirements for direct entry admission should schedule an appointment with their physical therapy advisor to discuss options.
- You must complete a bachelor's degree prior to enrolling in PT 561, Clinical I.
Admission criteria are subject to change.
Admission into the DPT Program for Non-Direct Entry Students
High school students interested in the DPT program, but who are not candidates for Direct Entry, will follow University admission procedures.
- During your first three or four years, depending on your selected track, you will complete undergraduate and pre-professional requisite coursework. You will submit your application for admission into the DPT program following your sophomore year of college if you are pursuing the 3+3 track or junior year if you are pursuing the 4+3 track.
- You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of exposure to physical therapy through observation, volunteer work or employment by the end of the summer following your sophomore year (3+3 track) or 60 hours by the end of the summer following your junior year (4+3 track) or senior year (5+3 track). Employment does not mean direct patient care, but rather experience in a health care setting. At least two different types of physical therapy settings must be represented in these hours. Observations must be completed with a licensed physical therapist.
- Additional exploration of the physical therapy profession is required.
- A minimum science and math prerequisite GPA of 2.75 is required. Only two of the prerequisite courses may be repeated with the exception of medical terminology. The highest grade will be used in calculation of the science and math grade point average.
- All science courses must be designed for science majors. Other designs will not be accepted.
- Online courses are acceptable for science prerequisite courses as long as they are approved by the Office of the Registrar and contain a lab component.
- Four of the seven science prerequisite courses must be completed at time of application. The remainder, with the exception of medical terminology, must be completed prior to entering the professional program. Medical terminology must be complete by the end of the first year of the DPT Program.
- Once established as a UE student, 10 credit hours may be completed at another institution after approved by the Office of the Registrar.
- A grade of C or higher is required for all undergraduate coursework. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
- During the admission process, additional points will be awarded for credit hours successfully completed at the University of Evansville.
- You must complete your bachelor's degree prior to enrolling in PT 561, Clinical I.
Pre-professional Requisite Courses
- Biology 107+*: 4 semester hours - (1 semester general biology with lab)
- Exercise Science 112* and 113*: 8 semester hours - (1 year anatomy and physiology with lab)
- Chemistry 118+* and 240*: 8 semester hours - (1 semester general chemistry with lab and 1 semester organic chemistry with lab)
- Physics 121+* and 122*: 8 semester hours - (1 year general physics with lab)
- Math 105**: 3 semester hours - (1 semester college algebra) or demonstrated proficiency
- Psychology 121++: 3 semester hours
- Physical Therapy 100: 1 semester hour (medical terminology)
- Sociology 105: 3 semester hours is strongly recommended but not required
* Science prerequisite
** Math 105 fulfills the physical therapy prerequisite and the University general education requirement
+ Meets natural sciences general education requirement
++ Meets human behavior and society general education requirement
3+3 and 4+3 Track Options
3+3 track: (3 years of undergraduate and prerequisite coursework + 3 years of professional (DPT) coursework) Three years of undergraduate coursework is best suited for students who meet Direct Entry (DE) admission criteria and seek an undergraduate degree in either Exercise Science or Interdisciplinary Studies or Public Health.
4+3 track: (4 years of undergraduate and prerequisite coursework +3 years of professional DPT coursework) Four years of undergraduate study may promote a richer educational experience for students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training , Biology or another area; who desire to study abroad for a full semester, or who want to participate in Division I athletics. Other undergraduate degrees are possible as long as the physical therapy prerequisite courses are completed. Five years of undergraduate study may be necessary for Division I athletes who pursue an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training.
Both undergraduate options are followed by three years of professional study and culminate in the awarding of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. A decision regarding which track a student plans to pursue must be made prior to the fall semester of the sophomore year. A bachelor's degree must be completed prior to beginning PT 561, Clinical I. This course takes place during the summer following the first year of the DPT program. If a bachelor's degree has not been completed, the student's progression in the DPT Program will be delayed.
The DPT program's admission requirements and application materials are available on the Requirements and Applications page of this site.
Undergraduate Degree Options
One of the earliest decisions you will make is whether you want to combine your professional Physical Therapy degree with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training, Biology, Exercise Science, or Interdisciplinary Studies. Other areas of study are also possible, however, it might take an additional semester or two to complete all of your undergraduate and prerequisite requirements.
Athletic Training (4+3 track)
The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled allied health professional. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the health care team for the physically active. Traditionally, secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, and professional sports teams have employed ATCs. ATCs are rapidly expanding their employment into new settings such as physician offices, health and wellness centers, and industry.
The athletic training major is designed for those individuals who are seeking certification as an athletic trainer from the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the accrediting body for many allied health professions such as athletic training. The University of Evansville is currently meeting all standards for accreditation as described by CAAHEP.
The bachelor's degree program prepares the student for the challenges that will be encountered as an allied health professional. This includes the integration of a strong liberal arts and science foundation with problem solving and clinical skill development. The concurrent clinical education model allows the student to gain extensive practical experience. The majority of clinical education occurs while working with the University's 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams. Convenient off campus assignments with clinical and high school based athletic trainers, as well as physicians exist to ensure a well-rounded practical experience.
Biology (4+3 track)
Biology is the study of living organisms-how they develop, how they change over time, and how the diverse organisms relate to one another and their environment. Biology covers a broad range from Genetics and Molecular Biology (i.e., how DNA and genes function) to Organismal Biology and how complex organisms, such as humans, are structurally and functionally organized. Biology appeals to the curiosity and desire for exploration inherent in each of us. Anyone who gasps with wonder at the rapid wing-beat of a hummingbird, spends an afternoon exploring a forest, or marvels at how the human brain creates fine arts and music, experiences the delight of discovery of a Biologist. The curriculum in Biology at the University of Evansville is designed to give students the necessary pre-requisites to go on to professional or graduate school or pursue a career in Biology.
The Biology faculty teach a range of courses that will provide background to your clinical degree. As a Biology major you may take courses in Molecular Biology and Cell Biology that describe how genes affect the basic unit of life, the cell. We also offer courses in Parasitology, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Developmental Biology, and advanced study of animal anatomy and function. Courses in Ecology, Marine Biology, and various plant sciences are also available. For a complete listing of courses consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Exercise Science (3+3 track or 4+3 track)
The Exercise Science major (pre-professional track) comprises a strong natural science curriculum that focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to healthy, injured and high-risk populations. As an applied discipline, the Exercise Science major emphasizes an experiential approach in which the goal is to understand the physiological and biomechanical consequences of human movement. Due to the emphasis on the sciences in this curriculum, the pre-professional track is an excellent major for further study in physical therapy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, medicine, podiatry, occupational therapy, and other professional schools. In addition, graduates with the degree Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (pre-professional) are prepared for employment in clinical or hospital settings, health and wellness intervention programs, and other health-related careers.
Health Services Administration with Business Minor (4+3 track)
Health Services Administration students study a cross-section of business issues and health services. Health care administrators need to understand business concepts as well as health related aspects of care delivery. Students focus on health care ethics, planning, finance, marketing, and health care management.
The changes in health care in recent years have created a need for managers who can deal with a multitude of challenges specific to the health care industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for health services administrators is projected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the next five to ten years. Health Care Administrators are employed by a wide variety of organizations including hospitals, managed care companies, outpatient care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, mental health organizations, public health agencies and any organization that has a stake in health care today.
Interdisciplinary Studies (3+3 track or 4+3 track)
This undergraduate major is designed for the individual who may have a variety of interests, an unusual career goal, or a highly focused career goal. The key word when discussing the Interdisciplinary Studies major is flexibility. A major in Interdisciplinary Studies allows the student, with guidance from an advisor and approval of the Interdisciplinary Studies committee, to select courses from at least two distinct academic disciplines. The disciplines must be supportive of each other. The student is required to explain to the committee how the areas are mutually supportive, and how completion of the planned courses will enable the student to achieve the student's personal and professional goals.
For the student in the 3+3 track, three academic disciplines are required for the Interdisciplinary Studies major. The courses completed in the first year of the Physical Therapy professional program satisfy the requirements for one of the three areas. The student must complete a total of 39 credits in the other two disciplines, with at least twelve hours at the 300 or 400 level (i.e., junior or senior courses) in each discipline.
A sample program could include courses in Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Spanish. Psychology coursework could be Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Learning and Motivation, Physiological Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Industrial Psychology. Spanish coursework could be two Elementary and two Intermediate Spanish courses, Business and Legal Spanish, Medical Spanish, and Social Issues in Hispanic Society. The Senior Seminar, which is required for all undergraduate degrees, would typically be completed in either Psychology or Spanish. However, any other discipline could be selected for the Senior Seminar.
For financial aid purposes, it is beneficial for some student to not complete a bachelor's degree until after the first year of the DPT program. This applies to students on the 3+3 track as well as the 4+3 track. Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
A bachelor's degree must be completed prior to entering PT 561, Clinical I, which takes place during the summer following the first year of the DPT program. If a bachelor's degree has not been completed, the student will not progress in the DPT program.
Public Health (3+3 or 4+3 track)
From disaster relief to air quality to disease prevention, public health professionals ensure a healthy, safe, and productive society. The B.S. in Public Health trains students in multidisciplinary approaches to public healthpractices. Students learn about a range of issues that impact population health, global health, environmental health, disease prevention, health communication and informatics, healthcare systems, and health behavior. Students will advance through employment or further education and become the new generation of public health professionals prepared and ready to protect and improve the health of the overall population.
Here are a number of reasons why you should major in Public Health at the University of Evansville:
- The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) estimates that 250,000 more public health workers will be needed by 2020. To replenish the workforce and avert the crisis, schools of public health will have to train three times the current number of graduates over the next 11 years.
- The public health workforce is diminishing over time (there were 50,000 fewer public health workers in 2000 than in 1980), forcing public health workers to do more for more people with fewer resources. This challenge is compounded by the fact that 23% of the current workforce - almost 110,000 workers - are eligible to retire by 2012.
- There are documented and forecasted shortages of public health physicians, public health nurses, epidemiologists, health care educators, and administrators. Without enough public health workers protecting us where we live, work and play, we all are vulnerable to serious health risks.
- Success after graduation. You will have the adequate training necessary to find a career in public health or further your education by seeking admission to professional programs such as public health, physical therapy, medicine, law, business, and many more.
General Education Requirements
- Foreign Language - 6 semester hours or demonstrated equivalent proficiency
- The Creative Dimension - 3 semester hours
- Health and Wellness - 1 semester hour
- World Cultures Sequence - 6 semester hours
- International Perspective - 3 semester hours
- The Philosophical/Spiritual Dimension - 3 semester hours
- American Traditions - 3 semester hours-Sociology 105 is strongly recommended
- Mathematical Thought - 3 semester hours or demonstrated proficiency
- Scientific and Technology - 7 semester hours including one laboratory
- Human Behavior and Society - 3 semester hours (Psychology 121)
Students may be required to enroll in summer classes in order to meet all general education and undergraduate degree requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (revised 8/2011)
Select Link to Essential Functions
Criminal Background Checks
Annual criminal background checks are required for all physical therapy students. A positive result may prohibit a student from entering the DPT Program, completing his physical therapy degree or securing licensure after graduation.
Admission criteria are subject to change.
The Department of Physical Therapy reserves the right to make final decisions concerning all admission criteria.
