Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Institutional Accreditation

Information on FGCU institutional accreditation is available at http://www.fgcu.edu/Provost/accreditation.html

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: acreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Program is a post-professional program, and as such, is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 · 703-706-3245
Email CAPTE · Visit CAPTE Website

CAPTE Compliance

Policy on timely accreditation fee payment and documentation submission: “The department chairperson insures that accreditation fees are paid-in-full once the invoice is received from the Department of Accreditation of APTA and that all required documentation is submitted by any stated deadlines. This documentation includes, but is not limited to, reports of graduation rates, performance on state licensing examinations, and employment rates.”
Policy on notification of CAPTE regarding substantive change: “The department chairperson, or program’s designee, will promptly notify CAPTE of any expected or unexpected substantive change within the program. These changes may include, but are not limited to, change in program or college leadership, significant vacancy of faculty positions, change in institutional accreditation status, or withdrawal of the university’s legal status to provide post-secondary education.”

Policy on program compliance with CAPTE criteria: “Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to offering a physical therapy program which meets and exceeds the standards outlined in CAPTE accreditation criteria. Program faculty, and department, college and university administration are aware of the need for the program to be in compliance within two years of written notice of non-compliance and will do all that is necessary to remedy non-compliance. Actions taken to bring the program into compliance include, but are not limited to, hiring additional faculty/staff, securing consultant services, reorganizing faculty assignments, making changes to program policies and procedures, modifying curriculum, and/or securing additional resources.”

Complaint Procedure: A student can provide testimony or file a complaint with the agency responsible for accrediting physical therapy programs (CAPTE). Individuals wishing to make comments about a CAPTE accredited program should see the website:  CAPTE - General Information

There are established procedures for filing a formal complaint about a CAPTE accredited program. If the nature of a concern may fall into the possibility of a formal complaint, the individual is urged to contact the Department of Accreditation to discuss the nature of the complaint and to determine what procedures should be taken to initiate the formal complaint process. Comments can be mailed to the American Physical Therapy Association, ATTN: Accreditation Department, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1488; fax 703-684-7343 or emailed to accreditation@APTA.org.

The department procedure related to the handling of complaints addresses the process for complaints received from parties both internal and external to the university.  Complaints about the program, the students, the staff or faculty related to the program, may be received by any faculty member. The party who has a complaint will be encouraged to address the person or persons that the complaint involves. If the party would like to bring the complaint beyond that point, the complaint can be given to the Department Chair in writing. If the complaint requires consideration of a policy, procedure or curricular change, the appropriate committee chair will be notified by the Department Chair. Complaints regarding the Department Chair are to be addressed with the Chair, and the Dean of the Marieb College of Health & Human Services as deemed necessary by the complainant.

Getting Started

Please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website www.fgcu.edu/graduate or contact Graduate Studies at 239-590-7988 or graduate@fgcu.edu for an application for admission and additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.

See program website at URL listed above.

HealthGrad.com recognized the Florida Gulf Coast University Doctor of Physical Therapy Among the Best Value CAPTE-Accredited DPT Programs of 2019-2020

 

Program Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the fall of each year. For priority consideration, all application materials must be received by November 15th. Application materials received after November 15th will be considered on a space available basis. All applications to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must be submitted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences conducts a competitive admissions process. The following are the minimum requirements for admission to the entry-level physical therapy program. (Please note that meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee admission to the Physical Therapy program.) All applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants may complete a baccalaureate degree in any field. The following undergraduate majors at FGCU may be the most congruent with the required physical therapy prerequisite courses: BS in Athletic Training; BS in Exercise Science; BS in Health Science.
• Achieved a GPA calculated for all prerequisite courses (for courses completed at the time of application) of at least 3.20 (on a 0 to 4 scale).
• Achieved a GPA for all upper division coursework (for courses completed at the time of application) of at least 3.00 (on a 0 to 4 scale).
• A minimum score of 4.0 on the Analytical portion of the Graduate Record Examination(GRE).
• A minimum percentile rank of 35% on both the Quantitative and Verbal portions of the GRE.
• Submitted all program specific application materials using PTCAS.

Completion of the following prerequisite courses or the equivalent with a grade of C or better (a grade of C- or less is not acceptable).

• BSC 2010C General Biology I w/Lab (4)
• BSC 1085C Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab (4) or BSC 2011C General Biology II w/Lab (4)
• BSC 1086C Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab (4) or PCB 2XXX Human Physiology (3)
• CHM 1045C General Chemistry I w/Lab (4)
• CHM 1046C General Chemistry II w/Lab (4)
• PHY 2053C College Physics I w/Lab (4)
• PHY 2054C College Physics II w/Lab (4)
• PSY 2012 General Psychology (3)
• DEP 2004 Principles of Development (3)
• STA 2023 Statistical Methods (3) or STA 2037 Statistics with Calculus (3)

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences/Physical Therapy Program has a mandatory orientation that occurs usually the two days prior to the start of the entering semester for classes.  The information is sent out with the acceptance letters.  Students that do not attend the mandatory orientation will not be accepting into the program.

Criminal Background Check

All students admitted to the DPT program must complete a criminal background check. A student may encounter potential problems with clinical education placement and/or licensure as a physical therapist if he or she has a criminal record. For specific information, contact the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice through its website. If a student has a criminal record, it is the responsibility of the student to inquire with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice as to whether a criminal record may limit the student's ability to obtain licensure as a physical therapist or practice in certain settings.

Admissions Decision Appeals

A student may appeal admissions decisions by contacting the Office of the Dean in The Marieb College of Health & Human Services at 239-590-7451. Through the Dean's Office, the student brings an appeal to the MCHHS Student Appeals Committee. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of this process, he or she may bring the appeal to the University Ombudsman (www.fgcu.edu/ombudsman).

Program Outcomes

The two year average for first time National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rate: 
FGCU NPTE first time pass rate 96.3% 2018-2019, national average first time pass rate 91% 2018-2019

The Physical Therapy Program at Florida Gulf Coast University participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. Applicants applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, apply online using the PTCAS application. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, visit PTCAS.

Welcome Letter - Includes GPA Calculation Form, Course Substitution Equivalency Request Form and  Essential Functions Information

Student Profile

The student profile provides the interquartile ranges (25th - 75th percentiles) of the entrance exam scores for students admitted to the program.  The information is intended to assist applicants in determining opportunities for admission.

Graduate Record Exam:

     GRE taken prior to August 1, 2011
     Verbal: 410 - 500
     Quantitative: 590 - 670
    
     Revised GRE taken after August 1, 2011
     Verbal: 147 - 162
     Quantitative: 147- 161
 

Program Requirements for the 2019-2020 Catalog Year

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

• Students must follow a Program of Study approved by the faculty.
• Students must receive a grade of "B" ("S" if applicable) or better on all courses within the program curriculum.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for all coursework taken in the Physical Therapy curriculum.
• A student must perform at the appropriate level of generic abilities and criteria as outlined in the Professional Behaviors Plan.
• Students must provide evidence of immunizations, CPR/AED and First Aid certification, health insurance, professional liability insurance coverage and criminal background checks as detailed in the Program's Student Guidebook.
• Successfully complete a cumulative personal /professional portfolio.
• Successfully complete all Clinical Education Courses.
• Complete Psychomotor Skills Log.
• Apply for graduation per university guidelines and timeline.
• Meet all FGCU Graduate Student requirements for graduation
• Additional progression requirements as outlined in the Program’s Student Guidebook.

Program Requirements

1. Required courses (105 credits)
   PHT 5109 Movement Science I (6)
   PHT 5109L Movement Science I Laboratory (2)
   PHT 6393 Movement Science II (6)
   PHT 6393L Movement Science II Laboratory (2)
   PHT 6395 Movement Science III (4)
   PHT 6395L Movement Science III Laboratory (1)
   PHT 5353 MDP I: Intro to Pharm & Imaging (2)
   PHT 7070 MDP II: Diagnostic Imaging (3)
   PHT 7352 MDP III: Applied Pharm for PT (3)
   PHT 6009 MDP IV: Diagnostic Testing (3)
   PHT 5205C Intro to PT Practice (2)
   PHT 6394 Physical Therapy Practice I (2)
   PHT 6394L PT Practice I Laboratory (2)
   PHT 6396 Physical Therapy Practice II (3)
   PHT 6396L PT Practice II Laboratory (2)
   PHT 6397 Physical Therapy Practice III (3)
   PHT 6397L PT Practice III Laboratory (2)
   PHT 6398 Physical Therapy Practice IV (5)
   PHT 6398L PT Practice IV Laboratory (2)
   PHT 7390 Physical Therapy Practice V (5)
   PHT 7390L PT Practice V Laboratory (2)
   PHT 7399C Physical Therapy Practice VI (2)
   PHT 6026 PDS I: Intro to Physical Therapy (2)
   PHT 6412 PDS II: Teaching and Learning (3)
   PHT 6413 PDS III: Sociocultural Influences (3)
   PHT 6527 PDS IV: Mgmt, Leadership/Entrep (3)
   PHT 6507 PDS V: Medical Spanish for PT (1)
   PHT 7528 PDS VI: Legal/Ethical HC Policy (3)
   PHT 7529 PDS VII: Prep for Profession (2)
   PHT 5860 Introductory Clinic Experience (1)
   PHT 6822 Clinical Education I (3)
   PHT 6941 Clinical Education II (3)
   PHT 6942 Clinical Education III (3)
   PHT 7946 APP PT-Clinical Education IV (3)
   PHT 7947 APP PT-Clinical Education V (3)
   PHT 5016 Prof Writing & Lit Review (2)
   PHT 6606 App PT: Critical Inquiry (3)
   PHT 6607 App PT: Applied Crit Inquiry (3)
   
   
2. Restricted Electives (10 credits)
   Select one of the following:
   PHT 6906 Independent Study I (3)
   PHT 6971 Independent Research I (3)
   
   Select one of the following:
   PHT 6907 Independent Study II (2)
   PHT 6972 Independent Research II (2)
   
   Select one of the following:
   PHT 7908 Independent Study III (2)
   PHT 7973 Independent Research III (2)
   
   Select one of the following:
   PHT 7909 Independent Study IV (2)
   PHT 7974 Independent Research IV (2)
   
   Select one of the following:
   PHT 7910 Independent Study V (1)
   PHT 7975 Independent Research V (1)

Total Credits Required: 115 HRS

Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search

Getting started with the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.

*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)

1. Model professional behaviors that are consistent with professional excellence and the expectations of the profession and the consumer.
2. Practice utilizing patient/client management skills consistent with contemporary practice.
3. Experience areas of personal growth necessary for the transition into becoming a professional.
4. Recognize the importance of and pursue community involvement as part of his/her professional responsibility and civic engagement.
5. Appropriately use and modify written, oral and non-verbal communication with clients, families and colleagues.
6. Practice effectively and are able to respond to change within a dynamic health care environment.

Tuition and Fees

Information on Tuition, Fees and estimated total Cost of Attendance is available on the Office of the Bursar web site.

 

Students who meet the criteria can apply for instate residency status after the first year. See the Registrar's website for more information.
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DPT students have additional costs, some examples are:
Liability insurance $15x3
Laboratory and clinical uniforms $150
CPR/First Aid AED training $45x2
Immunizations $ as needed
Criminal record background review and Castle Branch $125
Membership dues for professional organizations $90x3
National board practice exams ~$220
Professional certification exams, $ based on Independent study or Independent research
Travel to off campus learning experiences and clinical rotations $ as where located
Housing room and board ~$9,700 as identified in Financial Aide or per your selection on campus or off campus

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Financial Aid Opportunities

Visit Graduate Studies Scholarshi

Visit FGCU's Financial Aid Web site for information about grants, additional scholarships, loans, and student employment.

Health Scholarships

Complete one FGCU Foundation Scholarship application to qualify for more than 300 scholarships. Scholarship awards average $1,600.
Examples of scholarships include:

• Students who return to complete a degree after taking time off
• Students 23 years or older
• Students from the surrounding five counties: Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry and Charlotte
• Students interested in pediatrics who plan to stay in SWFL after graduation
• Students living in Lehigh Acres
• and more...

Apply now,

The Physical Therapy faculty believe learning flourishes in an environment where inquiry is modeled and fostered. Faculty create an atmosphere conducive to the exchange of information, ideas and skills. Learning is fostered in an environment that embraces diversity, mutual respect, a sense of interdependence, integrity and academic freedom.  

The establishment of lifelong learning requires active participation of both faculty and students where each values and respects the other‘s unique and diverse learning styles and experiences. Learning is rigorous and rewarding, leaving no one unchanged by the shared experience. Early learning occurs best in context and in an environment that nurtures personal and professional growth. This provides the best foundation on which more complex learning experiences are built. The Physical Therapy program provides this necessary foundation through contextual learning experiences within the concurrent expectation that the student generalize learned material in new contexts within the community.

Graduates of the Physical Therapy program must be mature, critical thinkers prepared for collaborative practice and leadership in the profession. They must anticipate and respond appropriately to ongoing changes in the health care environment. Such necessary competence includes intellectual inquisitiveness, a commitment to lifelong learning, skills and resources to adapt to changes in physical therapy practice.  

Graduates of the program reflect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests of the community that the University serves. Through active participation in inter-professional coursework and community experiences, graduates are skilled in effective communication, facilitating teamwork and model leadership within their work environments and in their communities. All graduates are exposed to experiences that cultivate cultural awareness and sensitivity to age, gender and cultural diversity. Skilled, knowledgeable, self-directed, adaptable, and compassionate graduates are prepared to meet the needs of patients, clients, the profession, and the community as autonomous practitioners.  

The program prepares graduates to enter contemporary practice in the profession of physical therapy. Graduates become proficient in employing current sources of information as they relate to learning and evidence-based practice.The faculty facilitates the development of an entry level physical therapist, who is able to adapt to change in a variety of practice settings and integrate evidence-based knowledge and skills into practice. Reflective of this, the academic program is designed to meet the diverse needs of the Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates of today and of the future.

Below are program outcomes:

Class of:	2017	Class of:	2018	Class of:	2019
Graduation Rate:	92.3%	Graduation Rate:	93.1%	Graduation Rate:	100%
# grads who took the exam at least once:	23	# grads who took the exam at least once:	27	# grads who took the exam at least once:	24
# grads who passed the exam after all attempts:	23	# grads who passed the exam after all attempts:	27	# grads who passed the exam after all attempts:	24
NPTE Pass Rate:	100.0%	NPTE Pass Rate:	100.0%	NPTE Pass Rate:	100%
Employment Rate:	100.0%	Employment Rate:	100.0%	Employment Rate:	100%

The two year average for first time National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rate: 
FGCU first time NPTE pass rate 96.3% 2018-2019, national average 91% 2018-2019