Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)2010 Graduates 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Program at Tennessee State University, College of Health Sciences

When was the first DPT class admitted to TSU?
TSU's Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) program began admitting students in 2002. TSU's Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program began admitting students in June of 2006. Since its transition to the DPT program, the program no longer offers the MPT degree.

 Is the DPT program at TSU accredited?
The Physical Therapy program at TSU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Accreditation is the extensive review process conducted by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to assure that the quality of the course work is high and that the program produces therapists who are qualified to serve the public. In order to take the licensure exam, an individual must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program.

What are the most current graduation rates, and licensure examination pass rates?
OUTCOMES REPORT - Class of 2011
Graduation Rate - 90.6%
Licensure Pass Rate 92%
Employment Rate 100.00%

What are the criteria for admission?
Students accepted into the program have met the minimum required for entry, which is at least a 900 on the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GRE and a Prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0.

 What is the most appropriate undergraduate major to prepare for Physical Therapy school?
The College of Health Sciences has a preferred major area of study in the physical sciences. TSU offers the baccalaureate degree (BS) in Health Sciences with a concentration in physical sciences. Information about this degree is found at the following link: Health Administration and Health Sciences. The student's undergraduate major should be selected based on the student's interests, but should also include the prerequisite courses required for admission. Most universities have advisors who can recommend the best undergraduate major to prepare interested individuals for entry into physical therapy school.

What prerequisite courses are required for the DPT Program?
These courses are listed on the application which can be found at this link:...

Are there any other requirements for application to the DPT Program?

In addition to meeting a prescribed list of prerequisite courses, with a 3.0 or better and having a GRE score of at least 900, the program requires an undergraduate degree prior to the summer in which the applicant plans to start. Other admissions requirements include:

 

• Completion of an application form and payment of the required application fee

• An interview with faculty and a written essay completed during the onsite interview

• Two letters of recommendation one of which must be from a physical therapist

• A minimum of 40 documented hours of physical therapy observation in at least two clinical settings

 

Can I be accepted before I have completed all of my prerequisite courses?
Initially, you can be accepted conditionally. However, any pending requirements (such as outstanding prerequisite coursework or completion of undergraduate degree) needs to be completed before the start of the program. Applicants cannot begin the program on a conditional admission.

 

When do I apply to the DPT Program?
We will begin accepting applications in late summer of 2012 for the class starting in June of 2013.
Click here for the application:

 What month does the DPT Program start?
The program begins every summer, typically in June.

 

How long is the DPT Program?
The DPT Program is three years long and includes the summer semesters.

   

Is a dissertation required for the DPT Degree?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is an entry-level professional degree. Dissertations are not a required component of the curriculum, but an evidence-based paper or research paper that is eligible for publication is required. Students participate in five semesters of research that form the research thread of the curriculum. Students work in groups to create the final paper and presentation. 

How many students are admitted to the DPT Program each year?
As many as 36 students may be admitted annually to the DPT Program.

What is the cost of the program?
For tuition rates, see: TSU Total Facts, Books and supplies are generally $300 to $700 per semester. Living expenses including housing, food and travel are variable. DPT students are also required to: purchase student malpractice insurance ($15 -$30 annually), undergo a criminal background check ($65 -$80), and purchase various supplies that may or may not include a computer ($1000), lab coat ($50), and clinical instruments ($150). Students are also required to show proof of current health insurance, and immunizations ($250).

Is financial aid available?
Each year the Department of Physical Therapy traditionally awards two graduate assistant-ships.You can find out more by contacting the Financial Aid Office at (615) 963-5701 or 1-888-328-4636, the federal government at 1-800-4FEDAID, or the TSU Financial Aid Homepage.The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can be accessed at www.apta.org for scholarship information. Private sponsorship from facilities is often available and is privately obtained. Some employers offer debt forgiveness post-graduation. 

Are criminal background checks and drug testing required?
Criminal background checks are required of all students, and drug testing may be required durng the first year.

What are the additional functions that I will be required to perform?
All students accepted for admission into the DPT Program must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment in the clinical practicum. Students are required to: 

• Demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology by the end of the first year.

• Provide documentation that the student is free from communicable disease.

• Undergo tuberculosis screening and receive immunizations as required by the clinic sites.

• Receive certification in current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Basic First Aid.

• Purchase Health/ Accident insurance coverage

• Purchase professional student liability insurance coverage

• Demonstrate the ability to perform, whether unaided or with reasonable accommodation, the following essential technical functions for a clinical practicum in physical therapy:

1. Critical thinking ability sufficient for appropriate clinical judgment

2. Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds

3. Communication abilities

4. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective physical therapy care

5. Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs

6. Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in physical therapy care

7. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and treatment

8. Physical ability to assist moving, transferring and ambulating patients who have physical impairment or dysfunction

 

Note: If a student is unable to perform the aforementioned essential technical functions, he/she has the right to request reasonable accommodations in accordance with TSU's disability policy as described in the Tennessee State University PT Student Handbook. (See: Student Handbook 2011-2012) and the Tennessee State University Student Handbook (See: TSU Home Page and click on the student handbook link in the lower left corner.)

What are my housing options while in the DPT Program?
Graduate students are highly encouraged to arrange for off-campus living because TSU ensures that all undergraduates have housing before space is offered to graduate students. 

What job opportunities are available for physical therapists?
Physical therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, private-practice, school systems, industrial centers, out-patient clinics, and other specialty environments. New graduate physical therapists in Tennessee can expect $60,000 - $65,000 per year for full-time work.

For job physical therapist listings on the APTA website see:

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Jobs1&Template=/JobBank/SearchJobForm.cfm

 

For other questions, please contact us at the following address:

TSU Physical Therapy Department
Clement Hall
3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37209-1561 

Or call us:

Felita Turner-Smith
Administrative Secretary
Tel:(615) 963-5881
Fax:(615) 963-5935

 





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