← Back to Program ListPhysical Therapy
Physical therapy is an allied health profession that promotes optimal health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct or alleviate acute or prolonged dysfunctions.
The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals reach their maximum potential and to contribute to society while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. To practice as a registered (or licensed) physical therapist, an individual must be a graduate of an accredited program and pass a state licensure examination.
We encourage all prospective applicants to attend one of our DPT Open Houses where they will tour our facility, meet current DPT students and faculty, and receive additional information on our DPT program.
Admission Requirements
The DPT program has recommended minimums for an applicant's GPA and GRE test score:
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A Bachelor’s degree from an regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.00.
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Prerequisite coursework completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Contact Beth Bextermueller, Program Coordinator to review course equivalencies.
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Submission of official GRE scores, with a minimum scores in the 50% percentile or higher
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Verbal = 450 (old test) or 150 (revised test)
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Quantitative = 600 (old test) or 150 (revised test)
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Analytical = 4.0
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Applicants must take the GRE prior to September 1st.
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For international applicants, TOEFL scores minimum 520 (paper) or 190 (computer) suggested.
In addition, applicants will have to submit:
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Documentation of 50 work or volunteer hours in a physical therapy setting, including 25 acute care hours which must be completed in the inpatient physical therapy department of a hospital.
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Submission of 3 completed recommendation forms, including one from a physical therapist.
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Submission of 5 essays as part of the PTCAS application.
Career Possibilities
UC’s DPT program provides students the education they need to sit for the board licensing exam. Once graduates pass the board exam, and any state laws and rules exam that is required, they are eligible to work as a licensed Physical Therapist.
Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. They provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems, including but not limited to:
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Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Conditions (heart attack, cystic fibrosis, bypass surgery)
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Integumentary Conditions (wounds, burns)
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Neurological Conditions (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke)
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Orthopedic Conditions (sprains, fractures, sports injuries, amputations, back and neck pain).
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that job opportunities for licensed PTs will be good in all practice settings. Job opportunities will greater in acute hospital, skilled nursing, and orthopedic settings as the number of elderly needing physical therapy is expected to rise in proportion to the increase of the elderly population.
Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site.
Contact
Email: bexterba@uc.edu
Phone: 513-558-0535
PO Box 670394
3202 Eden Ave, Rm 310
Cincinnati,OH 45267-0394
