Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

The Marymount University Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program prepares generalist practitioners to deliver best available physical therapist practice for improving movement, function and health across diverse individuals and communities. The program employs a dynamic learning-in-context environment that is warm and welcoming. Critical thinking, professionalism, respecting individual differences, and adherence to ethical practices ground all classroom, clinic, and community activities. The program utilizes a modified problem-based curriculum unique to the region.

Upon successful completion of the D.P.T. program, students will be able to:

function independently, managing patients with a wide variety of simple or complex conditions;
perform skilled physical therapist examinations, interventions, and clinical reasoning proficiently and consistently;
apply best available scientific evidence, clinical judgment, and patient preferences in physical therapy patient management;
manage a full-time physical therapist’s caseload to achieve resource-efficient and patient-effective outcomes;
exhibit care, compassion, and empathy in delivering physical therapy services sensitive to individual, cultural, and social differences; and
implement a self-directed plan for professional development and lifelong learning.

The physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Admission Requirements and Eligibility: The physical therapy program is a three-year, full-time program. Applicants have a separate admissions process and a notification of admission status shortly after the required interview. Entry into the program is in the fall semester only. Class size is limited to 38 students. The deadline to submit a completed application is November 1.

Students applying for admission to the graduate program in physical therapy at Marymount University must meet the following minimum standards to be eligible for consideration:

bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the physical therapy program
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all college and university coursework
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all prerequisite science coursework (see list below under prerequisite coursework selection)
completion of 40 hours of observation or volunteer service work in a physical therapy clinical setting, verified by a physical therapist from the clinical setting (hours may be completed at more than one clinical facility)
completion of all prerequisite coursework within the last seven (7) years
scores for the Graduate Record Exam taken within the last five (5) years
no more than one prerequisite course can have a grade of C or C+; all other prerequisite courses must have grades of B- or better
up to 12 credits of prerequisite coursework may remain incomplete at the time of application to the program; any remaining prerequisite coursework must be completed with a course grade of B- or better before entering the D.P.T. program.

Prerequisite coursework: For program consideration, the prerequisite courses below must be completed.

* Note: Marymount course equivalencies are listed in parentheses for comparison/informational purposes only.

two (2) courses of biological sciences with lab (BIO 151-152, General Biology I and II)
one (1) course of anatomy/anatomy and physiology I with lab (BIO 161, Anatomy and Physiology I)
one (1) course of physiology/anatomy and physiology II with lab (BIO 162, Anatomy and Physiology II)
two (2) courses of general chemistry with lab (e.g. CHM 151-152, Principles of Chemistry I and II)
two (2) courses of general physics with lab (PHYS 171-172 General Physics I and II)
one (1) course of psychology (PSY 101, General Psychology)
one (1) course of statistics (MA 132, Statistical Analysis)

International students for whom English is a second language should review International Applicants for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic test score requirements.

Clinical Education: Clinical activities are integrated throughout the three-year curriculum. Integrated part-time clinical experiences take place in local physical therapy clinics and coincide directly with didactic learning activities. Clinical full-time practicums take place in clinics locally, nationally, and internationally. The majority of full-time clinical placements occur within the greater metropolitan Washington area and nearby states. Students complete three (3) full-time practicums in 10- or 12-week rotations, at three different clinic sites.

Required Application Materials: Marymount University participates in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), a service used by the majority of U.S. physical therapy programs. With PTCAS, you complete one central application. PTCAS sends your completed application to the programs you designate. As part of the process, applicants will need to submit a supplemental fee directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (instructions found on PTCAS website). Visit the PTCAS website (www.ptcas.org) for more information about their online application process.

The following materials must be submitted as part of the PTCAS application:

PTCAS application form
$30 supplemental application fee (in addition to the PTCAS fee) sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 2807 N. Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
essay, as described on the PTCAS application
official transcripts for all college and university coursework
verification of completing 40 hours of clinical observation or work in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
two letters of recommendation (using the form provided by PTCAS) from faculty, academic advisors, physical therapists, or employers addressing the applicants ability, motivation, and interest in pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy
scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE code for Marymount's Doctor of Physical Therapy program is 7738

The physical therapy program’s admissions committee reviews all applications. Initial evaluation of applicants includes assessment of overall GPA, prerequisite science GPA, GRE scores, applicant’s written statement, community activities, and recommendations.

Special consideration is given to current Marymount students who have completed at least two full-time semesters at Marymount prior to applying, Marymount University graduates, and persons from minority groups that are underrepresented in the profession.

Applicants are selected based upon their qualifications and potential to contribute to the profession and their community, and who represent a broad diversity of backgrounds.

After the initial review of applicants’ preliminary materials, all individuals being considered for admission are invited to participate in a Physical Therapy Department's interview, typically a Saturday in December. Interview Day consists of a personal interview, group activity, and facility tour. Please check the university website or call the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services to determine the date of Interview Day for the upcoming year. Admission decisions are announced to applicants within 30 days following their scheduled interview. All accepted students must confirm acceptance within three weeks of notification.

Clinical Education: Clinical activities are integrated throughout the three-year curriculum. Integrated part-time clinical experiences take place in local physical therapy clinics and coincide directly with didactic learning activities. Clinical full-time practicums take place in clinics locally, nationally, and internationally. The majority of full-time clinical placements occur within the greater metropolitan Washington area and nearby states. Students complete three (3) full-time practicums in 10- or 12-week rotations, at three different clinic sites.

Clinical Requirements: For admission to the program, students must submit the items below.

medical examination
criminal background check, which is a federal requirement for all persons working with vulnerable populations
drug screen, required by clinical agencies
written verification of testing for tuberculosis or screening (If PPD is positive, a clear chest X-ray is required.)
written verification of the following immunizations: Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella titer, and Tdap
documentation of health insurance coverage
documentation of American Heart Association CPR for health care providers
written verification of annual influenza vaccine
written verification of completion of blood borne pathogens precautions, tuberculosis precautions, and HIPAA confidentiality regulations training

Clinical Education Transportation: Students provide their own transportation to and from courses and clinical experiences. The university’s free shuttle service connects the Main Campus, Ballston Center, and the Ballston-MU Metro station.

Comprehensive Examination: Each student must pass a comprehensive written examination in order to graduate.

Minimum Grade and Academic Progression Requirements: Physical therapy students must meet all of the university academic standards for graduate students. In addition, physical therapy students are expected to receive a minimum grade of B in all required courses. However, students are allowed to continue in the program without interruption with up to two course grades of B-. Course grades lower than a B- are considered unsatisfactory. Upon receiving three course grades of B- or any course grade lower than a B-, the student is dismissed from the program.

Degree Requirements — Physical Therapy

102 credits

Year One — Fall

PT 700	Clinical Neuroscience	5
PT 701	Applied Pathophysiology	6
PT 702	Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society	3

Year One — Spring

PT 710	Gross Anatomy	6
PT 711	Foundations of Physical Therapy Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis	6
PT 712	Critical Assessment of Information	3

Year One — Summer

PT 713

Therapeutic and Scientific Principles of Exercise

Year Two — Fall

PT 714	Foundations of Physical Agents and Therapeutic Technologies in the Physical Therapist Practice	2
PT 720	Evaluation and Management of Patients with Orthopedic Disorders	5
PT 721	Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Orthopedic Disorders	5
PT 723	Research Principles and Design	3

Year Two — Spring

PT 730	Evaluation and Management of Patients in Acute Care	5
PT 731	Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients in Acute Care	5
PT 732	The Physical Therapist as a Manager	3
PT 735	Physical Therapy and the Older Adult	3

Year Two — Summer

PT 800

Clinical Practicum I

Year Three — Fall

PT 740	Evaluation and Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders	5
PT 741	Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders	4
PT 744	Case Report I: Foundations	2
PT 745	Clinical Practice Synthesis	3
PT 746	Physical Therapy in Pediatrics	2

Year Three — Spring

PT 757	Leadership, Professional Development and Expert Practice	3
PT 801	Clinical Practicum II	5
PT 803	Clinical Case Reports	3

Year Three — Summer

PT 802

Clinical Practicum III