The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program (housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences) at FAMU was established in 1981, becoming the third physical therapy program in the State University System (SUS) of Florida. The first class of students was admitted to the baccalaureate program in 1982; the last baccalaureate class graduated in August 2001. Currently, all Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Consistent with other SUS physical therapy programs, applicants accepted into the FAMU program are admitted as graduate students in the professional curriculum.

Physical therapy involves the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, and injuries caused by a variety of problems, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders and aging. Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence. To learn more about the profession, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association Website: www.apta.org

The DPT Program at FAMU is a full-time, campus-based program which takes 34 months to complete. Students are admitted in the fall semester annually and graduate at the end of the 3rd year Spring semester. The program includes 32 weeks of full time clinical practice. Graduates are awarded the DPT degree upon satisfactory completion of all curricular requirements.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum is built on a broad foundation of liberal arts, social sciences, and basic sciences. Therefore, applicants to the entry level master’s program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must also be able to demonstrate, by official transcript completion of the physical therapy program prerequisites.

Coursework within the professional curriculum challenges students to build on their undergraduate background by incorporating a balance of foundational and clinical sciences; critical inquiry; clinical practice; and studies of society, health care delivery, and physical therapy practice. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a combination of didactic and clinical experiences necessary to perform effectively and efficiently as entry level physical therapists, as well as to successfully prepare for the licensing examination.

Accreditation Status

Florida A&M University has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

(CAPTE) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum.
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Telephone: 703-706-3245

email: accreditation@apta.org 
website: www.capteonline.org
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call [850-412-7866] or email [dawn.browncross@famu.edu]

Professional Credentials

A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) is awarded upon successful completion of the curriculum. Also, the graduate is eligible to apply for the physical therapy licensing examination.

Admissions Criteria

The FAMU-DPT program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

PTCAS
P.O. Box 9112
Watertown, MA 02471
ptcasinfo@ptcas.org
(617) 612-2040

PTCAS may take up to 6 weeks to verify supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to confirm that all your materials have been received by contacting PTCAS to confirm receipt of materials.

 

A complete application that meets the minimum requirements for admission, includes: 

1) The PTCAS application form online at http://www.ptcas.org 

2) An autobiographical essay, as described on the PTCAS application.

3) Official transcripts for all college and university coursework

4) Verification of completion of a minimum of 20 hours of clinical observation or work in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a physical therapist

5) Three letters of recommendation (using the form provided by PTCAS) from faculty, academic advisors, physical therapists, or employers addressing the applicant’s ability, motivation, and interest in pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy.

6) Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to PTCAS: a minimum combined score of 300 on the quantitative and verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), AND a GRE analytical writing score of ≥3.0.The GRE code for FAMUs Doctor of Physical Therapy program is 5215. GRE scores must be less than 5 years old.

Other Mandatory Requirements

The FAMU School of Graduate Studies and Research also requires the following items http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?graduatestudies&Students: 

1) A $30 non-refundable application fee.

2) A Graduate School Application which includes a Residency Classification section. 

3) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL= 550/paper-based; 80 internet-based) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (6.5) sent directly to FAMU from the Testing Service- If an applicant is from a country where English is not the official language or when an applicant’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, or if an applicant did not earn a degree in a country where English is the only official language or from a university where English is the only official language of Instruction. 

4) Immunization Form at  http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?shs&Immunizations. 

5) Evidence of Health Insurance.

6) Criminal background checks and/or drug screenings will be requested of applicants who are admitted into the professional program.

Florida A&M University
School of Graduate Studies and Research
Admissions Office
515 Orr Drive,
Room 469 Tucker Hall
Tallahassee, FL 32307
(850) 599-3505

Once FAMU has received the completed PTCAS application, the Graduate School’s supplemental application, and the $30 application fee, your file will be reviewed by the Physical Therapy Division’s Committee on Admission. Final admission to the University is subject to approval by the Graduate Office of Admissions.

 

DPT ADMISSION PREREQUISITE COURSES

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entrance into the program.

Biological Sciences

BSC 1010 General Biology I (3)

BSC 1010L General Bio Lab I (1)

BSC 1011 General Biology II (2)

BSC 2093 Anatomy and Physiology I (3)

BSC 2093L Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (1)

BSC 2094 Anatomy and Physiology II (3)

BSC 2094L Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (1)

Chemistry

CHM 1045 General Chemistry I (3)

CHM 1045L General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

CHM 1046 General Chemistry II (3)

CHM 1046L General Chemistry II Laboratory (1)

Mathematics

STA 2023 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I (3)

Psychology

DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development (3)

PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology (3)

Physics

PHY 2053 College Physics I (3)

PHY 2053L College Physics I-Lab (1)

OR

PHY 2048L General Physics-I Laboratory (1)

PHY 2054 College Physics II (3)

PHY 2059 General Physics II Lab (1)

Note: A grade of C (not C-) is the minimum grade considered as acceptable for any one of the prerequisite courses. However, the “average” grade required across all prerequisite science courses is B (3.0).

 

ACADEMIC PROMOTION AND PROGRESSION

Students in the program should complete the curriculum at the time and in the sequence that the courses are offered to allow completion of the program in the requisite 34 month time-frame. A student is allowed a maximum time period of four and a half (4.5) years to complete the degree from the date of admission.  The policies below are designed to serve as a guide for students enrolled in the Division of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. It is the responsibility of each student to review and adhere to the policies and procedures pertaining to academic progression, grading, graduation, and clinical participation. 

For the purpose of progression, only graduate level courses are allowed to be taken in the DPT Program. If undergraduate courses are taken while enrolled in the DPT program, they shall be taken only with the permission of the Director. Physical Therapy students must receive a passing grade in every course, including the clinical education courses) to be recommended by the SPC for continued matriculation, promotion (from Year 1 to Year 2, and from Year 2 to Year 3) and graduation.  

The Minimum Grade Requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for satisfactory academic progression

• Only a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is acceptable within the DPT program.

• A course grade of a “D”, “F”, or “U”, is deemed a failing grade.

• Any failed course must be repeated.

• The failed course must carry the same course prefix, number, and description.

• The same course must be repeated in the order that it appears within the curriculum which may delay the graduation of the student.

• Both grades will be used in computing the student’s graduate GPA.

If any student has academic or professional behavior problems, the DPT Student Progress Committee (SPC) will review each situation and make recommendations to the Division Director. The judgment of the SPC on academic or professional behavior issues can lead to Dismissal for students who otherwise meet the criteria for good academic standing. The SPC meets to assess the performance of students, at the end of each semester as needed to include review of any “I”, “D”, “F”, or “U course grades and their impact upon the student’s progress in the program.

 

ACADEMIC PROBATION

The academic requirements for the DPT include the satisfactory completion of the curriculum designated by the faculty. Documentation of the Academic Probation will be placed on the student’s university transcript by the Registrar. It is the responsibility of each student to review and adhere to these policies and procedures.

Students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or better at the end of each semester of enrollment to be considered in good academic standing. If a student’s graduate cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, documentation of the Academic status (Probation) will be imprinted on the student’s university transcript by the Registrar.

The purpose of probation is to: 1) provide the student with clear guidelines of the performance that will be necessary to return to good standing, and 2) explicitly provide notice to the student of “reasonable time” (i.e.one semester) to meet these expectations. Additionally, a student on probation must meet with the SPC which will provide a letter to the Director stating the reasons for the probation and explicitly identifying the steps necessary for the student to return to good standing by the end of the probation period (i.e. one semester). This letter will be reviewed/amended (as appropriate)/endorsed by the Director and sent to the student.

 

REINSTATEMENT

If, after probation, the student satisfactorily meets the requirements of the probation, a written notice of reinstatement in good standing and the specific terms for continued progression as recommended by the SPC, will be provided to the student by the Director.

PERMANENT DISMISSAL

A student will be permanently dismissed from the DPT program without any opportunity for further appeal for retention for any of the following reasons:

a. If the SPC recommends dismissal which is then endorsed by the Division Director;

b. If an appeal is successful and the student does not earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the subsequent semester following probation; or

c. If a student does not earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better the following term after probation; or in any semester after probation;

d. If the student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.0;

e. If the student has a failing grade in two (2) courses, or has failed the same course twice;

f. Breach of professional conduct standards;

g. The student is on probation for unprofessional behavior and fails a clinical experience;

h. Failure to report a criminal incident.

 

A written notice of dismissal will be provided to the student by the Director. The Director will report all student dismissal to the Dean of the SOAHS and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

APPEALING A PROGRAM DISMISSAL

The appeal of dismissal by a student should follow the guidelines outlined by the FAMU School of Graduate Studies and Research. At the point of dismissal, the student may initiate an appeal by submitting an academic grievance appeal to the Director of Student Services who represents the Dean of the SOAHS.

During the appeal process, the student will not be permitted to enroll in graduate courses, unless the student has been admitted into another graduate program or admitted as a non-degree seeking student.

 

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

The physical therapy curriculum at FAMU includes opportunities for “hands-on” experiences as well as classroom instruction. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, students have the opportunity to problem-solve and to apply knowledge and skills under “real world” conditions. Three full-time internships (non-paid) are scheduled throughout the program, totaling over 1200 clock hours. The final semester of the program consists of two eight-week internships.  The internships assignments are within the State of Florida, as well as located throughout the United States. 

Prospective students should realize that, in all probability, they will have to stay at an out-of-town location for a period of time ranging from eight to sixteen-week blocks. Cost of living expenses, housing and travel arrangements as well as all other expenses incurred during clinical internships are the sole responsibility of the student. Expenses (including lodging, utilities, meals, possibly airfare, local transportation/gasoline) will depend on factors such as the geographical location, the length of the affiliation, family support in the area, etc. 

 

FACULTY

Professor: Thomas, Tracy

Associate Professors: Brown-Cross, Dawn; Reaves, Phyllis 

Assistant Professors: Dalal, Rajiv; Reed, Kischa S.; Smothers, Bernard; Randolph, Saungaylia; Gendy, Sherif; Gray, Kurt

Curriculum

The DPT curriculum is a lock- step curriculum that is built upon a broad foundation of liberal arts, social sciences, and basic sciences. Course-work within the professional curriculum challenges students to utilize their undergraduate and pre-requisite course knowledge and experiences to promote deeper understanding of the physical therapy foundational and clinical sciences; critical inquiry; clinical practice, health care delivery, and physical therapy practice. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the combination of didactic and clinical experiences necessary to perform effectively and efficiently as entry-level physical therapists, as well as to successfully prepare for the licensing examination.

 

Fall Semester, Year 1 Courses & Credits		Spring Semester, Year 1   Courses & Credits		Summer Semester, Year 1   Courses & Credits
PHT 5025 Professional Behavior	1	PHT 5156 Exercise Physiology & Lab	3	PHT 5161 Neurology I & Lab	3
PHT 5115 Gross Anatomy & Lab	4	PHT 5166 Neuroscience	3	PHT 5243 Integument w/ Lab	2
PHT 5125 Analysis of Human Motion I & Lab	3	PHT 5178 Analysis of Human Motion II & Lab	3	PHT 5246 Orthopedic I &Lab	3
PHT 5149 Life Span Development	2	PHT 5202 Patient Care Skills & Lab	3	PHT 5380 Cardiopulmonary PT I & Lab	3
PHT 5154 Human Physiology	3	PHT 5306 Pathology & Pharmacology	3	PHT 5932 Clinical Integration I	2
		PHT 5606 Scientific Inquiry I	1
		PHT 6420 Teaching and Learning	1
TOTAL	13		17		12
Fall Semester, Year 2 Courses & Credits		Spring Semester, Year 2   Courses & Credits		Summer Semester, Year 2   Courses & Credits
PHT 5070 Diagnostic Testing/Eval	3	PHT 5805 Clinical Ed I	1	Term A
PHT 6219 Physical Agents & Electrotherapy/Lab	3	PHT 6312 Orthopedic III & Lab	3	PHT 6822 Clinical Education II	4
PHT 6248 Orthopedics II & Lab	3	PHT 6328 Pediatric PT	2	PHT 6823 Clinical Education III	4
PHT 6381 Cardiopulmonary II & Lab	2	PHT 6373 Gerontology	2
PHT 6719 Neurology II & Lab	3	PHT 6618 Scientific Inquiry II	1
PHT 6934 Clinical Integration II	2	PHT 6713 Prosthetics & Orthotics & Lab	2
		PHT 6935 Clinical Integration III	2
TOTAL	16		13		8
Fall Semester, Year 3   Courses & Credits		Spring Semester, Year 3   Courses & Credits
PHT 5024 Health Care Systems & Administration	2	PHT 6960 Professional PT Practice	2
PHT 6151 Health Promotion Wellness	3	PHT 6824 Clinical Education IV	8
PHT 6609 Advanced EBP	2
PHT 6730 Adv. Differential Diagnosis	3
PHT 6733 Special Topics in Physical Therapy	3
TOTAL	13		10
TOTAL Didactic Learning Credits	86	TOTAL Clinical Education Credits	17	TOTAL Credits to Graduate	103