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)

(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 [850-599-8169412-7866] or email [tracy.thomasdawn.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 National Pphysical  Ttherapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensedsing 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 320 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:  https://graduateschool.famu.edu/index.php

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. https://www.famu.edu/students/student-resources/health-and-wellbeing/health-services/immunizations.phpfamu.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 AdmissionAdmissions Committee. 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 1011L General Biology II Lab (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 SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION

Students in the program mustshould takecomplete the curriculum at the time and in the sequence that the courses in the sequence they 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. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a measure of whether a student is progressing adequately toward completion of a course of study.  It is determined in terms of GPA and course completions.

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 promotion in the FAMU DPT Program of ³3.0 cumulative GPA must be maintained regardless of course/credit hour load.  A student is allowed up to 3 credit hours of “C” grade.  After 3 credit hours of “C” grades, the student will be dismissed, with the right to appeal.

A student receiving a course grade in a didactic course of a “D” or “F” is deemed a failing grade and the student will be dismissed from the program.

A student receiving a “U” grade in a clinical course will be referred to the Student Progression Committee. the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for satisfactory academic progression

If a student successfully appeals a program dismissal, upon returning to repeat the failed course, the student is required to earn a “B” or higher.

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 dDismissal for students who otherwise meet the criteria for good academic standing.

 

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 ³3.00 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 aAcademic 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 Program 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 Program Director and sent to the student for signature.

 

DISMISSAL

A student will be dismissed from the FAMU DPT program with the opportunity to appeal if:

a. If the Student Progress Committee (SPC) recommends dismissal which is then endorsed by the Division Program Director;

b. If a student does not maintain a cumulative GPA of ³3.0.earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better the following term after probation; or in any semester after probation;

c. If the student has a failing grad of “D” or “F” in any course. an appeal is successful and the student does not earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in any subsequent semester following probation;

d. If the student earns more than three credits of “C” grades.’s cumulative GPA is ≤ 2.0;

e. If the student breaches professional conduct standards.has a failing grade a “D”, “F”, or “U”;

f. If the student earns more than six credits of “C” grades;fails to report a felony criminal incident involving the student.

g. If a student earns a “C” grade twice in any course;

h. Breach of professional conduct standards;

i. The student fails a clinical experience;

j. Failure to report a criminal incident.

 

A written notice of dismissal will be provided to the student by the Program Director. The Program Director will report all student dismissals 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: Gendy, Sherif; Gray, Kurt; Randolph, Saungaylia Brown-Cross, Dawn; Reaves, Phyllis; Dalal, Rajiv; Randolph, Saungaylia

Assistant Professors: Russell, Deidra; Gendy, Sherif;

Visiting Faculty: Mills Anderson, Allison

Adjunct Faculty and Laboratory Assistants: Brown, Haley; Gaines, Kyle; Dalal, Rajiv; Moltimore, Nicole; Smothers, BernardGray, 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 5156C Exercise Physiology & Lab	3	PHT 5161C Neurological PT I & Lab	3
PHT 5115C Gross Anatomy & Lab	4	PHT 5166 Neuroscience	3	PHT 5243C Integument PT & Lab	2
PHT 5125C Analysis of Human Motion I & Lab	3	PHT 5178C Analysis of Human Motion II & Lab	3	PHT 5246C Orthopedic PT I & Lab	3
PHT 5149 Life Span Development	2	PHT 5202C Patient Care Skills & Lab	3	PHT 5380C Cardiopulmonary PT I & Lab	3
PHT 5154 Human Physiology	3	PHT 5306 Pathology	2	PHT 5932 Patient Client Management I	2
PHT 5352 Pharmacology in Physical Therapy Practice	2	PHT 6420 Teaching and Learning	1	PHT 5805 Introduction to Clinical Education I	1
				PHT 5606 Scientific Inquiry	1
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS	15		15		15
Fall Semester, Year 2 Courses & Credits		Spring Semester, Year 2 Courses & Credits		Summer Semester, Year 2 Courses & Credits
PHT 6219C Physical Agents & Electrotherapy& Lab	3	PHT 6312C Orthopedic  PT III & Lab	3	PHT 5024 Health Care Systems & Administration	2
PHT 6248C Orthopedics II & Lab	3	PHT 6328 Pediatric PT	2	PHT 6822 Clinical Education II ( 8 weeks)	4
PHT 6381C Cardiopulmonary II & Lab	2	PHT 6373 Gerontology	2
PHT 6618 Scientific Inquiry II	1	PHT 6606 Adv. Evidence-Based Practice	3
PHT 6719C Neurological Physical Therapy II & Lab	3	PHT 6713C Prosthetics & Orthotics	2
PHT 6934 Patient/Client Management II	2	PHT 6733 Special Topics in PT I	2
		PHT 6935 Patient/Client Management III	2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS	14		16		6
Fall Semester, Year 3 Courses & Credits		Spring Semester, Year 3 Courses & Credits
PHT 5070 Diagnostic Testing Evaluation	3	PHT 6824 Clinical Education IV	8
PHT 6151 Health Promotion and Wellness	2	PHT 6960 Professional PT Practice I	2
PHT 6730 Adv. Differential Diagnosis	3
PHT 6823 Clinical Education III (8 weeks)	4
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS	12		10
TOTAL Didactic Learning Credits	87	TOTAL Clinical Education Credits	16	TOTAL Credits to Graduate	103