Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Admission to College of Saint Mary (CSM) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a competitive process. Admission occurs once per year. A maximum of 60 students are enrolled in each cohort.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

   1. Official transcripts are required from all institutions attended. Transcripts are to be submitted to CSM.

   2. Posting of the baccalaureate degree must appear on the final undergraduate transcript before the start of classes.

2. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

3. Successful completion (C or better) of the following prerequisite courses are required:

   1. 8 semester hours of Biological Science courses for science majors with corresponding labs,

   2. General Chemistry I & II with corresponding lab (8 semester hours),

   3. General Physics I & II with corresponding lab (8 semester hours),

   4. Human Anatomy with lab (human gross anatomy recommended; course must be at least 200 level) (4 semester hours),

   5. Physiology with lab (4 semester hours),
      
      **A combined two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with lab (8 semester hours) will satisfy both (d) and (e) above.

   6. Psychology (general psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, psychology of disability, etc.) (3 semester hours),

   7. English Composition or Writing (3 semester hours),

   8. Statistics or Research Design (3 semester hours), 
      
      * Graduate course equivalency will be evaluated on an individual basis.
      
      **Prerequisites must be completed within five years preceding entrance to the graduate program.

4. Completed application and fee on PTCAS.

5. Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae with the application.

6. Two letters of references from the following: At least one from a licensed physical therapist and one from a person of the applicant’s choice

7. Submit documentation of a minimum of 50 hours of community involvement (volunteering) post high school.

8. Submit documentation of a minimum of 50 observation hours in a physical therapy setting prior to application submission.

9. Applicants for whom English is not their first language, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through the completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
   Paper-based TOEFL exam, minimum score of 600
   Internet-based TOEFL exam, minimum score 100, minimum of 20 in each sub test

10. Successful completion of an admission interview. Applicants are selected for an interview based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting documents. The admissions interview will include an oral interview and written essay questions.

11. Ability to fulfill the essential functions of a physical therapist. Standards will be outlined on the CSM DPT website.

Once a student is admitted to the DPT Program, she or he must complete the following requirements designated by the program prior to matriculation:

1. Comprehensive Criminal Background Check through a CSM-provided company

   1. A misdemeanor or felony conviction may:

      1. Affect a student’s ability to complete clinical experiences at clinical sites based on their requirements.

      2. Affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination or attain state licensure.

2. Child Abuse Clearance

3. American Heart Association CPR Certification (including Adult, Child, Infant and AED training)

4. Proof of current health insurance

5. 2-step TB Test

6. Annual Physical Examination (completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant)

7. Immunization Record for

   1. Measles, Mumps, & Rubella

   2. Varicella

   3. Hepatitis B

   4. Tetanus-Diphtheria