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The School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies > Physical Therapy Program > FAQs
FAQs
- What are the minimum requirements that you look for with undergraduate applications to the Pre-Physical Therapy major?
- What are the minimum requirements that you look for with graduate applications to PT?
- Can I transfer into the Physical Therapy Program once I am at Springfield College?
- Can I participate in sports while I am in the Physical Therapy Program at Springfield College?
- Where can I complete my PT clinical education experiences?
- Are there additional costs for the physical therapy clinical education experiences?
- What is the Springfield College pass rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)?
- Why should I consider Springfield College’s PT program?
- What is the current job market in physical therapy?
What are the minimum requirements that you look for with undergraduate applications to the Pre-Physical Therapy major?
We are looking for the following minimum requirements with applications for the Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate major: 4 years of science and 4 years of math, grades of B+ and better, a well rounded individual with school, community, athletic, and work activities, leadership demonstrated through community and school based activities, SAT scores of 550 and better for the math and critical reading sections, and a minimum of 10 hours of observation time in a physical therapy setting.
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What are the minimum requirements that you look for with graduate applications to PT?
Graduate applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree with foundational sciences and the program prerequisites completed prior to entry into the program. These include 8 credits each of biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, and general chemistry; 3-4 credits of exercise physiology, 3 credits each of advanced math and statistics, and 6-9 credits of social sciences or psychology. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required in your major as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA in the math and science requirements. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required with scores of 500 or better for each of the sections. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Lastly, we require documentation of a minimum of 10 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting and this is from a time when you are not the patient.
Space for new graduate applicants is limited and is determined by attrition of students in the Pre-Physical Therapy major. Please note that the next graduate application submissions will begin in fall 2009 for summer 2010 entry into the first year of the DPT curriculum.
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Can I transfer into the Physical Therapy Program once I am at Springfield College?
Transfer options are limited by attrition of currently enrolled students within the Pre-Physical Therapy major and is a highly competitive process. Requirements for a transfer application are a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or better, minimum math and science prerequisites GPA of 3.0 or better, a minimum of 8 credits of completed foundational sciences (biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, and/or exercise physiology), documentation of a minimum of 10 hours for physical therapy observation, and three recommendations. Students must submit a resume and a personal statement to complete the departmental transfer application. Students having completed only one year of college will have their high school record reviewed as well. Contact the Department of Physical Therapy directly for details and the application materials. External applicants for transfer must apply through the Admissions Office using the Springfield College transfer application that is available on-line.
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Can I participate in sports while I am in the Physical Therapy Program at Springfield College?
Yes, and we encourage you to be involved with all co-curriucular activities including sports, student government, and club activities. There is clearly time in your schedule as long as you continue to meet the academic expectations for the major. Being active with co-curricular activities as well as academics is consistent with the Springfield College philosophy of educating the mind, body, and spirit.
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Where can I complete my PT clinical education experiences?
The Physical Therapy Program at Springfield College is associated with over 400 clinical sites located throughout the Northeast and along the Atlantic seaboard including Washington, DC and selected sites established through our alumni network across the US. Students will have exposure to patients who have orthopedic, rehabilitation, and acute care needs with this experience gained in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, home care, and outpatient centers. In addition, students may choose experiences in pediatrics, industrial rehabilitation, sports physical therapy, and aquatics.
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Are there additional costs for the physical therapy clinical education experiences?
Yes, all costs for clinical education are the physical therapy student’s responsibility. This includes transportation, parking, housing, health requirements, specific agency requirements for CORI/SORI (criminal and sexual offender record investigation) checks, and meals.
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What is the Springfield College pass rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)?
Springfield College graduates have scored at or above the national average for the NPTE and our three year pass rate average is 98.73% or 78/79 graduates! Pass rates are available at the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy. Click here to visit the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy website.
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Why should I consider Springfield College’s PT program?
The PT curriculum, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, is designed to provide a broad based professional preparation for physical therapy. We have a dedicated faculty, and offer personal attention in classes with a 12:1 faculty ratio. A thorough, yet flexible combination of theory, application, and clinical education provides students with an excellent foundation of the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field. Our undergraduate to graduate study path allows students to move seamlessly to the DPT program. The emphasis on intertwining education with community service and application is a hallmark of the college and allows our students to develop a meaningful understanding of their field. Springfield College has been listed in the top tier in its category in the U.S. News and World Report on "America’s Best Colleges.”
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What is the current job market in physical therapy?
There is a healthy job market in physical therapy. The US Department of Labor and the Wall Street Journal have listed physical therapy as one of the top desirable fields. With significant job satisfaction, autonomy in practice, and independent decision making, graduates of Springfield College's Physical Therapy Program are able to find jobs within a short time of graduation and licensure.
