Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in AL

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Program Semesters

111

Credit hours

Weeks of part-time clinical experiences

Weeks of Full-time clinical experiences

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at Faulkner University offers more than career preparation and a comprehensive education in the technical aspects of rehabilitative medicine. Students can earn a graduate degree in a supportive, engaging Christian learning environment as they prepare to function as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in service to their patients and communities.

Mission Statement

The mission of Faulkner University’s Department of Physical Therapy is to glorify God by educating the whole person to become independent physical therapy practitioners and leaders who are committed to addressing the changing needs of the individual, the profession, and a global society with compassion, integrity and best evidence in order to optimize health and movement.

DPT Information

Program Info

About the Curriculum

The DPT program at Faulkner University enables graduates to apply for licensure and seek employment as physical therapists. The eight-semester program includes 32 weeks of full-time clinical education, as well as up to six weeks of integrated and community-based experiences. During this time, students will work with dedicated faculty, program peers, and students across therapeutic disciplines, including those enrolled in the Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology and Physician Assistant programs. The DPT curriculum also includes service activities throughout the River Region to support further real-world experience and Faulkner University’s commitment to Christian values.

Why Pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree?

Careers in physical therapy are extremely rewarding. Working in this field allows you to make a difference in the lives of patients, helping them overcome pain, disability, injuries, and more. Because of the high degree of skill and knowledge required to adequately treat patients, physical therapists are required to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited college or university as proof of their capabilities.

In addition to licensure requirements, a few of the reasons our graduate students seek a doctoral degree in physical therapy include:

A passion for service and caring for others
An interest in healthcare
Diverse employment prospects in private practice, hospitals, senior care facilities, professional and collegiate sports organizations, rehabilitation facilities, etc.
Growing demand for qualified physical therapists as the population ages
Flexibility in employment options, from part-time work to independent clinic ownership

Why Choose the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Faulkner University?

There are many Doctor of Physical Therapy programs across the United States, but students choose Faulkner University for its commitment to rigorous learning standards, opportunities for real-world experience, and strong Christian foundation. Every course and clinical experience challenges students to think critically, reflect on the concepts they’re learning, and grow as physical therapy practitioners, lifetime learners, and Christians.

Every member of our faculty is committed to each student’s academic and professional success. What’s more, they serve as caring mentors, guiding students’ growth as individuals, community members, and followers of Christ. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to lead in your field, find career success, and live your values as you navigate an ever-advancing, always-evolving healthcare landscape. To learn more about our Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Montgomery, Alabama, request more information or apply online today.

Admissions

Degree Requirements

Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the DPT program.

Prerequisite Courses

All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better. However, a “B” or better is strongly recommended. Applicants may choose to repeat a course, however, the grades will be averaged and only the first retake will be used.

Course	Lab Requirement	Credit hours
*Human Anatomy/ A & P I with lab	YES	4
*Human Physiology/ A & P II with lab	YES	4
Biology I and II	YES	8
General Chemistry I and II	YES	8
General Physics I and II	YES	8
General Psychology	NO	3
Statistics	NO	3
**Precalculus trigonometry or higher	NO	3
English Composition I and II	NO	6

*Course must be in the department of biology, neuroscience, anatomy, physiology (not kinesiology)

**Precalculus trigonometry will be waived if student can verify through syllabus and course description that content was taught in physics.

All science courses must be taken within 10 years of the admission cycle year. Credit for courses older than 10 years may be made through validation by examination or another appropriate mechanism. All courses must also be from an accredited institution.

GPA requirements

Applicants must have a minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale as well as at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of academic coursework. Overall GPA will also be considered, therefore it is strongly recommended that the overall GPA be at least a 3.0 as well. Graduate work is not used to calculate GPA.

Official Test Scores

While not required, we strongly suggest taking the GRE. Taking the GRE is not punitive. It adds more information to your application and helps us provide necessary resources to our incoming class.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required with the application. One must be from a professor who can speak to your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program. The other must be from a licensed physical therapist who can speak to your professional demeanor, ability to function in a complex environment, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.

Recommendations are not accepted from family, friends, politicians or clergy.

Observation Hours

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation of physical therapy services within the past two years of the admission cycle year. These observation hours must occur in a minimum of 2 different settings. (outpatient, acute care, home health etc. )

Interview

Successful completion of an admission interview is required. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. We will begin reviewing applications in October. Our first round of interviews will take place in November 2024. Our second round of interviews will take place in February of 2025. Submission of all required application material does not guarantee an interview.

Additional Requirements

The holistic evaluation process includes a review of both academic and nonacademic factors. No one factor guarantees admission into the program. These include leadership activities, community service, advanced education, and patient care experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time observing physical therapists in various practice settings in order to gain an understanding of the profession. Both observation hours and employment in a clinical facility will be considered. We suggest coming to Faulkner and meeting with our admissions team and touring the College of Health Sciences. We can help you along the way if you have questions about the application process.

Tuition and Fees

DPT Tuition and Fees (PDF)

***Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faulkner University PT Program Admissions Process is a competitive process; final decisions for admission are based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee

DPT 2023-2024 Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

Academic Calendar

DPT Academic Calendar (PDF)

Application Checklist

In addition to the checklist information, please check the 'Admissions' tab above.

Applying for Fall 2025:

✓ Completed PTCAS application: Faulkner PTCAS Application
✓ PTCAS application fee: Pay online through PTCAS.
✓ Supplemental Application: In addition to the PTCAS application, applicants must complete the SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION and submit a $50 application fee directly to Faulkner.
✓ Official GRE test scores (strongly encouraged): Submit official test scores to PTCAS using GRE Code 2962
✓ Official college transcripts: Submit all official college transcripts to PTCAS.
✓ Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required with the application. (Please see DPT Application checklist listed below)
✓ Verified observation hours

Download the DPT Application Checklist PDF

Questions? Contact Graduate Enrollment

FAQ

What makes Faulkner University’s DPT program unique?

The DPT program at Faulkner University is housed in an 85,000 square foot state of the art facility. The curriculum is based on contemporary practice and educational methods designed to develop high performing leaders in the profession. Faculty are committed to the growth and development of the whole person and their relationship with God, each other, and their community. Early clinical exposure provides real world application of knowledge. An onsite free clinic allows students to leave the classroom and apply what they are learning in the clinical setting. Students will be challenged to think critically, reflect, collaborate, seek knowledge and truth, and live with integrity and compassion. Graduates will leave Faulkner with the ability to make an immediate impact on patients, the community and the profession as well as the skills to adapt to the ever-changing health care environment.

Will I be able to choose where I will go for my full-time clinical experiences?

Yes, students will have the opportunity to choose from local, regional, and national sites for their clinical affiliations. To ensure a best fit and optimal chance for success, students will be required to get approval from the PT faculty and the Director of Clinical Education.

What is the GPA requirement?

Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or greater (4.0 scale) in the following:
• Prerequisite Courses
• Last 60 hrs of undergraduate degree

Overall G.P.A. will also be considered, therefore it is strongly recommended that the overall GPA be at least a 3.0 as well.

I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply but applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to beginning the program. We will accept students with bachelor’s degrees in any field, as long as you meet the prerequisite requirements.

Do I need to finish all of the requirements before I can apply?

Applications will be accepted with prerequisite courses outstanding however, applicants must complete all courses and earn a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Students must not only complete all prerequisite courses prior to matriculation but must maintain a prerequisite and last 60 G.P.A of 3.0 or higher. If students fail to meet the minimum requirement, the offer of admission will be rescinded.

What if I took my courses a long time ago?

All science courses must be taken within 10 years of the admission cycle year. Credit for courses older than 10 years may be made through validation by examination or other appropriate mechanism. All courses must also be from an accredited institution.

I got a “C” in a prerequisite course, should I retake it?

Repeating a course is allowed, however, the grades will be averaged and only the first retake will be used. Additional retakes will not be considered. If you choose to retake a course, it is strongly suggested that you only do so if you feel confident you can improve your grade. Remember that if you are able to earn an A in the course, the A will be averaged with the C. So your grade will be recorded as a B.

What if I did better in an upper level course, can I substitute that grade instead?

In situations where students went above the prerequisite course requirement, the highest grade earned will be utilized to calculate prerequisite GPA. Ex. If an applicant earned a C in general chemistry, but an A in organic chemistry, the A will be used for the chemistry grade.

Do you have a required minimum GRE score?

No, we do not. Since the GRE is a standardized test, it can be a strong predictor of success in passing the licensure exam (NPTE), which is also a standardized test. Therefore, higher GRE scores are considered when we rank applicants and make selections for interviews. If applicants have taken the GRE more than one time, we only consider the highest scores earned.

Do you have a preference for Alabama applicants?

No. We do not have an in-state preference. Because we are a private institution, we do not take applicants’ state of residence into consideration when making acceptance offers.

Do you have a preference for Faulkner University applicants?

Yes. We give preference to Faulkner University applicants, as well as applicants who are Christians. However, we strongly encourage students from all universities and backgrounds to apply.

When is your application deadline?

Class of 2027 Priority Deadline is October 11th, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted until all seats are filled.

How many students are accepted into the DPT program each year?

Our program will accept a maximum of 50 students each year.

What can I do be a more competitive applicant?

We look at a variety of factors in addition to GPA and GRE scores. We are looking for applicants who have demonstrated a strong desire to become a physical therapist, have a record of community service, a strong work ethic, positive interview and letters of recommendation.

DPT Resources

Student Resources:

Download the DPT Student Handbook

Curriculum Outline (PDF)

Course Descriptions (PDF)

DPT Academic Calendar (PDF)

If you want to learn more about the physical therapy profession, education, licensure and more please follow the links below:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx

American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org/

Alabama Physical Therapy Association
https://www.ptalabama.org/

Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
http://pt.alabama.gov/

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
https://www.fsbpt.org/

Graduate Outcomes

Graduation Year	Graduation Rate
2024	91%
2025
2026
National Average	96.8%

Employment rate and NPTE pass rate coming soon

Essential Functions

Each applicant is required to fill the Essential Functions Online Form prior to matriculation to ensure they are familiar with the essential functions of a physical therapist and the process to seek reasonable accommodations.

Any questions regarding the Essential Functions of a Physical Therapist or accommodations should be directed to the Director for the Center of Disability Services.

Essential Functions Online Form

Contact the Center for Disability Services

Nondiscrimination Statement

Nondiscrimination Statement

Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.

Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.

Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ. Faulkner has an Equal Opportunity Plan available upon request in the Office of Human Resources. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.

Comments/Complaints

Complaints Outside of Due Process

Complaints that fall outside of the realm of due process, such as those from clinical education sites, employers of graduates and the public, must be submitted in writing, preferably within 30 days of the incident. The grievance should include the names of those involved, date and location of incident, detailed description of the incident, and any specific concerns about the incident. Faulkner university strictly prohibits retaliation of any kind following a complaint submission.

The Program Director is responsible for handling complaints that fall outside of due process. In the event the Program Director is not available or if it is inappropriate for the Program Director to handle the complaint (e.g., the complaint involves the Program Director), the complaint will be forwarded to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Program Director or his/her designee must respond to the complainant within 3 weeks of receiving the complaint. When appropriate, the Program Director or his/her designee may consult with other University offices and personnel in addressing the complaint. This may include the Vice President Of Academic Affairs and/or Program Director meeting individually or jointly with all parties involved to seek resolution. The individual will be notified in writing of the decision, including potentially developing a written corrective action plan. The written grievance and any corrective action(s) will be kept on file by the Program Director in a locked cabinet in the Program’s office for a period of 5 years, after which they will be purged while maintaining confidentiality.

Students are expected to provide members of the public with the complaint process if requested to do so, and Clinical Faculty are made aware of the policy and process through the DPT Student Handbook.

Any individual or organization that is dissatisfied with his/her experience or encounter with any student, faculty, or staff member associated with the Department of Physical Therapy may file a complaint against the offending party with the Department of Physical Therapy Chair/ Program Director. Complaints should be addressed as follows:

Dr. Heather E. Mount
Department of Physical Therapy
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, Al 36109
Email: hmount@faulkner.edu
Phone: (334) 386- 7379

Complaints about the Department of Physical Therapy or the Program Director may be submitted directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and/or Vice President of Academic Affairs at the following address:

Dr. Dave Rampersad
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, Al 36109
Email drampersad@faulkner.edu
Phone: (334) 386-7102

Complaints about the DPT program or University related to compliance with accreditation standards must be submitted in writing to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These complaints should be addressed as follows:

Dr. Mary Romanello, Director
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Email: maryromanello@apta.org
Phone: (703) 706-3240

Feedback About the Program

Patients, family members, or the public often want to offer positive feedback about student performance or the program. Those persons should be directed to Dr. Mount or Rampersad at the contacts listed above.

Accreditation Statement

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Faulkner University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/ institution directly, please call (334)386-7378 or email hmount@faulkner.edu.