Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physical Therapy (PHTH) is a health care profession devoted to optimum health and function. Physical therapy improves and maintains an individual's ability to move and assists in the prevention of movement disorders.
Physical therapists work directly with patients and clients of all ages. They conduct
evaluations to identify and then resolve problems and potential problems. Typical
problems addressed by physical therapists include impaired movement, pain, and compromised
ability to carry out daily activities. Physical therapists may choose to work in a
variety of settings including private practice, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals,
nursing homes, industry, private home therapy, school systems, and athletic programs.
About the Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is located in the School of Health Sciences and the Office of Graduate Studies at 老司机福利社. The Program values excellence in teaching, continuous learning, adapting to change, scholarship, and service.
Vision
The Physical Therapy Program at 老司机福利社 will be recognized regionally and nationally for outstanding education and community engagement that results in optimized health of our region.
Mission
The Physical Therapy Program prepares students for contemporary physical therapy practice to function effectively for the patient/client, community, and profession. We embrace the mission of the School of Health Sciences and 老司机福利社 by creating an environment of excellence in teaching, life-long learning, scholarship, community engagement, and service.
We have a responsibility to multiple stakeholders in our region including students, the University, the profession and the public. We meet our responsibility by being a focal point for the professional community through academic and continuing education, professional and community activities, and scholarship.
Values
Members of society have the right to quality health care. Health care professionals have an obligation to deliver their services to communities and society. In all realms of practice, physical therapists are obligated to conduct themselves in an ethical manner. We provide a holistic approach to health care by optimizing function of the movement system to facilitate meaningful participation in life roles. We prioritize patient centered care that includes collaboration with family and other health care professionals.
We support our mission and guide our practices and behavioral expectations through an emphasis on:
- excellence in teaching
- serving as resources, role models, mentors, and advisors to students and colleagues
- interprofessional collaboration
We embrace a responsibility to:
- embody ideals of evidence based practice to our students.
- contribute to the development of new ideas, both within and across disciplines.
- create and preserve an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination, and to take actions that affirm our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The DPT Program is a focal point for the professional community. The faculty are committed to increasing the foundation of knowledge of the profession through direct patient care, professional and community activities, continuing education, and research. Specifically, the faculty are committed to increasing the foundation of knowledge of the profession through research and scholarship by discovery, creation, dissemination, integration, and application of knowledge. The faculty are professional and personal role models for peers and students.
The Physical Therapy faculty are an impressive group devoted to our students and the profession of Physical Therapy. Collectively, we are a professionally and personally diverse group who are well renowned at a national, state, and local level. We have vast clinical expertise in all major areas of practice. Faculty conducts research on an ongoing basis and routinely present and publish work in collaboration with our students. The faculty are dedicated educators and highly accessible. In addition to our full-time physical therapy faculty members, many other professionals contribute to the program, including physicians, basic scientists, and other health care professionals.
The curriculum is contemporary and innovative. Students learn in small class sizes in well-equipped classroom facilities. They have ongoing patient contact in the program such as patients visiting the classroom and regular trips to local clinics including two (2) on-campus hospitals. Additionally, there are three (3) full-time clinical experiences. For optimal learning, the full-time clinical experiences are scheduled at key times throughout the curriculum. Clinical experiences are concentrated in the mid-Atlantic region with additional sites outside the area. Preclinical courses include experiences in the classroom, School of Health Sciences Simulation Suite, at AtlantiCare Medical Center, and part time integrated clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings. Most clinical experiences require a student to obtain additional clearance, such as satisfactory criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug testing, and select immunizations.
As a school within the New Jersey system of Higher Education, every effort is made to maintain the affordability of the program. Many students are awarded 老司机福利社 Graduate Assistantships that permit exciting learning experiences such as working in clinics and conducting research. Students can also apply for internal and external scholarships.
Students who graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) are qualified to take the National Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (NPTE). Each state's licensure board may have additional requirements to take the NPTE, such as satisfactory criminal background checks. Upon passing the NPTE and receiving a state physical therapy license, you may then practice physical therapy in the states you are licensed.
Program Outcome
National Physical Therapy License Exam
As reported by the , 老司机福利社 graduates have 100% pass rate from 2015-2020. The first time pass rate for 2022 was 80.7% with an overall pass rate of 100%.The first time pass rate for 2023 was 86.2% with an overall pass rate of 100%.The two year average for first time pass rate was 83%. The two-year average overall pass rate was 100%.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate (as defined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) for 老司机福利社鈥檚 Physical Therapy Program:
| 2023 | 94% |
| 2024 | 97% |
|
2-year average |
95% |
Employment Rate
With a 100% employment rate among graduates, 老司机福利社 physical therapists are sought after for residency programs and clinical practice in every setting.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at 老司机福利社 is accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
E-mail: accreditation@apta.org | Website:
The program has been continuously accredited since its inception. Questions regarding the physical therapy program鈥檚 accreditation should be directed either to CAPTE or to the Program Chair, Dr. Patricia McGinnis, at (609) 652-4704 or E-mail: Patricia.McGinnis@stockton.edu.
Complaint Process
While the Program seeks to offer due process in all situations, complaints not addressed through the university鈥檚 established due process procedures should be addressed via the following procedures:
- Inform the Program Chair of the nature of the complaint to seek resolution, or to seek direction to appropriate university department.
- Contact the Dean of the SHS if the grievance has not been resolved through the previous steps.
- Contact the Provost for matters related to academic affairs if the grievance has not been resolved through the previous steps.
The faculty affirm the right of all individuals to address grievances without fear of reprisal or retaliation following submission of grievances.
Curriculum
DPT Curriculum Worksheet
Effective Academic Year 2020-2021
Credits for Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree: Undergraduate 9; Doctoral 102 (Total of 111 credits)
| Year 1-Fall Semester | Year 1- Spring Semester |
|
BIOL 4230 Neuroscience (4) BIOL 4231 Neuroscience Lab (1) BIOL 4150 Advanced Human Physiology (4) PHTH 5010 Human Gross Anatomy (4) Additional undergraduate courses toward a baccalaureate degree if needed Total Semester Credits: 13
|
PHTH 5001 Kinesiology/Basic PT Evaluation (7) PHTH 5020 Pathology (4) PHTH 5112 Community Wellness (2) Additional undergraduate courses toward a baccalaureate degree if needed All students must hold a baccalaureate degree by the end of this semester Total Semester Credits: 13
|
| Summer Session- 6 weeks- (May and June): | |
| PHTH 5500 Musculoskeletal PT I (7 credits) | |
| Year 2- Fall Semester |
Year 2- Spring Semester |
|
PHTH 5510 Musculoskeletal PT II (7) PHTH 5600 Evidence Based Practice I (3) PHTH 5615 Community Wellness Practicum I (1) PHTH 5520 Musculoskeletal PT III (7) PHTH 5805 Pre-clinical Experience I (1) Total Semester Credits: 19 |
PHTH 5530 Musculoskeletal PT IV (7) PHTH 6520 Cardiopulmonary PT (7) PHTH 5610 Evidence Base Practice II (2) PHTH 6805 Pre-Clinical Experience II (1) PHTH 6610 Physical Therapy Management (2) Total Semester Credits: 19 |
| Summer Session- 10 weeks- full-time off-campus | |
| PHTH 5810 Clinical Experience I (5) | |
| Year 3- Fall Semester | Year 3- Spring Semester |
|
PHTH 6500 Neuromuscular PT I- 13 weeks (7) PHTH 6510 Neuromuscular PT II- 13 weeks (7) PHTH 6815 Pre-Clinical Experience III- 13 weeks (1) PHTH 6615 Community Wellness Practicum II-full semester (1) Total Semester Credits: 16 |
PHTH 6810 Clinical Experience II- 10-11 weeks full-time off campus begins December of previous semester (5) 6 weeks on campus after completion of PHTH 6810 PHTH 6530 Other Systems (7) PHTH 6650 Issues in Health Care (2)
|
| Summer Session- 10-12 weeks- full-time off-campus | |
| PHTH 6820 Clinical Experience III (5) | |
Note: Courses do not always follow university-wide calendar.
For course descriptions, please visit The University's
Admissions Criteria
Application Deadline
Fall 2025: Verified by October 1, 2024
(UPDATE as of 9/30/2024: Fall 2025 Verified deadline is November 1, 2024)
Prerequisite Requirements
- Cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better.
The application process for 老司机福利社's DPT program is through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS) prior to October 3rd (the PTCAS application must be verified by that deadline). Program specific admissions
information including prerequisite course requirements can be reviewed on the .
Your application to PTCAS must include:
- Official Transcripts from all schools attended (including 老司机福利社 transcripts) sent to PTCAS. Do not send your transcripts to 老司机福利社.
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores from ETS must be sent directly to PTCAS using code 0313. Self reported scores will not be accepted.
- Three letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor is required and one from a licensed physical therapist is recommended
- Essays, documentation of experience in physical therapy practice settings (recommended), and any other additional information
- After your PTCAS application is verified, you will have access to a 老司机福利社 application portal where you will pay the 老司机福利社 $50 application fee (be sure to always check your email for latest information and status changes)
- For important dates, fees and other details about this process, visit the PTCAS 老司机福利社 Program Profile
FAQ鈥檚 Related to 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 Admission Cycles related to COVID-19
(April 20, 2020, updated May 20, 2020, September 24, 2020, and February 2021)
- Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses: The pass/no credit option will not be accepted for 老司机福利社 DPT prerequisites courses. In the instance that an applicant was not offered the choice of receiving a letter grade at their institution, proof of these grading policies will be required from the applicant.
- Online and/or distance learning courses: 老司机福利社 will accept science prerequisite lab courses that are completed either in-person, online or within a hybrid format during the following semesters affected by COVID-19: Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021. As in all previous cycles, students may have up to 2 outstanding prerequisites courses remaining at the time of application.
- PT shadowing/observation hours: Although not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants shadow a licensed physical therapist prior to application in order to gain an understanding the profession. In light of COVID-19鈥檚 influence on healthcare environment, there is no specific requirement for the number of hours completed.
- PT Letter of Recommendation. Three letters of recommendation are required for application. One letter of recommendation from a licensed physical therapist is strongly recommended.
- GRE Testing: 老司机福利社 will accept the GRE General Test and the new GRE General Test at-home offered by ETS. More information on GRE testing is available on the .
Frequently Asked Questions
I. 老司机福利社 (SU) students have the benefit of two routes to admission into the program.
- "3 + 3" Alternative Format Program- Student is highly encouraged to consult with preceptor.
- Students must have earned a minimum of 64 credits at the time of application.
- Must have 96 undergraduate credits by the end of the spring semester in the academic year which the student applies.
- Must complete a baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester of the first year of the DPT program.
- May have a maximum of 2 prerequisite courses outstanding as of the spring semester in the academic year the applicant applies. These courses must be completed by the end of that spring semester. Offers of admission are contingent upon evidence of successful completion of all pre-requisite courses.
- Traditional Format Program
- 老司机福利社 students may apply if they complete their SU baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester in which the applicant applies.
II. Non-老司机福利社 students may apply if they complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by the end of the spring semester in which the applicant applies.
The DPT Program is 3 years of full-time study.
No, students can choose any major and can complete a baccalaureate degree in any discipline. However, all DPT Program prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester in the academic year in which the student applies. Biology and Health Sciences are common undergraduate majors for 老司机福利社 students who plan to apply for admission to the DPT Program.
The application process for 老司机福利社's DPT program is through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS) prior to October 3rd (the PTCAS application must be verified by that deadline). Program specific admissions information including prerequisite course requirements can be reviewed on the .
老司机福利社's DPT Program is highly selective regarding its admissions process. Here are some statistics and recommendations:
- Currently the DPT Program admits a cohort of 34 students who begin the Program each Fall semester. The number of applications received by the Program varies from year to year. Typically, the Program receives more than 300 applications for every cohort.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher to apply. The average cumulative GPA and the average prerequisite science GPA of applicants who are admitted are typically higher than the minimum GPA requirement.
- The DPT Admissions Committee will use the average grade for calculating GPA for course that are taken more than once. For example, if a student earns a C in Physics I, and repeats the course and earns an A, the grade will be averaged to a B for calculation of GPA.
- All application requirements are taken into consideration for admission including: the cumulative GPA of all college or University coursework; the grades received in prerequisite courses (the prerequisite science GPA); the quality of the essays; letters of recommendation; extracurricular activities; and volunteer or paid physical therapy experience.
*Because 老司机福利社 is a public institution in the State of New Jersey higher education
system, preference is given to residents of the State of New Jersey. Preference is
also given to students who have received or will receive their undergraduate degree
from 老司机福利社. However, non-老司机福利社 students are routinely accepted.
Please visit the 老司机福利社 PTCAS Directory page, .
老司机福利社 is no longer accepting EAS/direct entry high school students.
PTCAS has processed your complete application, and it is fully available to your designated programs, including GPAs. You are responsible for monitoring the status of your application and the timely receipt of your documents, and for contacting PTCAS promptly with any questions or concerns you have regarding your application status. To view definitions of statuses, please click .
Click to access the Financial Fact Sheet.
ALL transcripts are sent to PTCAS, not 老司机福利社.
Apply today. If you have further questions you can or call the Office of Graduate Admissions at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.
Patricia McGinnis, PT, M.S., Ph.D., FNAP
Chair, DPT Program
Professor of Physical Therapy
