Physical Therapy, Doctor of

Saint Louis University's program in physical therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. For the early-assurance (freshman-entry), it is a six-year curriculum, including two summers. Students admitted as freshman receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (B.S.E.S.-P.T.) concentration after successful completion of the first four years, and the D.P.T. degree after successful completion of the additional two post-baccalaureate years. 

Also, students may enter the D.P.T. program as an undergraduate transfer student or as a post-baccalaureate student. 

Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for the examination and evaluation of patients/clients, the development and implementation of intervention programs, patient education and the supervision of other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as administrators, teachers, researchers and consultants.

Program Highlights

Advantages to earning a D.P.T. at SLU include:

• Direct admission to the program as a freshman
  • Undergraduate transfer and post-baccalaureate transfer are both possible
• Opportunities to pursue additional curricular goals such as minors, including interprofessional education, certificates and study abroad programs
• Student-run pro bono clinics
• Diversity of clinical education sites
• Highly qualified and accessible faculty
• State-of-the-art laboratories and clinical equipment

Curriculum Overview

SLU's PT curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (freshman–junior years) and the professional phase (senior year–second post-baccalaureate year). Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences.

Once accepted into the program, a student will progress through the entire program without the need for reapplying or taking a graduate entrance exam provided the student meets the program's academic and professional behavior standards.

During the professional phase, students enroll in coursework specific to the physical therapy profession and complete 38 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. Students begin their clinical experiences in the spring of the senior year.

Elective courses in the physical therapy curriculum and clinical exposure help students gain advanced knowledge and skills in specialty areas. In addition to the PT curriculum, students are required to complete a minor.

Upon graduation, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain a license to practice physical therapy.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

SLU's program in physical therapy is affiliated with more than 250 clinical sites locally, nationally and internationally.

The faculty and clinical staff provide clinical services at a variety of locations including the Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Clinic at Student Health, the Physical Therapy Clinic at the Health Resource Clinic, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, consultative services to Fusz Pavilion for Senior Jesuits at Jesuit Hall and the SLUCare Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic.

Careers

Graduates from SLU's PT program enjoy employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, out-patient clinics, long-term rehabilitation facilities, collegiate and professional sports, schools, patient homes and fitness centers.

Physical therapists typically work in full-time positions and receive benefits. The 2020 median annual wage of physical therapists was $91,010 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specific salary depends on location and experience level.

Graduates of our Doctor of Physical Therapy program report a 100% employment rate within the profession within one year of graduation.

Admission Requirements

Every application to the Program in Physical Therapy for admission is reviewed on an individual basis.  (Please note the * below for post baccalaureate admissions.)

For the freshman-entry admission, the best qualified high school seniors are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school gpa of 3.2 on a 4.00 scale, with an emphasis on math and science. 

The following high school courses are required for admission:

• One year of biology and one year of chemistry

• College prep courses equivalent to algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and/or trigonometry

Strong applicants will have:

• Four years of math, including a course equivalent to pre-calculus

• Four years of science, including physics and anatomy/physiology

• Activities demonstrating leadership and community service

• An interest in the profession of physical therapy as demonstrated through observation, school activities, or personal experience

The deadline for completed physical therapy applications and financial aid consideration for all freshmen is Dec. 1.
*The application deadline varies for transfer and post-baccalaureate applicants.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, see the Doisy College Scholarship page.

Accreditation

The Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE).

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org
http://www.capteonline.org
If you need to contact SLU's program directly, please call 314-977-8505 or email sluptat@health.slu.edu. 

For more information about the SLU physical therapy program's outcomes, matriculation rate, graduate rate, employment rate, NPTE pass rates and technical standards, please see the additional accreditation information (PDF).

View Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)

Technical Standards (PDF)

Complaint Policy and Instructions (PDF)

1. Graduates will be able to serve others by advocating for the health of society.
2. Graduates will be able to communicate in a way that optimizes patient-centered care.
3. Graduates will be able to apply principles of evidence-based practice in patient care.
4. Graduates will be able to evaluate typical versus atypical physical movement.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Requirements

Physical Therapy Requirements (for students admitted as freshman or admitted as transfer undergraduate students after completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, physical therapy concentration requirements

Physical Therapy Requirements (for students admitted with a bachelors degree)

Continuation Standards

For a complete list of continuation standards, see the Program in Physical Therapy Student Handbook located on the program web page.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

The curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (freshman – junior years; semesters 1-6) and the professional phase (senior year – second post-baccalaureate year; summer semesters 1 and 2; semesters 7-12). Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences.

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu