INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY  -  INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
1 University Boulevard   St. Augustine, FL 32086-5783 USA
In U.S. call 1-800-241-1027
(904) 826-0084  Fax: (904) 826-0085
E-mail:admissions@usa.edu

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Program

The Institute of Physical Therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) as a first professional degree to those candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree including the recommended prerequisites. The program is seven semesters. The first six semesters provide the background needed for the general practice of physical therapy while the seventh semester offers courses leading to several specializations. The DPT prepares you to take the national licensure exam necessary to practice Physical Therapy.

Program Director & Faculty

Gary Gorniak, PhD, PT, directs the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Gorniak has been active in physical therapy administration and professional association activities for many years. The faculty is an outstanding and diverse group of educators who maintain a high level of expertise through clinical practice. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Gorniak at ggorniak@usa.edu.

Program Mission

The mission of the University's DPT program is to graduate a competent, versatile, reflective, empathetic, and autonomous practitioner, who through their critical thinking and active learning skills, clinical experience, diagnostic proficiency, ethical and behavioral standards, and commitment to professionalism, will be prepared to assist and direct the patient in achieving optimum function. These pratitioners will contribute to their practice and society through continued professional growth and personal example of a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Program Features

• Small class ratios promoting development of close relationships with both faculty & peers.
• An interdisciplinary educational curriculum where occupational & physical therapy students take classes and work together as commonly practiced in clinical settings.
• Well-educated and experienced faculty who are attuned to student needs.
• Multiple admissions per year -- fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• The community of St. Augustine is ideal for student life.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Recommended prerequisite course work (students who have not completed prerequisites will need to submit with the application, a plan of study indicating that the remaining courses will be completed prior to program enrollment, some substitution will be considered in consultation with the Program Director):

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above is preferred, however, the grade trend of the applicant will be considered.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined minimum score of 1,000 for the verbal and quantitative sections. Applicants may be admitted with lesser scores if sufficient evidence of potential success in the DPT program is provided with the application. Test must have been taken within the last five years. The University's GRE Institutional Code Number is 5325.
• Volunteer or observation experience (volunteer hours, work hours, observation hours, etc.) is advised.

How To Apply:

(All forms and documentation here are in Adobe Acrobat format. Click "Get Acrobat" if you do not have Adobe Acrobat.)

• Submit your application with the nonrefundable $50 processing fee. The application form is available for you to print and mail in. Application due dates:

* After these dates, applications will be processed on a space available basis.

• Submit your application, supporting documentation and references by registered or certified mail. Include any materials that may strengthen your application, explain weaknesses, or address other special considerations.
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities must be submitted directly from the issuing institution.
• The required reference checklists must be submitted in sealed envelopes.
• The applications and supporting credentials are reviewed by the Enrollment Services Office and the Admissions Committee. When this review is complete, selected applicants are invited to interview, generally in St. Augustine.
• Successful applicants will participate in an interview and meet with the Program Director and other faculty to demonstrate an understanding of the profession. A short written essay and other tests may be administered during the visit.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition is $5,334.00 per semester. Once enrolled in the program, each student's tuition will remain the same throughout the seven semesters of their DPT education, regardless of any tuition increase for future students.

Clinical Internship Sites

The University has contracts with over 1,200 sites nationwide that provide clinical internships. The internships are part of the curriculum and may require that a student temporarily relocate. The student is responsible for the cost of travel and other associated expenses.

The University provides a list of local property managers and rental properties upon request. The University does not offer nor have access to dormitories or other forms of housing.

Campus

The University's beautiful twenty-six acre campus, located on the Florida's northeast coast, is on the intracoastal in St. Augustine.

Career Information

Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing professions within the health care field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Physical Therapy in the Employment of wage and salary workers in health services by occupation, 1998 and projected change, 1998-2008.

Accreditation

Physical Therapy Curriculum