Frequently Asked Questions
The Profession
Physical Therapy at Saint Francis University
Graduate Admission
THE PROFESSION:
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession concerned with the prevention of disability and the restoration of function following disease or injury. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients reach their maximum functional performance potentials while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Physical therapy involves examination, evaluation, treatment interventions, instruction, consultative services, and supervision of support personnel. The therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, massage, and other rehabilitative procedures are used during treatment. Areas of board certified specialization within physical therapy include cardiopulmonary, electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and sports physical therapy.
Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are professionals, practicing in concert with members of related health professions. Three terms define the practice of physical therapy: 1) health promotion, 2) prevention, and 3) rehabilitation. Physical therapists examine and treat patients using a variety of physical therapeutic measures (such as thermal agents and exercise) and education versus medicine or surgery. Patient treatment is goal-oriented, focused on enhancing awareness of good health habits and a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle, preventing physical disabilities, and rehabilitating persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury. Physical therapists are recognized as specialists in movement dysfunction.
What career opportunities are there in physical therapy?
Graduates of the Saint Francis University physical therapy program are prepared for entry-level professional positions nationwide. The profession offers physical therapists diverse career opportunities in a wide variety of practice settings. Although a large number of physical therapists work in hospitals, now more than 70 percent can be found in private physical therapy offices, rehabilitation centers, community health centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities, research institutions, schools, pediatric centers, and colleges and universities. Some physical therapists work as employees in these settings, while others are self-employed as owners or partners in private practices. Indeed, settings, employment arrangements, career responsibilities, and career opportunities depend on the interests and skills of each practitioner.
The median salary for a physical therapist is $52,000 depending on position, degree of education, years of experience, geographic location and practice setting.
What is CAPTE?
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is recognized as the accrediting agency for education programs in physical therapy by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The 26-member Commission, comprised of physical therapy educators and practitioners, administrators from institutions of higher education, public representatives, and a physician, evaluate physical therapy education programs to determine if they meet the standards and criteria for approval. Accreditation recognizes professional educational programs for a level of performance, integrity, and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public they serve. (www.apta.org)
Is there a ranking of physical therapist programs?
CAPTE does not rank institutions or acknowledge any classifications of programs by rank.
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PHYSICAL THERAPY AT SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY:
Does Saint Francis have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program?
Yes we do. The Master of Physical Therapy degree is no longer offered at SFU.
Is the program accredited?
Yes. The Saint Francis University physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Where is the campus located? Where is Loretto?
Saint Francis University is situated on 600 acres in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. The campus is located in the borough of Loretto, which has a population of approximately 1,400. The campus is six miles from the county seat of Ebensburg, which has a population of 4,000. The cities of Johnstown and Altoona are within 25 miles of Loretto and have populations of 35,000 and 55,000 respectively. The University is a 90-minutes drive east of Pittsburgh. Information on visiting.
What degrees will I get?
Upon completion of the fourth or senior year, students will receive a bachelor of science (BS) degree in health science. A doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree will be awarded after completion of the sixth year. Upon satisfactory completion of the DPT program, graduates are eligible to sit for the physical therapy licensing examination in all fifty states.
For further information on the DPT degree, review these APTA's pages.
http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Professional_PT&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=22285
http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Professional_PT&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=16984
What is the best way to prepare while in high school?
Freshman applicants should have strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Clinical volunteer or paid employment experience, while not required for application, is recommended to provide students with exposure to physical therapy practice.
Is there a minimum required SAT score?
Because of the competitive applicant pool, each application is considered on an individual basis. The admission's committee will consider a number of items on the application such as the SAT score, high school QPA, class rank and letters of recommendation. A minimum SAT score of 1100 is recommended.
What is the length of the program?
Physical therapy students are prepared for entry-level physical therapy practice. Students enroll as freshmen in this six-year entry-level Doctor of Physical (DPT) degree program. Three years of pre-professional coursework are followed by a three-year professional curriculum. All students in the pre-professional curriculum who meet the progression standards will be guaranteed admission to the professional curriculum.
The three-year pre-professional curriculum is based on a liberal arts foundation and combines the University’s general education core curriculum with additional collateral courses. The three-year professional curriculum is specific to the study of physical therapy. The six-year curriculum consists of 92 credits of required general education core and collateral major requirements and 117 credits of physical therapy courses. While the academic six-year curriculum is taught on campus, selected educational experiences may occasionally require short distance travel to local health care facilities.
Where would I do my clinical experiences?
Clinical sites will be available locally, regionally and nationally. All clinical education coursework is full time and requires travel to clinical sites for practical experience under the supervision of a physical therapist. The clinical education program is managed by the academic coordinator of clinical education (ACCE). The ACCE has final authority regarding recruitment, retention, and assignment of clinical placements.
What is the faculty to student ratio?
There are 10 students to 1 faculty member.
What is the average class size?
The average class size in the professional curriculum is 33.
Do students use a cadaver lab in anatomy?
Yes. The cadaver lab is approximately 1100 square feet. While many PT programs have gone to electronic means of learning anatomy, Saint Francis has a much more hands-on approach with actual human cadaver dissection by students working in teams of four-to-five individuals. In addition to dissection in anatomy, students have the opportunity for advanced dissection of musculoskeletal and neuroanatomy in elective courses during the professional curriculum.
Can I transfer into the PT program?
Yes. Undergraduate students from other institutions and Saint Francis University non-physical therapy majors may apply for admission into the pre-professional physical therapy program. Contact the Department of Physical Therapy for details regarding the transfer application process.
Where can I find financial aid?
The Office of Financial Aid at Saint Francis University offers a comprehensive program of merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, part-time employment and federal/state financial assistance. As a private institution, Saint Francis offers a reasonable tuition while providing excellent facilities, a highly qualified faculty and a personalized education. Over 90% of all full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
You may find APTA’s Resource Guide on Financial Assistance helpful in your search for aid. This guide is available through APTA’s Service Center (800/999-2782, ext. 3395), or from their on-line catalog at www.apta.org.
Other contact information:
Saint Francis University Office of Financial Aid
1-800-DIAL-SFU
Federal Student Aid
1-800-4FEDAID
www.fafsa.ed.gov
Medical College Access Program
MedCAP®
1-800-658-3567
www.wellsfargo.com
Scholarship Searches
www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.com
www.collegeboard.com
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Is financial aid available for the entire 6-year program?
Financial aid is individualized at Saint Francis University. Most awards and grants are made available the first four years. Financial aid for graduate school is made available through subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans as well as Graduate Assistantships. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information at 814/472-3010.
What are the requirements to stay in the program?
During the pre-professional program, students must achieve a minimum 2.75 QPA and a minimum math/science QPA of 3.0 by the end of the junior year. Students in the professional program must have a minimum 3.0 QPA at the end of each semester. Please consult with the department regarding the Department of Physical Therapy Progression Standards.
What are the advantages of a direct-entry program?
Students have a guaranteed slot in the professional program upon acceptance as a freshman physical therapy major provided they maintain the Progression Standards of the program.
How does the University help students find a job?
The University's Office of Career Services is actively involved with our students. They offer many services such as on- and off-campus job fairs, resume referrals to employers, monthly job vacancy listings, videotaped practice interviews, and workshops on resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies.
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What percentage of your graduates pass the boards on the first time?
Data recently released in a three-year report by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy reflects that Saint Francis University graduates have excelled on the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE). We are pleased to report that the 2006 first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapist Examination for Saint Francis University is 100%. We have a three-year average (2004-2006) first-time pass rate of 96.08%. This quality indicator places our program in the top tier of all accredited programs in the country! By comparison the three-year average first-time pass rate is 82.98% for all Pennsylvania schools of physical therapy and 81.29% for candidates from all U.S. institutions taking the exam for the first time.
Will I have to take classes in the summer?
Yes. Students complete 6 credits during June/July of the fourth year, the first clinical affiliation during May/June of the fifth year, and 11 credits during May-July of the sixth year. All other coursework is completed during the fall and spring semesters.
What is the difference between bachelor's, MPT, and DPT degrees?
Please see the information provided by APTA at http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Professional_PT&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=22285
What is the cost of tuition?
(2008-2009 rates)
Undergraduate: Flat tuition rate (12-18 credits): $11,895
Room per semester: $2,116 (double occupancy)
$2,381 (Christian Hall, double occupancy)
Board per semester: $2,095 (19 meal plan + $100 bonus money)
$2,039 (14 meal plan + $125 bonus money)
$1,957 (10 meal plan + $150 bonus money)
$1,626 (5 meal plan + $520 bonus money...juniors & seniors only)
Graduate: Tuition per credit: $743
For additional business office information please click here
Individuals should consult the Office of Financial Aid regarding eligibility for grants, scholarships, etc.
How many hours of volunteer experience are required?
The department requires eighty (80) hours of documented volunteer experience or paid employment in two different physical therapy practice settings (i.e., nursing home, hospital, rehab, etc.) These hours must be completed prior to the fall semester of the junior year.
How many clinicals are required and what is the length of each?
Five clinical education practicals are included in the professional curriculum. PHTH 520, Clinical Education 1, (7 weeks) is during the summer prior to the fifth year. PHTH 521, Clinical Education 2, (8 weeks) is during the spring semester of the fifth year. PHTH 522 and 523, Clinical Education 3 and 4, (8 weeks each) are during the fall semester of the sixth year. PHTH 524, Clinical Education 5, (7 weeks) is during the spring semester of the sixth year.
How do I get further information on the physical therapy profession or the physical therapy program at Saint Francis?
Contact our office at 814/472-3123, or email us.
Visit the Department of Physical Therapy Web page.
Talk to our physical therapy faculty.
Check out Your Career in Physical Therapy on the American Physical Therapy Association’s Web site at www.apta.org. Select Education Programs, then Student Resources.
Contact our Office of Admissions (toll free) for a catalog and application packet at 1-866-DIAL-SFU.
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GRADUATE ADMISSIONS:
How do I apply to the graduate program?
You may print an application from our web site, or request one be sent to you. Individuals holding an earned baccalaureate degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework are eligible for graduate admission to the first year of the professional curriculum based on space availability.
Is there a deadline for application?
Prospective graduate students should make application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program by January 15 for the following summer semester. Applicants may expect a response from the Graduate Admissions Committee within one month. Students who are accepted into the program begin their study in the summer following their acceptance.
What are the program admission requirements?
See Graduate Admissions, then select Program Admission Requirements.
Are GRE scores required?
We do not require completion of the GRE.
What is the length of the program?
Physical therapy students are prepared for entry-level physical therapy practice. The three-year professional curriculum, specific to the study of physical therapy, consists of 115 credits. While the curriculum is taught on campus, selected educational experiences may occasionally require short distance travel to local health care facilities.
What is the cost? Is there financial aid?
See Graduate Admissions, then select Program Costs.
Who can I contact if I have questions regarding graduate admissions?
Lisa Buck, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
Phone: (814) 472-2764
Where do I send my application?
Graduate admission applications should be directed to:
Saint Francis University
Department of Physical Therapy
Graduate Admissions Committee
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
U.S.A.
Phone: 814-472-2764
Fax: 814-472-3140
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