Physical Therapy, Doctor of
Saint Louis University's program in physical therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree.
There are three paths of entry into the SLU program.
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Early-assurance, freshman-entry: The early-assurance pathway is a six-year curriculum, including two summers. Students admitted receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (B.S.E.S.-P.T.) concentration after successfully completing the first four years of coursework, and the D.P.T. degree after completing the additional two post-baccalaureate years.Ìý
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Early-assurance, undergraduate transfer: The undergraduate transfer pathway allows students to transfer into the program as an undergraduate student from within or outside of Saint Louis University.Ìý
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Post-baccalaureate: The post-baccalaureate pathway allows students who have already earned an undergraduate bachelor's degree to enter as a professional-phase student for three years of graduate coursework, including two summers.
Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for examining and evaluating patients/clients, the development and implementation of intervention programs, patient education and supervising other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as administrators, teachers, researchers and consultants.
Program Highlights
Advantages of 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
- Physical therapy pro bono clinic providing integrated curricular and volunteer opportunities for students while serving people from the local community
- Clinical education placements across diverse settings and geographic locations
- Highly qualified and accessible faculty
- State-of-the-art laboratories and clinical equipment
Curriculum Overview
SLU's PT early-assurance curriculum is divided into pre-professional and professional phases. 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 progresses through the entire program without needing to reapply or take 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 year four with ¶Ù±Ê°ÕÌý5290 Skills Practicum (0-1 cr).
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, undergraduate students are required to complete a minor of their choosing and a concentration in Interprofessional Education (IPE).
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 pro bono clinics, Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Clinic at Student Health, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, consultative services for senior Jesuits and the SLUCare Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic.
Careers
Graduates from SLU's PT program enjoy employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient 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 2022 median annual wage of physical therapists was $97,720 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.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Requirements
Freshman Applicants
Every application to the program in Physical Therapy for admission is reviewed on an individual basis.ÌýÌý
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:
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One year of biology and one year of chemistry
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College prep courses equivalent to algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and/or trigonometry.
Strong applicants will have:
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Four years of math, including a course equivalent to pre-calculus
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Four years of science, including physics and anatomy/physiology
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Activities demonstrating leadership and community service
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An interest in the profession of physical therapy as demonstrated through observation, school activities, or personal experience
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
The deadline for completed physical therapy applications and financial aid consideration for all freshmen applicants is Dec. 1.
Ìý
Transfer Applicants
General Information
As space allows, students may enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as internal change major (enrolled in another program at SLU) or external (enrolled at another college or university) transfer students.
Students must apply by October 1 to be considered for spring admission or March 1 for fall admission.Ìý
91ÖÆƬ³§ Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in required science coursework
- Completion of a minimum of 1 required science course/sequence as listed below:
- BIOLÌý1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution (3 cr) and BIOLÌý1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1 cr)
- BIOLÌý1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter (3 cr) and BIOLÌý1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1 cr)
- CHEMÌý1080 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEMÌý1085 Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab (1 cr)
- CHEMÌý1480 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture (3 cr) and CHEMÌý1485 Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab (1 cr)
- PHYSÌý1220 General Physics I (3 cr)Ìýand PHYSÌý1235 General Physics I Lab (1 cr)
- PHYSÌý1240 General Physics II (3 cr)Ìýand PHYSÌý1255 General Physics II Lab (1 cr)
- ANATÌý1000 Basic Human Anatomy (3 cr)
- PPYÌý2540 Human Physiology (4 cr)
- EXSCÌý3230 Exercise Physiology (3 cr)
- In addition to the application, applicants must submit a personal statement describing interest in physical therapy as a profession. Internal transfer students will submit the personal statement to the academic advisor for Physical Therapy. External transfer applicants will submit the personal statement to transfer@slu.edu.
- Internal transfer students who are academically eligible meet with the physical therapy academic advisor to review applicant qualifications and the application process. Qualified applicants who submit paperwork to change their major prior to the deadline will be reviewed by the program in Physical Therapy admissions committee.
- External transfer students can review course equivalency information here.Ìý
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Post-Baccalaureate Applicants
General Information
As space allows, students may enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as a post-baccalaureate student.
Students must apply by November 1 to be considered for summer admission. Classes start mid-May.
Application Requirements
- Official transcript(s)
- Personal statement describing interest in physical therapy as a profession
- Service and leadership experiences
- Recommendation letter
91ÖÆƬ³§ Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 2.7 GPA in required science coursework
- All previous coursework must have been completed within the last 10 years
- D or F grades for prerequisites are not accepted
- At the time of application, no more than 2 prerequisite courses may be outstanding. The full list of prerequisites (and credits) are below:
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General Biology with a lab or Animal Biology with a lab (4)*
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Second Biology with a lab (4)* Not Botany
- Chemistry I with lab (4)*
- Chemistry II with lab (4)*
- Physics I with lab (4)*
- Physics II with lab (4)*
- Human Anatomy (3)*
- Human Physiology (4)*
- Exercise Physiology (3)*
- General Psychology (3)
- Second Psychology (3)
- Statistics (3)
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NOTE: Anatomy and Physiology I* & II* can be taken in place of Human Physiology and Basic Human Anatomy.
Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. *Included in science GPA calculation.Ìý
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:
- You must demonstrate English Language proficiency.
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at Saint Louis University.
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
TuitionÌý
Tuition/Fee | Per Semester | Per Credit |
---|---|---|
Doctor of Physical Therapy (12 or more credits) | $23,610 | |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (less than 12 credits) | $1,650 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
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 scholarships 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, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
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
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)
- Graduates will be able to serve others by advocating for the health of society.
- Graduates will be able to communicate in a way that optimizes patient-centered care.
- Graduates will be able to apply principles of evidence-based practice in patient care.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate typical versus atypical physical movement.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Requirements
Physical Therapy RequirementsÌý(for students admitted as freshman or admitted as transfer undergraduate studentsÌýafter completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, physical therapy concentration requirements)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
DPTÌý5123 | Clinical Gait | 2 |
DPTÌý5134 | Multi System Management | 3 |
DPTÌý5135 | Cardiopulmonary Conditions | 3 |
DPTÌý5137 | Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
DPTÌý5142 | Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
DPTÌý5149 | Applied Neuroscience | 2 |
DPTÌý5162 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 4 |
DPTÌý5215 | Professional Development I | 2 |
DPTÌý5218 | Effective Communication and Teaching | 3 |
DPTÌý5251 | Neurological Conditions I | 4 |
DPTÌý5263 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 4 |
DPTÌý5271 | Patient Management I | 3 |
DPTÌý5291 | Clinical Experience IA | 2 |
DPTÌý6072 | Patient Management II | 1 |
DPTÌý6077 | Department Administration | 2 |
DPTÌý6091 | Clinical Experience IB | 2 |
DPTÌý6092 | Clinical Experience IIA | 2 |
DPTÌý6116 | Professional Development II | 2 |
DPTÌý6124 | Biomechanical Interventions | 3 |
DPTÌý6138 | Concepts of Wellness | 1 |
DPTÌý6152 | Neurological Conditions II | 2 |
DPTÌý6164 | Musculoskeletal Conditions IV | 3 |
DPTÌý6173 | Patient Management III | 2 |
DPTÌý6178 | Applied Administration and Management | 2 |
DPTÌý6192 | Clinical Experience IIB | 2 |
DPTÌý6293 | Clinical Experience III | 3 |
DPTÌý6294 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
Total Credits | 66 |
Physical Therapy Requirements (for students admitted with a bachelors degree)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ANATÌý4000 | Human Gross Anatomy | 5 |
ANATÌý4300 | AHP Neurosciences | 4 |
EXSCÌý5121 | Clinical Biomechanics | 3 |
DPTÌý5123 | Clinical Gait | 2 |
DPTÌý5125 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
DPTÌý5127 | Basic Examination | 3 |
DPTÌý5130 | System-Based Pathology | 4 |
DPTÌý5134 | Multi System Management | 3 |
DPTÌý5135 | Cardiopulmonary Conditions | 3 |
DPTÌý5137 | Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
DPTÌý5142 | Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
DPTÌý5147 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
DPTÌý5149 | Applied Neuroscience | 2 |
DPTÌý5162 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 4 |
DPTÌý5215 | Professional Development I | 2 |
DPTÌý5218 | Effective Communication and Teaching | 3 |
DPTÌý5222 | Kinesiology | 3 |
DPTÌý5226 | Therapeutic Exercise | 2 |
EXSCÌý5241 | Clinical Research and Design | 2 |
DPTÌý5228 | Basic Procedures | 2 |
DPTÌý5240 | Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions | 4 |
¶Ù±Ê°ÕÌý5290 | Skills Practicum | 1 |
DPTÌý5251 | Neurological Conditions I | 4 |
DPTÌý5263 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 4 |
DPTÌý5271 | Patient Management I | 3 |
DPTÌý5291 | Clinical Experience IA | 2 |
DPTÌý6072 | Patient Management II | 1 |
DPTÌý6077 | Department Administration | 2 |
DPTÌý6091 | Clinical Experience IB | 2 |
DPTÌý6092 | Clinical Experience IIA | 2 |
DPTÌý6192 | Clinical Experience IIB | 2 |
DPTÌý6116 | Professional Development II | 2 |
DPTÌý6124 | Biomechanical Interventions | 3 |
DPTÌý6138 | Concepts of Wellness | 1 |
DPTÌý6152 | Neurological Conditions II | 2 |
DPTÌý6164 | Musculoskeletal Conditions IV | 3 |
DPTÌý6173 | Patient Management III | 2 |
DPTÌý6178 | Applied Administration and Management | 2 |
DPTÌý6293 | Clinical Experience III | 3 |
DPTÌý6294 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
Total Credits | 105 |
Continuation Standards
For a complete list of GPA and professional behaviorÌýcontinuation standards, see the Program in Physical Therapy Student HandbookÌýon the program's web page. Students must earn a C or better in all required coursesÌýwith a DPT, EXSC, and IPE prefix. Students must earn aÌýC or better in all required ANAT courses at the 4000 level and above. For clinical education courses in the professional phase, an S (satisfactory) grade is required.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý
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.
Year One | ||
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Fall | Credits | |
Pre-Professional Phase | Ìý | |
BIOLÌý1240 &ÌýBIOLÌý1245 |
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
CHEMÌý1080 &ÌýCHEMÌý1085 |
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab |
4 |
COREÌý1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy (satisfies COREÌý1700) | 3 |
DPTÌý1111 | Self and Community in PT (satisfies COREÌý1500) | 1 |
ENGLÌý1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies COREÌý1900) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
BIOLÌý1260 &ÌýBIOLÌý1265 |
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
CHEMÌý1480 &ÌýCHEMÌý1485 |
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab |
4 |
DPTÌý1212 | Fueling the Fire, Discovering Your Passion (satisfies COREÌý1000) | 2 |
MATHÌý1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
COREÌý1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (satisfies COREÌý1200) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 16 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
IPEÌý2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
PHYSÌý1220 &ÌýPHYSÌý1235 |
General Physics I and General Physics I Lab |
4 |
PPYÌý2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
PSYÌý1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 17 |
Spring | ||
ANATÌý1000 | Basic Human Anatomy | 3 |
DPTÌý2213 | Professionalism and Physical Therapy Thought (satisfies COREÌý2500) | 1 |
IPEÌý4200 | Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
PHYSÌý1240 &ÌýPHYSÌý1255 |
General Physics II and General Physics II Lab |
4 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 17 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
Participation in Study Abroad Optional | Ìý | |
COREÌý1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
COREÌý2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
COREÌý3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
PHILÌý2050 or HCEÌý2010 |
Ethics or Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics |
3 |
PSYÌý3460 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 17-18 |
Spring | ||
EXSCÌý3230 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
IPEÌý4900 | Interprofessional Community Practicum (satisfies COREÌý4000) | 3 |
STATÌý1100 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
DPTÌý3214 | Reflections on the Core and the Future | 1 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
XXXX | Elective (for minor) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 16 |
Year Four | ||
Summer | ||
Professional Phase | Ìý | |
ANATÌý4000 | Human Gross Anatomy | 5 |
Ìý | Credits | 5 |
Fall | ||
EXSCÌý5121 | Clinical Biomechanics | 3 |
DPTÌý5125 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3 |
DPTÌý5127 | Basic Examination | 3 |
DPTÌý5130 | System-Based Pathology | 4 |
DPTÌý5147 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 16 |
Spring | ||
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - PT awarded upon completion of Semester Eight | Ìý | |
ANATÌý4300 | AHP Neurosciences | 4 |
DPTÌý5222 | Kinesiology | 3 |
DPTÌý5226 | Therapeutic Exercise | 2 |
DPTÌý5228 | Basic Procedures | 2 |
EXSCÌý5241 | Clinical Research and Design | 2 |
DPTÌý5240 | Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions | 4 |
¶Ù±Ê°ÕÌý5290 | Skills Practicum | 1 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Year Five | ||
Fall | ||
DPTÌý5123 | Clinical Gait | 2 |
DPTÌý5134 | Multi System Management | 3 |
DPTÌý5135 | Cardiopulmonary Conditions | 3 |
DPTÌý5137 | Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
DPTÌý5142 | Evidence Based Practice | 2 |
DPTÌý5149 | Applied Neuroscience | 2 |
DPTÌý5162 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 4 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Spring | ||
DPTÌý5215 | Professional Development I | 2 |
DPTÌý5218 | Effective Communication and Teaching | 3 |
DPTÌý5251 | Neurological Conditions I | 4 |
DPTÌý5263 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 4 |
DPTÌý5271 | Patient Management I | 3 |
DPTÌý5291 | Clinical Experience IA | 2 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Year Six | ||
Summer | ||
DPTÌý6072 | Patient Management II | 1 |
DPTÌý6077 | Department Administration | 2 |
DPTÌý6091 | Clinical Experience IB | 2 |
DPTÌý6092 | Clinical Experience IIA | 2 |
Ìý | Credits | 7 |
Fall | ||
DPTÌý6116 | Professional Development II | 2 |
DPTÌý6124 | Biomechanical Interventions | 3 |
DPTÌý6138 | Concepts of Wellness | 1 |
DPTÌý6152 | Neurological Conditions II | 2 |
DPTÌý6164 | Musculoskeletal Conditions IV | 3 |
DPTÌý6173 | Patient Management III | 2 |
DPTÌý6178 | Applied Administration and Management | 2 |
DPT 618X | Physical Therapy Elective (optional) | 0-1 |
DPTÌý6192 | Clinical Experience IIB | 2 |
Ìý | Credits | 17-18 |
Spring | ||
Doctor of Physical Therapy awarded upon completion of Semester 12 | Ìý | |
DPTÌý6293 | Clinical Experience III | 3 |
DPTÌý6294 | Clinical Experience IV | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 6 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 203-205 |
Program Notes
The six-year curriculum is divided into the pre-professional (years one through three) and the professional phase (years four through six). Year four represents the final year of the baccalaureate degree for freshman-entry or pre-professional-phase transfer students and first year of the professional phase for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Progression to the professional phase of the program provides a seamless entry from foundational coursework to practical labs and clinical experiences. The post-baccalaureate curriculum is the coursework outlined in years four through six.Ìý
Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu