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Welcome to the Physical Therapy Program Webpage at Duquesne University for students seeking graduate admission.
The information you need can be found on this page. The links above will introduce you to the pathways for admission, our curricula, and frequently asked questions. The highlights of the physical therapy program at Duquesne University appear below. We hope you enjoy the website. If you would like additional information, feel free to contact us directly at 412.396.5541 or ptdept@duq.edu
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates from 2006 through 2016 the demand for physical therapist will increase by 27%. The Program in Physical Therapy in the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences prepares graduates at the doctoral level for this expanding job market. Doctor's of Physical Therapy (DPT) are the practitioners of choice for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating functional limitations and disabilities related to illness or injury.
The Rangos School, with more than 800 students and 60 full-time faculty members, is one of the largest health sciences schools in the country with a national reputation for excellence in clinical instruction, research, and advocacy. Our physical therapy program is distinguished by the following characteristics:
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Freshmen admission to a 6 year combined program of undergraduate and professional coursework resulting in Bachelor's of Science degrees in Biology and Health Sciences and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
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Freshmen admission to a 7 year combined program of coursework in athletic training and professional coursework in physical therapy resulting in Bachelor's of Science degree in Athletic Training and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
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Graduate Admission of post-baccalaureate students into the professional curriculum resulting in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
For all students admitted as freshmen, guaranteed admission into the professional curriculum without subsequent application. Maintenance of academic standards is required.
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Students admitted as freshmen receive an undergraduate education in the Spiritan tradition of Duquesne University. A well-rounded liberal arts education is coupled to a strong moral foundation and exceptional preparation for the physical therapy professional curriculum. Our three year DPT curriculum continues this tradition at the professional level for students who matriculate from Duquesne's undergraduate program or for graduate students from other institutions. The professional curriculum is intricately designed to produce excellent, physical therapists. Specific clinical content areas include:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Cardio Pulmonary
- Differential diagnosis
- Pharmacology
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- Radiology/imaging
- Health Care Management
- Prevention/wellness/health promotion
- Interpersonal skills and patient interaction
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These clinical content areas are built upon a foundation of broad basic sciences. There is a full year of cadaver dissection Anatomy. We believe that to understand the anatomical underpinnings of clinical practice, you must be able to see, feel and manipulate the tendons and muscles you will one day treat. Physiology, Medical Science, Kinesiology and Neuroscience are also part of the basic science curriculum.
Our faculty members are clinicians and basic scientists uniquely prepared for their role in the curriculum. Basic science courses are taught by clinicians who possess doctoral degrees in the scientific disciplines they teach. Clinical courses are taught by expert clinicians who possess doctoral degrees and continue to practice with patients. Courses focused on patient interaction and education, administration, the psychosocial aspects of practice and differential diagnosis are all taught by physical therapists that have doctoral degrees and/or rich past experience relevant to the topics they teach. Clinical experiences are arranged by two seasoned academic coordinators of clinical education with strong ties and deep knowledge of the clinical community. At Duquesne, we do not send our faculty into the laboratory and relegate teaching to graduate students.
Duquesne's DPT program requires five clinical education experiences for a total of 40 weeks, in a variety of settings:
- Acute care*
- Outpatient physical therapy*
- Pediatrics
- Cardio pulmonary
- Home health care
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- Rehabilitation*
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
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*required
One of these rotations will be outside of the Pittsburgh area to provide a more diverse learning experience. These extensive “hands-on” experiences prepare you to deliver physical therapy services across the scope of practice as well as connect you to potential employers.
Duquesne DPT graduates are in demand and are hired by hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and public schools. Many Duquesne University alumni have started their own private practices.
Starting salaries for physical therapists can vary considerably based on location, type of facility, experience level, and degree. A recent salary survey by APTA reported a median income of $56,000 for physical therapists with 0-3 years experience and median salary of $75,000 for experienced physical therapists.
Students must graduate from an accredited physical therapy program to sit for state licensing examinations. Duquesne University has an ultimate pass rate of 100% over the past five years with a 99% first-time pass rate for the state licensing examinations.
Students who wish to apply for graduate admission should complete the Centralized Application Form (http://www.ptcas.org/ ) from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.
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