Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Graduate Program

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Carroll University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Department at Carroll University is to educate students to become licensed physical therapists who are prepared to provide compassionate, respectful care in a dynamic health care environment and contribute to the profession and community. Education is grounded in evidence-based practice that includes consideration of diverse patient/client values, relevant research, and clinical experiential reasoning.

Graduates of the entry-level Physical Therapy program are reflective, adaptable, accountable and competent to render independent judgments within a framework of collaborative health care practice. Graduates are prepared to practice in a caring, compassionate manner with moral sensitivity, social responsibility and awareness of individual differences. Pre-professional education is grounded in the liberal arts and the natural, behavioral, and social and health sciences. Professional preparation is in the basic sciences, behavioral sciences, applied sciences, health sciences and the science of physical therapy. Graduates are prepared to examine, evaluate, diagnose, make prognoses and provide interventions designed to rehabilitate patients/clients to optimal levels of function, prevent the onset of symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders or injuries. Understanding professional practice, patient/client management and practice management expectations allow graduates to impact health care delivery systems in their communities. Graduates have a life-long commitment to self-directed learning and critical inquiry, recognizing that completion of their professional education is the first phase on a continuum of phases to mastery and competency in physical therapy.

Graduates contribute to the profession and society by seeking and disseminating knowledge gained and providing pro bono services.

The program mission is reflected in its curricular philosophy. The curriculum is developed around four tracks, incorporating both traditional and problem-based learning concepts. Each track is composed of courses that find their foundations in the same basic or professional science. The professional track presents material in a manner that develops content from general to applied concepts in professional practice, patient/client management, practice management, clinical decision making and evidenced based practice. The neurological, musculoskeletal and general medicine tracks present basic science, applied science in the absence of pathology, and applied science in the presence of pathology within the context of patient care. Across and within the four tracks are common themes that include ethical inquiry and practice, continuous integration of theory and practice across the curriculum, self-management of the learning process by students, and self-reinforcement whereby students learn because they value their growing competence. The curriculum includes both didactic and practical experiences. There is collaborative teaching within and across tracks and courses with planned redundancy of subject matter. Constant reinforcement of content with clinical experiences occurs through observations of, and exposure to, patients in academic courses, exposure to clients in the program’s Teaching Laboratory Practice, and integrated clinical education.

To meet the program’s mission, a variety of individuals including, but not limited to, academic and clinical physical therapists; other professionals; basic, behavioral and social scientists; patients and care givers; and the community are involved in the program. These individuals facilitate learning and share their content expertise in their area of specialization. The academic, community and professional collaborations allow the program to link education to the reality of practice, anticipate future developments and keep a global perspective.

Curriculum

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three year, eight semesters program. It is divided into DPT Year I, DPT Year II, and III.

During DPT Year I, course work in physical therapy begins at the 400 level. The 400-level courses present the basic, behavioral, professional and applied science foundations for the 500-and 600-level courses in DPT Year II. For students that enter the program with direct admission status Bachelor’s degrees are awarded to those individuals satisfying all relevant Carroll undergraduate requirements at the conclusion of the senior year/DPT Year I.

At the conclusion of DPT Year I, students move into the graduate phase of the program, DPT Year II, where 500-level (summer, fall and spring terms of year five) and 600- level (summer, fall and spring terms of year six) courses in physical therapy are offered. Knowledge gained in each course is integrated throughout subsequent courses. Physical Therapy Program graduates participate in the University’s Commencement ceremony in May.

Admission

ENTRY-LEVEL DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM ADMISSION

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program admits qualified students regardless of race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability that does not interfere with the performance of professional physical therapy practice as provided by law. Students can enter the physical therapy program in one of three ways:

1. Direct Admission - Carroll students with direct admission status matriculate directly from high school into the pre-professional phase of the program. The pre-professional phase includes the Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years at Carroll University. If a student with direct admission status meets all standards after his or her junior year at the University, he or she transitions into the professional phase of the DPT Program. This option allows students to earn an undergraduate bachelor’s degree as well as the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in a six-year time frame.
2. Non-Direct Admission - Carroll students not selected for direct admission will follow the non-direct admission process. Examples include high school students not selected for direct admission, undergraduate transfer students, Carroll alumni, and direct admission students who did not meet progression standards and apply outside of their 3+3 cohort. Applicants who complete 60 or more undergraduate degree credits and will earn a bachelor’s degree from Carroll receive a calculated preference in consideration for the professional phase of the program. Non-direct admission students may apply to the professional phase of the DPT program as early as their junior year at Carroll.
3. Non-traditional Admission - An individual who received their bachelor’s degree outside of Carroll University may apply for admission to the professional phase of the DPT program. Non-traditional applicants are reviewed in a competitive pool consisting of non-traditional and non-direct admission applicants. Non-traditional applicants are required to apply to the DPT program via the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Please reference www.ptcas.org for more information.

Applications and credentials for admission to the physical therapy program must be submitted for processing to the Carroll University Office of Admission by direct and non-direct admission applicants only. Non-traditional applicants must submit admission material to PTCAS directly. As decisions are made on applications, applicants are notified through the Office of Admission. Applicants must be eligible to return in good standing (be free of academic or disciplinary probation) to all institutions previously attended.

All applicants must comply and meet the following requirements for admission into the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, which include:

1. Evidence a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent institution will be awarded prior to the start of the professional phase for all non-traditional applicants and by the completion of the senior year for all direct and non-direct admission applicants.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
3. Pre-professional course work GPA of a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) with minimum course grades of “C” or better and course work completion within the last seven years. A maximum of one course within the pre-professional course work may be repeated (see prerequisite section).
4. Successful completion of all prerequisite course work prior to beginning the professional phase of the program (see prerequisite section). Direct admission applicants are required to complete all prerequisite, major, and general education coursework by the end of spring semester junior year. Direct and non-direct admit applicants may complete CCS400 GPC in Year I of the professional phase.
5. Current CPR and First Aid certification. CPR certification must be either American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. First Aid certification must be through an organization recognized as a valid issuer of certification such as the American Red Cross. If accepted to the Physical Therapy Program, copies of First Aid/CPR certification are due by August 1st prior to the start of DPT Year I of the graduate program and certifications must be valid for at least one year at the time of entry into DPT Year I.
6. Safety and Technical Standards.
7. Physical Therapy professional phase students are required to have completed a health screening, updated immunizations and tuberculosis screening according to current Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for health professionals, criminal background investigation and drug screening as required by internship placement sites. Exceptions to the immunization requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis where, for example, a student has an allergy to a vaccine or one of its components. If an exception to the immunization requirements is approved, the University cannot guarantee that its affiliated hospitals and clinics will allow the student to participate in patient care, which is a fundamental requirement of the clinical education component of the Program.
8. Submission of required application materials prior to the applicant’s designated deadline date.

Direct Admission and Non-Direct Admission (Current Carroll students and alumni only) selection decisions will be based on the submission and evaluation of:

1. Graduate Studies On-line Application for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Professional Phase.
2. Supplemental Application Admission Materials, which include:
   • Clinical Experience Documentation Form(s):Participation in a minimum of three clinical observation experiences from three different types of physical therapy practice settings which include inpatient acute care, inpatient rehab/sub-acute rehab facility, nursing home facility/extended care, outpatient free-standing PT or hospital clinic, school/pre-school, industrial/occupational health, or home health. Clinical Experience Documentation Form(s) must be submitted to the program. A minimum of 15 hours in two different practice settings for a total minimum of 45 hours is required.
   • Three Letters of Reference - Forms: One from a physical therapist, one from a university professor, and one from a non-family member that attests to the student’s character. (If you waive your right of access, letters must be submitted with a signature across the seal in individual envelopes).
   • Essay Form - must be typed.
   • Employment, Service, and Academic Honor(s) Form: Participation and documentation of university or community service activities is required.
   • Health Science Statement(s) Form.
   • Safety and Technical Standards Form.
   • Course Work in Progress Form.
   • Application for Graduation Form: Only current Carroll students must submit an application for graduation to the Registrar Office prior to the application deadline to show evidence of earning a bachelor’s degree by the end of senior year.
   • Official GRE scores: Carroll’s School Code is 1101 and Department Code is 0619 - exam date must be within the last 5 year
   • Official transcript(s): Submission of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. (Carroll applicants do not need to submit transcripts.
   • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
   • Pre-Professional GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) - reference the prerequisite section for details

Non-Traditional Admission selection decisions will be based on the evaluation of the minimum following criteria:

1. PTCAS application. Please reference PTCAS for specific details at www.ptcas.org.
2. Submission of Supplemental Application Fee of $50. Payment may be made online by clicking HERE (please include your PTCAS ID number).
3. Submission of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions directly to PTCAS.
4. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE’s must be sent directly to PTCAS. Carroll’s PTCAS GRE code is 8829.
5. Observation Hours - Participation in a minimum of three clinical observation experiences from three different types of physical therapy practice settings is required. Settings include inpatient acute care, inpatient rehab facility, outpatient orthopedic, outpatient neurological, skilled nursing facility, pediatric/school setting, home health, industrial/work rehab. Observation must be under licensed physical therapists. A minimum of 15 hours in each setting for a total minimum of 45 hours is required. Please reference PTCAS for documentation requirements.
6. Three Letters of Reference - LOR’s must be submitted to PTCAS. Please reference PTCAS for documentation requirements.
   • One letter from a licensed physical therapist
   • One letter from a university/college professor
   • One letter from a personal contact (non-familial) that may attest to the student’s character
7. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
8. Pre-Professional GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) - reference the prerequisite section for details.

Required Prerequisites:

Successful completion of the following prerequisite course work and confirmation of successful completion of all prerequisites in progress at the time of application is required prior to the start of the professional phase of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Because of the rapid evolution of the basic sciences and the rigor of the program, it is required that applicants complete the pre-professional course work within seven years from the time of application to the professional phase of the program with minimum course grades of “C” or better. A maximum of one course within the pre-professional course work may be repeated. Pre-professional course work is identified with an asterisk below.

Applicants to the Carroll University Physical Therapy Program may not use advanced placement credit, test credit, or online course completion for the biology, chemistry and physics pre-professional prerequisite course work. In addition, the biology, chemistry and physics pre-professional prerequisite course work must be completed as a one-year sequence. For example, anatomy and physiology I with lab and anatomy and physiology II with lab is a full sequence and is equivalent to Carroll’s ANP130 & ANP140. Please see below for the specific courses that are required under each discipline.

Prerequisite Course Work Includes:

1. *BIOLOGY - 4 semesters, which include:
   • 2 semesters of general biology I and II with labs OR 2 semesters of anatomy & physiology I and II with labs (Equivalent to Carroll’s: BIO 120 & BIO125 or ANP 130 & ANP 140)
   • 2 semesters of advanced anatomy and advanced physiology with labs (Equivalent to Carroll’s: ANP 402 and ANP 403). Please note: Nontraditional or non-direct admit applicants who are accepted to the DPT Program and have not previously completed these courses, then ANP 402 and ANP 403 must be successfully completed at Carroll the summer prior to Phase I of the graduate program)
2. *CHEMISTRY (Inorganic) - 2 semesters, which include:
   • 2 semesters of general chemistry I and II with labs OR 2 semesters of college chemistry I and II with labs (Equivalent to Carroll’s: CHE 101 & CHE 102 or CHE 109 & CHE 110)
3. *PHYSICS - 2 semesters, which include:
   • 2 semesters of general physics I and II with labs (Equivalent to Carroll’s: PHY 101 & PHY 102 or PHY 203 & PHY 204)
4. *PSYCHOLOGY - Up to 2 semesters, which include:
   • Introductory psychology or higher, with at least one course completed at a 200 level or higher (Equivalent to Carroll’s: PSY 101 and above)
5. MATH - 1 semester, which includes:
   • 1 semester statistics (Equivalent to Carroll’s: CMP112 and CMP114; may be 1 course such as CMP112; MAT112 or PSY205)
6. HUMANITIES - 3 semesters: For example, English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Women’s Studies, Fine Arts, Languages (for Carroll students the Pioneer Core general education courses satisfy this requirement)
7. SOCIAL SCIENCES - 3 semesters: For example, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Politics, Cultural Geography, Economics, Communications (for Carroll students the Pioneer Core general education courses satisfy this requirement)
8. ENGLISH - 1 semester (Either English Composition or English Literature). ENG170 satisfies this requirement for Carroll students.

*Indicates course work included in pre-professional GPA calculation. Minimum of a 3.0 pre-professional GPA is required with letter grades of “C” or better. A maximum of one course within the pre-professional course work may be repeated.

Carroll University course numbers are provided for reference and course descriptions are provided in the University undergraduate online catalog.

Admission and progression standards are subject to change based on regulatory, licensing and /or certification needs. Carroll University does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran’s status or national origin in its educational programs or activities, including employment and admissions.

Technical Standards for Carroll University Physical Therapy Students

In preparation for professional roles physical therapy students are expected to demonstrate the ability to meet the demands encountered in a physical therapy career. Certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe and effective care. An applicant to the DPT Program must meet and maintain the following technical standards for progression throughout the program. Students unable to meet these technical standards will not be able to complete the program. Students shall notify the program in a timely manner of any change in their ability to meet technical standards.

The technical standards include but are not limited to the following:

General Ability

The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing and smell so that data received by the senses is integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The student is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration and movement in order to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations.

Observational Ability

The student must have the ability to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of clinical/laboratory activities and patient care experiences. The student must be able to document these observations accurately.

Communication Ability

The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to obtain information and explain that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, hear, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, family members and other members of the health care team. The student must be able to document and maintain accurate records, present information in a professional manner and provide patient instruction to effectively care for patients and their families.

Psychomotor Ability

The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to provide complete safe effective care for patients. The student is expected to have psychomotor skills necessary to safely perform examination procedures and treatment interventions, including CPR if necessary. Examples of examination procedures include, but are not limited to, cognitive assessment, range of motion, manual muscle testing, sensation, balance, functional abilities, pain, cardiopulmonary status, percussion, palpation, and anthropometrics. Treatment interventions include, but are not limited to, patient education, manual therapy, functional training (transfers, bed mobility, activity of daily living training, etc.), application of therapeutic physical agents such as electrotherapy, radiation, heat, and cold, and wound care.

The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving and physical exertion required for safe patient care. Students must be able to bend, squat, reach, kneel or balance. The DPT curriculum may require students to carry and lift loads from the floor, from 12 inches from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead. The student must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, frequently lift 25 pounds and constantly lift 10 pounds. The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical settings.

Intellectual/Cognitive Ability

The student must have the ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to professional physical therapy practice. Problem solving skills include the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, synthesize, and judge objective and subjective data, and to make decisions in a timely manner that reflects thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. The student must demonstrate application of these skills and possess the ability to comprehend, retain, retrieve and incorporate prior knowledge with new information from multiple sources including, but not limited to self, peers, instructors and related literature to formulate sound judgment for competent patient/client management, practice management, and functions required for clinical scholarship.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

The student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, complete assessment and intervention activities. Compassion, integrity, motivation and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the DPT program. The student must fully utilize intellectual capacities that facilitate prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationship with patients and other members of the healthcare team. The student must have the ability to establish rapport and maintain respectful interpersonal relationships with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Each student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical settings; and effectively collaborate with others. Students must continuously self-assess to improve as a professional.

Ability to Manage Stressful Situations

The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively in relation to stressful situations encountered in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple stressors while in the DPT program, and must effectively manage these stressors throughout entire workdays. These stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer and/or program related.

Background Check

Clinical facilities require that Carroll University perform background checks on all students before participation in clinical courses. The background check result is shared with the clinical facility.

Evaluation

An applicant/candidate with a handicap shall not, on the basis of his or her handicap, except those which would preclude the essential skills outlined above, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, nor be subjected to discrimination in the program. Carroll University may require that the applicant/student undergo a physical examination and/or an occupational skills evaluation.

All DPT students must be able to perform the essential functions of a student physical therapist. Reasonable accommodations will be afforded to students with disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A student who can no longer perform the essential functions of a student physical therapist must report this to their program advisor. If reasonable accommodations cannot be made, the student will not be able to remain in the DPT program.

The Physical Therapy program may require that an applicant/student undergo a physical examination. An applicant/student who is handicapped shall not, on the basis of his or her handicap (except those which would preclude the essential skills outlined above), be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, nor be subjected to discrimination in the physical therapy program.

Students in the Physical Therapy program are required to complete the Carroll University Physical Therapy Intern Medical Information Form upon entrance into the program. This form documents information about the student’s health insurance carrier, physician, medical conditions, vaccination history and completion of health risk training. A copy of the original documents remain on file in the program. Students carry a copy to each full-time clinical internship. It is the student’s responsibility to update the information on this form on a yearly basis, or more frequently if necessary. Any medical treatment needed by a physical therapy student during academic preparation or clinical education experience is the responsibility of the student.

Caregiver Background and Criminal History Check and Health Screenings

On October 1, 1998, the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Family Services mandated that all persons who seek to be employed and/or licensed in the caregiver industry must fulfill the Caregiver and Background Check requirements in Section 50.065 of the Wisconsin statute. Entry-level Physical Therapy students are required, by the first day of class of the program, to complete a background and criminal history check.

Physical Therapy professional phase students are required to have completed a health screening, updated immunizations and tuberculosis screening according to current Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for health professionals, criminal background investigation and drug screening as required by internship placement sites. Exceptions to the immunization requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis where, for example, a student has an allergy to a vaccine or one of its components. If an exception to the immunization requirements is approved, the University cannot guarantee that its affiliated hospitals and clinics will allow the student to participate in patient care, which is a fundamental requirement of the clinical education component of the Program.

Insurance

Health: Pre-professional and professional students are required to have medical insurance. Those who are covered by a family or personal policy must provide the insuring company’s name and the policy number on a waiver form that is sent to the student by the University’s Business Office. For students without their own coverage, a group insurance policy is available through the University. Students are also required to have a personal health history form completed and on file at the University’s health center.

Clinical facilities may require proof of immunizations or additional procedures (lab studies, radiographs, etc.). The student is responsible for the cost of any related procedures.

Professional Liability: Professional students are required to purchase on a yearly basis professional liability insurance through a university endorsed company.

Academic Progression Physical Therapy Program

All entry-level Physical Therapy program requirements must be completed in 33 months unless permission is otherwise granted by the director of the Physical Therapy program. The academic progress of students in the Physical Therapy program is evaluated at the end of each semester. Progression standards are subject to change based on regulatory, licensing, and/or certification needs. Satisfactory progress is contingent upon satisfying the following academic requirements:

1. A grade of C or better or a grade of S is required in all physical therapy courses. A student earning a letter grade of D, F or U will be placed on academic probation in the Physical Therapy Program. A letter grade of D, F or U in physical therapy courses requires the student to repeat the course before progressing to subsequent courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite. When repeating a physical therapy course, a student may be required to successfully complete ancillary learning experiences or clinical competencies/practicums that validate theoretical knowledge. If a student is unable to take further courses in the next occurring semester as a result of this policy, the student repeats the course during the next appropriate semester. The student will be placed on academic probation. A course may be repeated only one time. A student receiving a D, F or U in the same physical therapy course twice or in two physical therapy courses is dismissed from the program.
2. A student must obtain a grade point average of 3.00 or better each semester, and a grade of S in all courses graded S/U courses. If a student earns a semester grade point average between 2.00 to 2.99, or received a U in a course, he or she is placed on academic probation. To be meet the requirements of an academic probation term, the student must earn a grade point average of 3.00 or better in all subsequent semesters. If a clinical internship course is scheduled during the next semester, the student must earn an S in the clinical internship course and a semester grade point average of 3.00 or better in the semester following the clinical internship to meet academic progression standards. If a student is on academic probation the last semester of the program, the student must earn an S in the clinical internship course to graduate. A student will be dismissed from the program if:
   1. s/he fails to meet academic standards any time following a probation term, or
   2. if s/he earns a semester GPA of 1.99 or less. While on probation, students may be required to complete activities designed to facilitate success.
   3. Once a clinical course commences, students cannot withdraw from the clinical course.
   4. If at any time the student is deemed unsatisfactory in a clinical course, the student cannot continue to attend.

Dismissed Graduate Students’ Participation in Commencement

A student may be dismissed from a Carroll University graduate program if he/she does not fulfill the academic progression requirements outlined by each program. If a student is dismissed from a graduate program, he/she will not be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony. The student may choose to appeal this dismissal by completing an Academic Petition form which is reviewed by the Academic Steering Committee. Depending on the outcome of the committee’s decision, the student may be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony the following academic year.

Policy on Reapplication to the Program

The policy on reapplication defines the process by which students may seek readmission to the program following a withdrawal or dismissal of the student from the program for failing to maintain good academic standing. Readmission candidates may apply for readmission to the program no sooner than one year and no later than three years from the date of the withdrawal or dismissal. Readmission candidates may exercise their reapplication option only once. Readmission candidates applying to the program must submit the materials required and shall be considered with all new applicants for admission. In addition, they must provide transcripts relating to any education experiences completed since leaving the program. A letter indicating why the readmission candidate believes s/he will succeed academically and technically in the program must accompany the application materials. Upon review of the materials, the program’s admission selection committee may render the following decisions: 1) Approval of the request for readmission to the beginning of the program, or 2) Denial of the request for readmission to the program.

Clinical Education

Clinical education in the physical therapy program consists of three part-time practicum courses and 32 weeks of full-time supervised clinical experience courses. Clinical education experiences occur off campus, and thus a student must secure appropriate transportation.

Learning experiences involving clients begin in the classroom through course experiences both at the University and at clinical practice settings where students observe and have planned practical experiences. The classroom experiences are expanded into a series of three integrated part-time clinical experience courses where students participate in campus-community service learning health and wellness initiatives with healthy individuals and individuals with pathology and disability across the life span. In addition, students participate in four full-time (40 hours/week) experiences with patients/clients in a variety of environments that include rural, inpatient, outpatient, and specialty facilities and that are representative of contemporary physical therapy practice and patient/client differences.

Fees and Financial Aid

During the Professional DPT Year I of the Physical Therapy Program, tuition and other fees apply to all students. A professional program fee is assessed per semester for course related supplies and equipment, liability insurance, and assistance with membership dues in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Carroll University students in their senior year are eligible for undergraduate financial aid. Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree are eligible for undergraduate Federal Subsidized Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Graduate (DPT Year II and III) tuition for 2019-20 will be assessed a per credit tuition fee, and students enrolled in DPT Year II and III are not eligible for Carroll University financial aid grants. Students in DPT Year II and III are eligible for graduate Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Course fees and tuition are found on the graduate fee and tuition page

Licensure

Students are responsible for determining the requirements of and securing the application from the state in which they expect to be licensed.