HBCUs Offering Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

If you love to help others and want a truly challenging job, Physical Therapy might just be your ideal career. This field requires a thorough education and true dedication to your patients. The rewards, however – such as seeing a wounded veteran take his first post-injury steps – are too great to measure. Here are HBCUs which offer Physical Therapy programs.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs Prerequisites

Before applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, students need to accumulate, earn and pursue certain prerequisites. These vary by school; speak with somebody at each school to learn their specific prerequisites. However, they generally include a Bachelors or graduate degree, a high GPA (3.0 or higher) and a certain number of hours observing or assisting in a clinical setting.

The standard length of a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program is three years, begun after completing a traditional four-year Bachelors degree.

For the best chance of acceptance, begin taking courses in science, math and other related fields as early as possible. Honors and Advanced-Placement courses look best on college applications. Community service with a focus on caring for others is always an asset as well. Focus your studies and activities, as much as possible, toward future physical therapy programs for the best chance of success.

Alabama State University: College of Health Sciences

Founded in 1867, Alabama State University is a public, four-year college and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The large campus is home to an average of 12,000 students, and accepts approximately 51% of applicants.

ASU’s Physical Therapy program offers students the chance to obtain their DPT, or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This degree is required in order to test for and obtain state licensure which, in turn, is required in order to practice physical therapy.

Students seeking a DPT must apply to both ASU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the School of Graduate Studies. Admittance is determined through completion of prerequisites, an in-person interview and other factors.

ASU’s 3-year DPT program has a wonderful record of success. The latest-year statistics show 87% of DPT students graduating, 95% passing their licensure examinations and 100% finding work in the field.

Florida A&M University: School of Allied Health Sciences

Another large, urban campus founded in 1887, FAMU is home to over 13,000 students and accepts approximately 48% of applicants.

The FAMU’s Division of Physical Therapy is a full-time, campus-based program which takes 34 months to complete. Students are admitted in the fall semester annually and graduate at the end of the 3rd year Spring semester.

The DPT program at FAMU requires an application to both the DPT program and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. An autobiographical essay is also part of the application process.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore: School of Pharmacy and Health Professions

Founded in 1886, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is home to over 4,500 students and accepts approximately 50% of all applicants.

The UMES Physical Therapy Program has a great record of success, with 100% of the 2012 graduating class ultimately passing their licensure examinations. Tuitions are affordable, averaging $276 per credit for Maryland residents and $491 for non-residents.

Tennessee State University: The College of Health Sciences

Founded in 1912, TSU offers an urban setting in the vibrant heart of Nashville. It averages 9,000 students on a 903-acre campus.

The TSU the Physical Therapy Department participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, or PTCAS. Therefore, a PTCAS application as well as an application to TSU (with application fee) is required for admittance consideration. An on-site interview, as well as an essay, are also required.

For the past three years, TSU Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates boast an impressive 97.78% ultimate pass rate on their licensure examinations. Of those who passed, a full 100% have found work in the field.