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College of Arts and Sciences College of Health Sciences
Colleges / Schools
Bachelor's, Doctorate, Pre-Professional
Program Types
This is a 4+D.P.T. year pathway leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree from Arcadia University. Students frequently pursue an undergraduate major in a discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Business or Health Administration, but you can choose any major that captures your interest and that enables you to complete the prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite courses needed for graduate-level study include Biology, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Statistics.
The Pre-Physical Therapy program emphasizes the sciences but also includes a well-rounded background in the liberal arts. This combination prepares you for a health-care profession that helps people to overcome the effects of disease and injury and prevent health problems.
Students who complete the program are prepared to work as physical therapists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine centers, private homes, nursing homes, schools, private practices, specialized pediatric facilities, and wellness/fitness centers. You also can work as educators, researchers and consultants in a wide variety of organizations.
Arcadia is ranked 20th among accredited graduate PT programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and was the first program in Pennsylvania to offer both the entry-level and transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Arcadia Physical Therapy programs offer:
The D.P.T. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. All graduates of Arcadia’s program to date have passed the licensure examination in their state of choice.
For those who are trying to meet the Assured Admission requirements, all of the criteria in the Arcadia University Undergraduate Catalog (by appropriate year of entry) must be met at the time of the application deadline; however, not all of the prerequisite courses need to be completed to apply or to be accepted. If accepted, any remaining prerequisite courses need to be completed with a “C” or better in order to start the Physical Therapy program.
Arcadia University students applying for Assured Admission must submit their completed applications electronically to PTCAS by November 1 of the academic year of graduation. A completed application is the application and all of the supporting documents (recommendations, GRE scores, and transcripts). Applications are NOT reviewed until ALL materials are received by Arcadia. (This includes the PTCAS application, the required recommendations, and GRE scores.)
Upon acceptance into the program under the Assured Admission category, students will be required to pay a deposit in order to reserve a seat in the class. Scholarships are based on merit, and any offer of scholarships or other assistance will be made known to the student along with the letter of acceptance.
Students whose credentials do not meet the requirements that assure them admission to the D.P.T. program still may apply. They will be considered in relation to other qualified candidates in the general applicant pool.
To maintain the ongoing quality of the Physical Therapy program, the University reserves the right to limit the enrollment in all its offerings.
Essential functions are the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills necessary for a student to participate in the physical therapy program and become a physical therapist. View Essential Functions.
Pre-Physical Therapy students are encouraged to spend a semester studying abroad. Many exciting opportunities are available. Junior year is the most convenient time for students to study abroad. Fall semester of the junior or senior year also is possible.
Students have taken a range of biology courses in Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, students have completed Undergraduate Curriculum requirements while studying abroad at some of the top universities around the world through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies. Students also have completed independent research projects or internships.
Since it is important that you plan ahead for study abroad, you should consult with your adviser as soon as possible and make your intentions known to the Department Chair and the Office of Study Away.
Enrollment Management
1-877-ARCADIA (1-877-272-2342)
admiss@arcadia.edu
Physical Therapy
Ann Tokay Harrington, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Liason to Undergraduate Departments
harringtona@arcadia.edu