D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy (Entry Level)

Overview

To receive the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, the candidate must:

1. Complete all required coursework (103 credit hours) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. Complete at least 3 credit hours of Elective coursework, in addition to the 103 credit hours.
3. Successfully complete the clinical experiences (I-IV) required.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in a related field and 3.0, or ”B” average or better in the following courses:

Application Procedure

We are accepting applications through Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Click here to apply.

The PTCAS application opens to applicants in June each year. The application deadline is October 2; we encourage you to apply early. Classes begin in May of each year. Application requirements consist of the following:

1. Submission of all application materials to PTCAS. Completion of prerequisites or plan to complete by time of matriculation, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Demonstration of knowledge concerning the physical therapy profession by submitting:
   • A minimum of 100 hours of first-hand observation and/or work experience related to the practice of physical therapy.
   • This experience must be substantiated in writing by a registered/licensed physical therapist. The name and email of the physical therapist(s) is required for verification.
3. Submission of three to four (3-4) letters of recommendation from people who can address both the applicant’s moral character and potential as a physical therapist.
   • At least one letter must be written by a registered/licensed physical therapist, and one or more from faculty.
4. An interview is required and will be offered to those applicants who have met the admission criteria.
5. International students are to complete the PTCAS application and submit official transcripts to the DPT program instead of PTCAS. Transcripts that are not in English must include an official translation. International applicants must have all transcripts evaluated by the University of Miami’s Office of International Admissions before they can be considered for graduate study. Any transcript not in English must be submitted with an official translation. International applicants must meet ALL the necessary requirements to qualify for a student visa. 

For more information contact:
Admissions Office
Department of Physical Therapy
5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 5th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone 305-284-4535
Email: physicaltherapy@miami.edu
Website: www.pt.med.miami.edu

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Students are required to complete a minimum of 3 elective credits in addition to the required courses.

Suggested Plan of Study

¹

Students are required to complete a minimum of 3 elective credits in addition to the required courses. 

²

The University of Miami, Department of Physical Therapy has affiliations with 350 clinical sites locally and throughout the country. Distant internships may incur additional expenses for the student.

³

The clinical experience is full-time (minimum of 40 hours per week). Clinical experiences are a part of the required curriculum and not paid. Note: International students in F-1 status are required to obtain authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the Department of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior to engaging in practical training. Practical training is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

⁴

Clinical experiences are typically 8-9 weeks. Clinical experiences may fall outside of the Academic Calendar dates to accommodate the required number of hours.

Mission

The mission of the UMMSOM Department of Physical Therapy is to:

• Educate, develop and nurture the next generation of leaders in physical therapy;
• Deliver high-caliber, compassionate physical therapy care in a wide variety of settings;
• Create and disseminate new knowledge in support of the evidence based practice of physical therapy;
• Provide service to our local community and beyond; and
• Create an educational and clinical environment that embodies diversity of people and perspectives.

Goals

Specific goals and objectives for the DPT Program are the development and application of:

• The principles and practices of the professional discipline;
• Clinical decision making skills; and
• Education, leadership, management and research capability.

Thus, our graduates are prepared for future professional and societal obligations through providing leadership and contributing to both the growth of the profession, and the clinical research agenda.

Student Learning Outcomes

• DPT graduates will demonstrate proficiency for entry level professional practice at the end of their terminal clinical experience.
• DPT graduates will demonstrate proficiency in patient/client management by the end of their terminal clinical experience.
• DPT students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and interpret research literature as a foundation for the practice of physical therapy.
• DPT graduates will show entry level proficiency in clinical reasoning, the ability to apply current knowledge, theory, clinical judgment and the patient's value and perspective in patient management, at the end of their terminal clinical experience.