Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

The Marymount University Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program prepares generalist practitioners to deliver the best available physical therapist practice for improving movement, function, and health across diverse individuals and communities. The program employs a dynamic learning-in-context environment that is warm and welcoming. Clinical reasoning, professionalism, respect for individual differences, and adherence to ethical practices ground all classroom, clinic, service, and community activities. The program utilizes a modified problem-based curriculum unique to the region.

Upon successful completion of the D.P.T. program, students will be able to

function independently, managing patients with a wide variety of simple or complex conditions;
perform skilled physical therapist examinations, interventions, and clinical reasoning proficiently and consistently;
apply best available scientific evidence, clinical judgment, and patient preferences in physical therapy patient management;
manage a full-time physical therapist's caseload to achieve resource-efficient and patient-effective outcomes;
exhibit care, compassion, and empathy in delivering physical therapy services sensitive to individual, cultural, and social differences; and
create a self-directed plan for professional development and lifelong learning.

The physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Admission Requirements and Eligibility: The physical therapy program is a three-year, full-time program. Applicants have a separate admissions process; the program employs a rolling admissions process and offers of admissions will begin September 1. Entry into the program is in the fall semester only. Class size is limited to 46 students. The deadline to submit a completed application is December 2nd, 2024.

Students applying for admission to the graduate program in physical therapy at Marymount University must meet the following minimum standards to be eligible for consideration:

bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the physical therapy program;
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all college and university coursework;
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all prerequisite coursework (see list below under "Prerequisite Coursework");
recommended completion of 40 hours of observation or volunteer service work in a physical therapy clinical setting;
a grade of C or better for all prerequisite courses;
up to 12 credits of prerequisite coursework may remain incomplete at the time of application to the program; any remaining prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of B- or better before entering the D.P.T. program.

Prerequisite Coursework: For program consideration, the prerequisite courses below must be completed.

Note: Marymount course equivalencies are listed in parentheses for comparison/informational purposes only.

two (2) courses of biological sciences with lab (BIO 151 and BIO 152 General Biology I and II)
one (1) course of anatomy/anatomy and physiology I with lab (BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology I)
one (1) course of physiology/anatomy and physiology II with lab (BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology II)
two (2) courses of general chemistry with lab (CHM 151 and CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry I and II)
two (2) courses of general physics with lab
one (1) course of psychology (PSY 101 General Psychology)
one (1) course of statistics (MA 132 Statistical Analysis)

International students for whom English is a second language should review the International Graduate Students page for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic test score requirements.

Required Application Materials: Marymount University participates in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), which is used by the majority of U.S. physical therapy programs. With PTCAS, students complete one central application. PTCAS sends the completed application to the programs that students designate.

The following materials must be submitted as part of the PTCAS application:

PTCAS application form;
essay, as described on the PTCAS application;
official transcripts for all college and university coursework;
two letters of recommendation (using the form provided by PTCAS) one academic and one physical therapist recommendation required to address the applicants' ability, motivation, and interest in pursuing graduate studies in physical therapy.

The physical therapy program’s admissions committee reviews all applications. Initial evaluation of applicants includes assessment of overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, applicant’s written statement, community activities, and recommendations.

Special consideration is given to current Marymount students who have completed at least two full-time semesters at Marymount prior to applying.

Applicants are selected based on their qualifications and potential to contribute to the profession and their community. The program also aims to have students who represent a broad diversity of backgrounds.

All applicants will receive a decision from the committee by December 15. Applicants who are offered admission will be invited to tour our facility and meet with faculty and students.

Clinical Education: Clinical activities are integrated throughout the three-year curriculum. Integrated part-time clinical experiences take place in local physical therapy clinics and coincide directly with didactic learning activities. Clinical full-time practicums take place in clinics locally and nationally. The majority of full-time clinical placements occur within the greater metropolitan Washington area and nearby states. Students complete three (3) full-time practicums in 10- or 12-week rotations at three different clinic sites.

Clinical Requirements: For admission to the program, students must submit the items below.

medical examination
criminal background check, which is a federal requirement for all persons working with vulnerable populations
drug screen, required by clinical agencies
written verification of testing for tuberculosis or screening (If PPD is positive, a clear chest X-ray is required.)
written verification of the following immunizations: hepatitis A and B, MMR, varicella titer, and Tdap
documentation of health insurance coverage
documentation of American Heart Association CPR for health care providers

Clinical Education Transportation: Students provide their own transportation to and from courses and clinical experiences. The university’s free shuttle service connects the Main Campus, Ballston Center, and the Ballston-MU Metro station.

Comprehensive Examination: Each student must pass a comprehensive written examination in order to graduate.

Degree Requirements — Physical Therapy

96 credits

Year One — Fall

PT 700	Clinical Neuroscience	5
PT 701	Applied Pathophysiology	6
PT 702	Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society	3

Year One — Spring

PT 710	Gross Anatomy	6
PT 711	Foundations of Physical Therapy Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis	6

Year Two — Fall

PT 714	Foundations of Physical Agents and Therapeutic Technologies in the Physical Therapist Practice	2
PT 720	Evaluation and Management of Patients with Orthopedic Disorders	5
PT 721	Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Orthopedic Disorders	5
PT 713	Therapeutic and Scientific Principles of Exercise	3

Year Two — Spring

PT 730	Evaluation and Management of Patients in Acute Care	5
PT 731	Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients in Acute Care	5
PT 732	The Physical Therapist as a Manager	3
PT 735	Physical Therapy and the Older Adult	3

Year Two — Summer

PT 800

First full-time clinical education experience

Year Three — Fall

PT 740	Evaluation and Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders	5
PT 741	Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders	4
PT 744	Case Report I: Foundations	2
PT 745	Clinical Practice Synthesis	3
PT 746	Physical Therapy in Pediatrics	2

Year Three — Spring

PT 757	Leadership, Professional Development, and Expert Practice	3
PT 801	Intermediate full-time clinical education experience	5
PT 803	Case Report II	3

Year Three — Summer

PT 802

Terminal full-time clinical education experience