Physical Therapy, D.P.T.
Program Description
The professional preparation Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Kean University follows a hybrid curricular model of planned and advanced learning experiences including problem-based learning, team-based learning, systems based approach, clinical grand rounds, and online course delivery. The program includes a total of 42 weeks full-time and 240 hours of integrated clinical experiences that align with clinical and didactic coursework..
Application of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills are reinforced throughout the duration of the program. Students will progress from the acquisition to application of knowledge and psychomotor skills during each semester of the program. Students will receive an early introduction to the application of knowledge in clinical settings, beginning in the second semester. Students will gain an early understanding of clinical practice environments and the importance of clinical outcomes in physical therapy. Throughout their varied classroom and clinical practice experiences, students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice, autonomy, advocacy, leadership, and management within physical therapist practice as part of an evolving healthcare system.
Curriculum highlights include:
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Team-based human gross anatomy course with cadaver dissection
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Systems-based approach to clinical evaluation, differential diagnosis and intervention
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Problem-based learning component within clinically oriented courses
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Clinical Grand Rounds and Interprofessional Grand Rounds series
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Research and Evidence-based Practice series, with emphasis on clinical outcomes, culminating in a faculty-mentored project focused on patient outcomes
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Practice Management and Leadership Development series emphasizing business acumen required for business leadership development and entrepreneurship within the profession
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42 weeks of full-time clinical education, and 240 hours of integrated clinical education, specifically aligned with clinical content within a given curricular year
Degree Requirements
Admissions and Prerequisite Requirements
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Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) from an accredited college or university
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A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
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GPA of 3.0 or higher with specific course prerequisites
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Official copies of ALL post-secondary transcripts
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Official Electronic transcripts are preferred. If the student requires a transcript from an institution that does not provide electronic transcripts, an unofficial transcript will be accepted for application review. However, an official transcript must be sent as soon as possible and is required prior to matriculation.
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Evidence of satisfactory completion (within the previous 10 years) of all course prerequisites (grade of "C" or higher) or plan to complete the specific program prerequisites prior to matriculation
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3 Letters of Recommendation
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Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score taken within 5 years of the time of application
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PT experience hours are being waived for the 2021-2022 application cycle. Students who have completed work/observation hours are welcome to submit the PT Experience Form.
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Departmental Interview (for invited applicants)
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Official TOEFL or IELTS score reports
Course Prerequisites
Each candidate seeking consideration for acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must show evidence of having completed the following courses within the previous 10 years and with a grade of “C” or better. (See above regarding Spring 2020 pass/fail grades)
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3 credits- English Composition
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3 credits- General Psychology
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3 credits- Upper-level Psychology, Sociology or Philosophy
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8 credits- Biological Sciences (with labs)-A two-semester sequence in biology
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8 credits- Anatomy and Physiology (with labs)-A two-semester sequence in A&P OR a Anatomy with labs and Physiology with labs (human preferred)
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8 credits- Chemistry (with labs)-A two-semester sequence in chemistry
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8 credits- Physics (with labs)-A two-semester sequence in physics
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3 credits- Statistics
Statement on Advanced Placement Exams
AP or placement exams will not be considered in fulfillment of a listed prerequisite.
Statement on Retakes
SOPT will average the grades of the first two attempts of a course. Higher grades do not replace lower grades. No more than one retake on any prerequisite course will be accepted for fulfillment of a listed prerequisite.
On-Campus Interview
All applicants being considered for acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be required to participate in an interview with the program faculty. In the event that on-campus interviews cannot be conducted, students will have an online interview with a School of Physical Therapy faculty member. The interview day will last approximately 4-5 hours and be comprised of the following activities:
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Meet and greet with School faculty
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Individual/group interview with School faculty
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Mock Team-based or Problem-based learning activity.
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Campus tour with current Kean University students
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Q&A session for admissions, financial aid, etc.
Deferral Requests
The School of Physical Therapy does not allow applicants to defer their admission. If you have any questions or concerns with this policy, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Transfer Credit
The Kean University School of Physical Therapy does not accept transfer credits for courses taken at another physical therapist education program.
Apply Now Through PTCAS
Complete the Supplemental Application
Program Sequence
First Semester 13
| DPT6000 | HUMAN GROSS AND SURFACE ANATOMY LECTURE | 3 |
| DPT6001 | HUMAN GROSS ANATOMY LAB | 4 |
| DPT 6010 | HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| DPT 6100 | FOUNDATIONAL ASPECTS OF PHYS THERAPY PRACTICE | 3 |
Second Semester 16
| DPT 6110 | PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT OF THE MUSCULOLKELETAL SYSTEM I | 5 |
| DPT 6020 | CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE | 4 |
| DPT 6120 | KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS | 3 |
| DPT 6200 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE: PT POLICY AND PRACTICE | 2 |
| DPT 6300 | CLINICAL GRAND ROUNDS I | 1 |
| DPT 6600 | INTEGRATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I | 1 |
Third Semester 17
Fourth Semester 11
Fifth Semester 17
Sixth Semester 16
| DPT 6151 | PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM II | 5 |
| DPT 6131 | HEALTH PROMOTION AND WELLNESS THROUGH EDUCATION | 3 |
| DPT 6210 | ETHICS, ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE | 3 |
| DPT 6330 | CLINICAL GRAND ROUNDS 4 | 1 |
Seventh Semester 13
| DPT 6170 | HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| DPT 6180 | INTEGRATIVE/MULTISYSTEM PHYSICAL THERAPY | 3 |
| DPT 6230 | DPT INDEPENDENT STUDY | 3 |
| DPT 6190 | CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PATIENT MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| DPT 6240 | ACCOUNTABILITY AND DOCUMENTATION IN PHYSICAL THERAPY | 1 |
Eighth Semester 13
Ninth Semester 13
Total Credit Hours: 129