Doctor of Physical Therapy Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program
Mission of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program
The mission of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program is to provide an innovative means of providing entry-level physical therapist education to individuals with past education and practice experience as physical therapist assistants. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning, critical thinking, an interdisciplinary approach, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model and the principles of androgogy.
Upon completion of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program at The University of Findlay, the graduate will be prepared to:
- Practice as a well-qualified, ethical professional who is able to integrate theoretical foundations with clinical reasoning skills and build upon his or her experiences in order to engage in autonomous practice.
- Work as a generalist practitioner with the ability to practice in a variety of settings, geographical locations and roles.
- Demonstrate a dedication to self-motivated, lifelong learning.
Admission Requirements of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program
Students wishing to apply for admission to the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program must have completed the following prerequisite courses:
Descriptions of these courses can be found in The University of Findlay undergraduate catalog. Students must receive a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. Five of the seven prerequisite courses should be completed before making application to the program.
In addition, the following admission criteria must be met:
- Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum science GPA of 3.0. This includes classes from all institutions attended.
- In circumstances where the cumulative GPA is between 2.95 and 3.0 and course work was completed over seven years ago, the DPT Admissions Committee may consider the applicant's last 64 hours of college course work and recalculate the GPA to determine if it meets the 3.0 minimum standard.
- Evidence of having graduated from an accredited PTA program (transcripts may serve as evidence).
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution recognized by the University, with the possible exception of first-professional doctorate-degree holders, specifically when no baccalaureate degree was offered (e.g., PharmD, etc.).
- Minimum of one year of work experience as a PTA (experience as determined by August 1st of the year of application).
- Completion of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program application materials including the submission of official transcripts of all college-level work, which can be attested credentials from a University-recognized document verification agency (i.e., Centralized Application Service application).
The following items are also considered when determining a student’s admission status:
- Recommendations
- Experience in the field, community and professional involvement.
Students whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from American universities must meet the previously listed admissions conditions, plus:
- Have a verified TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) minimum total score of 89 with 26 or better in speaking and 24 or better in writing or a verified International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic score with a minimum overall band score of 7.0. Students not supplying an IELTS score are required to test in the Intensive English Language Program, and if necessary, complete coursework in English.
- Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.
Major Requirements of the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program
In the Weekend PTA to DPT Bridge Program, the Doctor of Physical Therapy requirements include:
No more than two courses with a grade of “C+" or “C” can be used to meet graduation requirements.
The Physical Therapy program reserves the right to make program and admission requirement changes without giving prior notice.