Undergraduate Admission
How many applications does your program receive? How many students do you accept and how many students matriculate into the program?
|
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Applications |
452 |
469 |
526 |
|
Accepted |
223 |
207 |
178 |
|
% Accept |
49.3 |
44.1 |
33.8 |
|
Yield |
19.2 |
26.0 |
26.9 |
|
Class Size |
43 |
54 |
48 |
What is the mean Grade Point Average and Standardized Test scores of a student who applies to and is accepted to the program?
The mean high school GPA of a student accepted into the program has consistently been a 4.0. This reflects a mix of weighted and unweighted GPAs as the University does not dictate the format in which the GPA is received from the high school.
Mean SAT scores (Math + Verbal) and ACT composite scores of the accepted student have also been remarkably consistent averaging ~1250 for the SAT and a 28 for the ACT.
What is the student to faculty ratio?
Our faculty to student ratio for the professional phase is approximately 10:1. On average we have 40 students in each class. As there are 3 professional phase classes, this equates to 120 students. Given we have 11 full-time core faculty members, the ratio is 120/11 or 9.16:1.
What is the difference between a program that admits students as 1st year undergraduates and a program that begins at the graduate level?
The Duquesne University Physical Therapy program is an example of a 6-year program that admits students as 1st year undergraduates. This allows students to complete both undergraduate and the DPT degree in a total of 6 years. A DPT-only program requires students have a 4-year undergraduate degree prior to beginning the 3-year DPT education, resulting in a total of 7 years to earn the DPT degree.
If I enter a program that combines undergraduate and graduate education, what degrees will I have when I graduate?
- Students in Duquesne's Physical Therapy program earn the following degrees.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Biology After 4 years of study
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science After 4 years of study
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree After 6 years of study
Who teaches the basic science courses?
All of our faculty teaching basic science courses are experienced clinicians in addition to being basic science researchers.
|
Neuroscience |
Dr. Regina Harbourne, Professor |
|
Anatomy |
Dr. Benjamin R. Kivlan; Physical Therapy Associate Professor |
|
Anatomy |
Dr. Anne Burrows, Physical Therapy Professor |
|
Physiology |
Dr. Matthew Kostek, Physical Therapy Associate Professor |
Does anatomy class include cadaver dissection?
Knowledge of anatomy is essential to the physical therapist. There are three ways anatomy is taught in physical therapy programs: full cadaver dissection; dissecting all regions of a cadaver; prosections studying previously dissected regions of a cadaver; or computer model - learning anatomy in virtual form on the computer screen. While there are some benefits to each, Duquesne utilizes primarily full cadaver dissection. This gives students an understanding of the nature of human tissues and an excellent three dimensional perspective of the human body. The instructor also makes use of computer models and refers students to various websites to use as resources, and when appropriate, uses prosections to further illustrate a point. Our anatomy class spans two full semesters. The instructor teaches students respect for the individuals who donated their bodies to further the education of health care professionals. At the end of each course, the remains of the individuals are cremated followed by a memorial service. The remains are then returned to the appropriate caretaker.
What is the complement of the physical therapy faculty?
Duquesne University has 11 core faculty in the Physical Therapy department.
|
Benjamin Kivlan, PhD, PT, SCS, OCS |
Program Chair and Associate Professor and Program Director in Rehabilitation Sciences |
|
Anne Burrows, PhD., DPT |
Professor |
|
Theresa M. Crytzer, PT, DPT, ATP |
Assistant Professor |
|
Jessica Davis, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT |
Assistant Professor, Assistant Chair & Assistant Director of Clinical Education |
|
Regina Harbourne, PhD, PT, PCS, FAPTA |
Associate Professor and Pediatric Certified Specialist |
|
Jordana Lockwich, PhD, PT, DPT |
Assistant Professor |
|
David Kleba, PT, DPT, MTC |
Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education |
|
Matthew Kostek, PhD, FACSM |
Associate Professor |
|
Gregory F. Marchetti, PhD, PT, CPE |
Associate Professor and Certified Professional Ergonomist |
|
Mary Marchetti, PhD, PT, GCS |
Assistant Professor and Geriatric Clinical Specialist |
|
RobRoy Martin, PhD, PT CSCS |
Professor and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist |
All of the faculty teaching clinical and basic science courses are or were practicing clinicians. This enables us to bring clinical examples to class to illustrate educational points. The faculty have a strong working knowledge of the clinical environments for which they are preparing the students. The combined experience of our faculty includes practice in acute care, intensive care, outpatient care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and management. Several members of the faculty continue to work clinically on a part-time basis which helps them to improve their clinical skills and knowledge.
At Duquesne University, we are fully staffed and have a full complement of faculty. Our faculty have an open door policy and are available to students any time during the work week. In addition, many evenings or weekends faculty are available if students want extra practice or review sessions. Our staff is also dedicated to providing our students with excellent educational experiences. Our staff works diligently to support the work of our faculty and students.
Is there a minimum grade point average required to stay in the program?
An overall minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0 for all pre-professional course work and a 3.0 QPA with no grade lower than a "C"; in pre- requisite course work is required in order to enter the professional phase in the senior year and retain a seat in the physical therapy program. Pre-requisite courses included: Biology I & II, Chemistry I & II, Physics I & II, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Introduction to Biostatistics and Introduction to Psychology. A minimum QPA of 3.0 must be maintained every semester after entering the professional phase of the program. If the semester QPA falls below 3.0 the student is placed on academic probation; a student is allowed one semester on probation. Failure to obtain a 3.0 QPA a second semester will result in dismissal from the program. Each student has a professional advisor from the physical therapy faculty an academic advisor in the Dean's office for support and guidance. Additional support is available to students through various offices on campus.
What is the clinical education experience like for this program?
- The DPT includes 3 clinical education experiences, for a total of 40 weeks.
- Clinical Education I 12 weeks Year 2 of Professional Phase
- Clinical Education II 15 weeks Year 2 of Professional Phase
- Clinical Education III 12 weeks Year 3 of Professional Phase
Students are placed at sites according to a multitude of factors including their learning needs, professional goals, geographical preferences, site availability, and program needs. With focus on the student's education, the clinical education faculty are dedicated to assuring that students have a well-rounded, complete, and learning-focused clinical education experience.
What shadowing/volunteer/employment experiences are required of students?
No hours are required to apply. However, if you are accepted and choose to attend our program, students are required to have participated in at least 40 hours of shadowing, volunteering, or employment under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist by the start of the freshmen year. In addition, students are required to have participated in another 60 hours before the beginning of the professional phase of the program. These experiences must be in at least two different physical therapy settings such as outpatient, acute care inpatient (hospital), pediatric, skilled nursing facility, and rehabilitation centers. The purpose of requiring the student to participate in a variety of physical therapy practice settings for a total of 100 hours is to provide a comprehensive exposure to the physical therapy profession prior to the beginning of the professional phase of the curriculum.
Why should I choose this school?
The Duquesne University faculty are dedicated to educating competent and compassionate Doctors of Physical Therapy. We are committed to the highest quality education both in the academic and clinical settings. You will be educated by faculty who are licensed physical therapists; have advanced degrees in the sciences, education, and rehabilitation; are clinical researchers; and have dedicated their professional careers to the education of students in physical therapy. Our student-faculty ratio allows us to provide quality education while maintaining close professional contact with students. Our graduates are some of the most well-respected clinicians in physical therapy locally and throughout the country.