Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapy

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Application Basics

Is UNF’s DPT program accredited? Is UNF accredited?

Yes; the DPT program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through 2013. The University of North Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
In what term(s) does the program start each year? What is the application window and deadline?

The DPT admits a cohort of approximately 30 students to begin each fall (late August). The application window is generally August 1 through December 1. Candidates, however, are responsible for consulting the Important Dates section for the annual deadline. For example, the fall 2014 application window is 8/1/13 - 12/2/13 due to a weekend. The deadline is a receive-by deadline and late items will not be considered.
Must I have a particular major from my undergraduate education to pursue the DPT?

No one undergraduate major is preferred for candidates entering the DPT. We are proud of the diverse backgrounds that our students possess. The important factors are that the baccalaureate degree be obtained from a regionally accredited institution and that the prerequisites and GRE scores meet minimum requirements. Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission.
May I transfer graduate-level coursework from another DPT program into the DPT program at UNF?

Unfortunately the DPT at UNF does not accept any transfer credits. New applicants and DPT transfers are considered for admission based on the same criteria.
How do I apply?

Interested individuals will need to follow all of the application steps provided on the DPT admissions page. Note that one of the requirements includes applying through PTCAS. UNF is the primary application; PTCAS is the supplemental application and not vice versa.
Will PTCAS send my information to UNF?

PTCAS will notify the DPT program as to which applicants are in what stage of processing on the PTCAS end of things. However, they do not actually send the program or the UNF Graduate School GRE scores, LORs, observation hour documentation, or transcripts. Candidates must supply transcripts to both organizations on their own. Official GRE scores are due to the UNF Graduate School, too, but candidates should check directly with PTCAS to see if GRE scores are a mandatory item for their application process. Additionally, the program will not collect the required letters of recommendation (LORs) from PTCAS. Rather, those must be supplied directly to the UNF Graduate School on organizational letterhead. This may be done via hardcopy submission or electronic submission of a .pdf file. No other electronic formats are acceptable as they may have been edited.
If I have C’s may I still apply?

As long as your non-science prerequisite GPA, science prerequisite GPA, and undergraduate degree GPA are all at least 3.00 then you are welcome to apply. Note that those with C's in the sciences are strongly encouraged to refresh in the content to be competitive. Those with less than a 3.00 in any of the three GPA categories at the time of final consideration for interview selection will be denied.
What are the average GPAs and GRE scores for those accepted into the DPT program?

Those admitted to the fall 2010 cohort averaged 3.74 in their upper-level courses, 3.65 in their prerequisites, 3.60 in their sciences, and 1090 on the GRE. Those admitted to the fall 2011 cohort average 3.73 in their upper-level courses, 3.75 in their prerequisites, 3.74 in their sciences, and 1110 on the GRE. Similar GPA data was collected for the incoming 2012 cohort, though GRE averages wre not available given the introduction of the revised exam. However, data for fall 2013 admits shows that the average science prereq GPA was 3.45, the average non-science prereq GPA was 3.75, and the average rGRE scores were 155 V, 154 Q, and 4.0 E.
How can I have my transcripts reviewed?

Due to resource limitations, only the transcripts of those who actually make application with the university will be reviewed. If a candidate has a question on one or two courses then those may be directed to ptadmissions@unf.edu.

Prerequisite Courses

Are there prerequisites to the DPT program? If so, is there a limit regarding the age of the courses?

Yes, there are twelve (12) prerequisites to the DPT program, which are denoted in PTCAS and on the program webpage. Applicants must have had all science (8 courses) and math (1 course) prerequisites within the past 7 years without exception. There is no age limit placed on the Psychology prerequisites and the optional Medical Terminology course. Courses older than 7 years must be re-taken.
Must all of the prerequisites be completed before I may apply?

No; feel free to apply before you complete all of the prerequisites. You may be considered for acceptance with a few courses left in progress at the time of decision. At the time of the application deadline (end of fall term), however, at least five (5) of the eight (8) science prerequisite courses must be completed. Admission would be contingent upon successful completion of outstanding requirements with a B or better in each course.
May I take prerequisites at institutions other than UNF?

Yes; candidates are permitted to complete the necessary prerequisites at any regionally accredited institution. Note that not all institutions will permit re-enrollment in courses previously passed with a C or better so check with the institution of your choice in advance and plan accordingly.
Will any other upper-level Biology courses with labs suffice for Biology II?

Yes; though the courses that will suffice are limited. UNF's DPT program will honor Microbiology with lab and Genetics with lab. Note that for candidates with Biology II and another appropriate Biology course, individuals should request for the best grade completed to be considered. Email ptadmissions@unf.edu if you have questions regarding the acceptability of any other courses.
What are some acceptable courses for the second Psychology requirement?

Acceptable courses include Developmental Psychology, Lifespan Development, Human Growth & Development, Abnormal Psychology, and Health Psychology. Candidates with other coursework may email ptadmissions@unf.edu to question its acceptability. Note that Sociology and Anthropology courses are typically not sufficient.

GRE Requirements

May I apply before I take the GRE?

Yes; however, applicants lacking rGRE scores will not be forwarded to the PT program by the Graduate School until all documents are received in and processed by the Graduate School. Candidates who wish to improve upon previous GRE scores are encouraged to submit original scores to the Graduate School and submit written notice to the Assistant Director for Admissions: Nursing & Physical Therapy regarding intent to retake the exam. Exam results for additional attempts must be submitted to the Graduate School and PTCAS for processing by the deadline.

Late scores will not be considered. Please plan your test date accordingly.
May I retake the GRE if I am not satisfied with my scores?

Following the testing policies of ETS, candidates may submit multiple sets of scores for consideration. All attempts, however, MUST be on file by the actual application deadline and reported officially by the test agency. This means that applicants must plan their testing appointments in accordance with our application deadline. Note that the minimum acceptable essay score is 3.5 without exception.

Those who retake the exam after submitting their initial applications should confirm with the DPT Admissions Office at ptadmissions@unf.edu the attempt that they desired to be considered. Scores are only entered on the applicant tracking spreadsheet one time upon initial review. The office will not know that new scores exist without word from the candidate.
How can I submit GRE scores for my application? Do I need to submit scores to both UNF and PTCAS?

The only acceptable scores at UNF for the GRE are those that are officially reported via the testing company. Scores are not accepted from self-reports, college transcripts, etc. If a candidate has an open set of scores at home (now considered unofficial because they were opened) then those may be supplied temporarily, but official scores are MANDATORY by the application deadline. The program now requires the revised GRE examination to include the analytical writing portion. Extensions will not be granted. Plan accordingly please.

Candidates are encouraged to read the requirements for GRE score submission to PTCAS online at www.ptcas.org.
What is the age limit on GRE scores? What if I previously submitted official scores to UNF?

ETS, which manages the GRE, only archives scores for five (5) years. However, the program now requires the revised GRE version, which began in August 2011, and will not considered the former version of the exam so there should be no issues with obtaining official results from ETS. If you are unable to obtain an official report of scores then you must take the exam and submit new scores by the application deadline. The ONLY exception is if you previously submitted official, appropriate scores to UNF and they are already on file. This may occur if you previously applied and didn’t enroll or previously attended and plan to return for further studies. The program also does not considered the "equivalent" scores from the former GRE version. Candidates must have the revised GRE version on file.

Supplemental Items

Are recommendations or an interview required? How many observation hours are necessary?

Beginning with 2013 admission, a personal interview is required for admission and will be granted on a competitive basis. The interviews are conducted in a group setting on the UNF campus in Jacksonville. Alternate dates and alternate interview methods (phone, Skype, etc.) are not available. Candidates are expected to plan accordingly. The program strives to post dates under the Important Dates chart in a timely manner to allow for this.

Recommendation letters are required by the deadline and must be submitted to the UNF Graduate School on organizational letterhead. These will not be collected or accepted from PTCAS. It is required that one (1) come from a course instructor or academic advisor and the other from a licensed physical therapist. There is no recommendation form; we require them to be provided on organizational letterhead. You may have them sealed and mailed or uploaded as .pdf files in myWings.

Observation hours are not required to be documented to the program. However, it is strongly recommended that the 80 minimum observation hours come from a variety of settings and must be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed PT by the application deadline. Candidates will be asked at interview to speak about their observation experiences.

Again, UNF has no requirement for documenting these items in PTCAS, though other institutions do so check with all programs to which you are submitting applications. See below for more details.
May I claim observation hours from my employment or internship?

As long as your observation time was supervised by a licensed physical therapist, you may document hours earned during employment &/or internships.

Application Status & Decisions

How will I know my application status?

Applicants may contact the Graduate School at (904) 620-1360 to verify the receipt of the application, application fee, supplemental materials, transcripts, and test scores or check via the student portal in myWings. It is recommended that candidates check the portal first before phoning or emailing any office. PTCAS should also include a method of checking the status of your received items and may be referred to at www.ptcas.org.

The timeline for decisions is published under “Important Dates” on the track webpage. Candidates will receive official notification via USPS letter from early January to mid-February depending on the point in the decision cycle.
Is there a waitlist if I am not accepted? Do you accept students prior to the application deadline?

Yes; alternates may be selected and will be contacted should vacancies become available. There is no guarantee that an alternate will be called into the program. Those not admitted may apply for a future term if they desire.

We do not currently engage in the early decision process due to the mandatory interview schedule.

Miscellaneous

How much are tuition and fees? May I receive in-state tuition if I am not a Florida resident?

Tuition and fees are available here. They are subject to change each fall.

Residency and tuition waiver questions should be directed to the Graduate School at (904) 620-1360 prior to the start of the program.
Are campus and program tours available?

Campus tours are available on weekdays, generally twice per day, through the One Stop Center and Swoop Squad. Contact One Stop at (904) 620-5555 or the Visitors Center for more information.

Tours of the PT facilities are available by phoning ahead to the Department of Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences at (904) 620-2841.
Does the DPT program have an open house or informational sessions?

The DPT program hosts an open house each fall, usually in October or November on a Saturday. For details, please be sure to visit the webpage often (this is the most current information available at any time) and also sign up for the newsletter (link on the DPT webpage).
With whom may I speak about the actual program expectations and curriculum?

Questions regarding actual enrollment in the program, and not regarding admission requirements, should be directed to Dr. Mary Lundy at mary.lundy@unf.edu.

Questions regarding admission should be directed to Ms. Beth Dibble at ptadmissions@unf.edu.
Can I have a job while I am a graduate student?

The PT curriculum is rigorous and requires a substantial commitment of student time. Students will need to remain flexible with their time to participate fully in lab sessions, clinicals, and internships. Most students are unable to maintain regular employment while enrolled in the program.
How do UNF graduate fare on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)?

he first-time pass rate was 100% for the class that most recently took the exam. The American Physical Therapy Association also maintains statistics for each program at www.apta.org.