Department of Physical Therapy
Professional Program in Physical Therapy:
UNTHSC is currently developing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on its Fort Worth campus, with plans to begin classes in summer or fall of 2010.
Become part of this exciting new DPT program. The curriculum will include a teaching collaboration of physical therapy faculty and physician-specialists in the instruction of manual therapy. This 30-month program will prepare you to practice as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in one of today's fastest growing and most rewarding health professions.
Program Vision:
Our plans are to launch a new DPT program with a unique vision to evolve into a top 10 physical therapy program in the U.S. by:
a) Preparing graduates to utilize Evidence-Based Practice and be able to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines based on the evidence.
b) offering a new team teaching model in manual therapy through collaboration with osteopathic physician-specialists in manual medicine;
c) developing a physical therapy Rural Track Program, and
d) contributing to a growing health science center-wide initiative in multiple areas of research, including musculoskeletal and biomechanics.
Program Highlights:
- Well-rounded education in all aspects of contemporary physical therapy.
- Opportunity to enroll in a special Rural Track Program which prepares you to practice in a small community setting
- Learning in a research-intensive health science center environment which includes a nationally designated Osteopathic Research Center and a new 7000-square foot Musculoskeletal Research Center.
- A low student-faculty ratio that ensures close contact with and continuous mentoring by physical therapy faculty.
- Interdisciplinary education experiences with students in medical school and physician assistant programs at the health science center. Study together in classroom and clinical settings as partners in shaping the health care teams of the future.
The Department and the University:
The Department of Physical Therapy is the first academic department in the new School of Health Professions at UNTHSC and is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping this school. Additional health professions programs will be proposed in future years.
UNTHSC belongs to the three-campus University of North Texas System, is regionally accredited and is recognized as one of the state's fastest growing health science centers. UNTHSC currently includes three schools - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Public Health - in addition to the new School of Health Professions. With more than 1200 students and 300 full-time faculty, annual extramural research support totals approximately $30 million, and a new master plan is designed to double the size of the current campus. The health science center is poised to greatly enhance its already successful educational programs, fast-growing research initiatives and critically important health care service to the community and state.
Program Approval/Accreditation:
University of North Texas Health Science Center has received Preliminary Authority to plan for a DPT program from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and recently filed with them an official request for approval to offer the DPT degree. Implementation of the DPT program is contingent upon receiving final approval of THECB.
UNTHSC is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone 703-706-3245; accreditation @apta.org). The program will submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award master's and doctoral degrees.
Admissions Requirements:1
- Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or Canadian equivalent)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 hours of coursework
- Completion of specific prerequisite coursework with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Admissions interview is required.
Required Prerequisite Courses:1
- Two semesters each (for science majors) of: psychology, biology*, chemistry (w/lab), physics (w/lab) and psychology
1Note: Admissions requirement are subject to change with notice.
*This includes courses in General Biology, Zoology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Immunology, Parasitology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology. Biology courses should cover the cellular and molecular aspects, and the structure and function of living organisms.
Strongly recommended courses (these courses are not required for admission but may contribute to success in physical therapy school):
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Statistics
- Medical terminology
Clinical Experiences:
You will have opportunities to learn at clinical sites across the DFW area and the nation, including opportunities to train in smaller communities throughout Texas.
Additional Information:
In addition to updated information posted on this site, you may contact the Department Chair, Clayton Holmes, EdD, PT, at (817) 735-2510 or email at cholmes@hsc.unt.edu, with further questions about the planned program.
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This page last updated Aug 20, 2008
