FAQS

For the 2008-2011 program, cost is $57,000. The price is set at the beginning of the program and will not increase. Students pay in 3 equal parts in June of each of the 3 years. An increase in the program price is expected each year.

When are applications available and when are applications accepted?

Applications are available usually in June and we start accepting applications after August 1.

When are applications due?

Applications and all supporting materials are due November 1 to be guaranteed consideration.

What are the average GRE scores and GPA of the accepted students?

Cumulative undergraduate GPA – 3.55

Math and science GPA – 3.45

Verbal GRE - 470

Quantitative GRE – 640

Total GRE - 1110

What is the acceptance rate?

Of the qualified applicants, 38% were offered admission.

Are observation hours required?

No specific observation hours in a physical therapy clinic are required. It is understood though that applicants will have had some exposure to physical therapy and health care. On your application you will be asked about your exposure to PT.

How many full time clinical hours are required in the program?

Approximately 1400 clock hours or 35 weeks

How many faculty do you have and how many are PhD prepared?

Currently the program employs ten full-time faculty who are physical therapists. Seven have Ph.D.'s and are working on advanced doctoral degrees. We also have seven part-time faculty who teach substantial portions of the curriculum and who are full-time clinicians in a specialized area. Numerous other clinicians from a variety of disciplines teach as guest lecturers. (Some of the full-time faculty have teaching responsibilities in an undergraduate program)

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education Programs.

What is the pass rate of Bradley Students on the National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure?

We do not have statistics from our Doctoral program students since we are only in the second year. However the ultimate pass rate of the students from our Master's program for the past 3 years is 97.67 (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy - http://www.fsbpt.org/exams/PassRates/index.asp)

What is the history of the physical therapy program at Bradley University ?

Physical therapy began at Bradley University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT). Initial accreditation was received in 1994. In 2000 we began the Master of Physical Therapy program (MPT) and phased out the BSPT. Our last Master's students graduated in 2006. In 2005 we began the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the first class graduated in May of 2008.

Why is a doctoral degree necessary for physical therapy?

We encourage you to follow the links to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) frequently asked question about the DPT. Go to www.apta.org , then click on Education, click on Educational Programs – Professional PT, then click on DPT degree FAQ's.