Master of Physical Therapy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

Program Director: Associate Professor Quillen

Professors Emeritae: Ekstam, Ladue

Professor: Oldridge

Associate Professor: Porter

Clinical Assistant Professors: Bainbridge, Carey

Visiting Assistant Professor: Chapman

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Length of the Program The course of study is 29 months (89 graduate credit hours) of professional course work.

Structure of the Program The professional program is presented in a full-time, day format only.

Design of the Professional Curriculum The physical therapy curriculum is organized so that the lecture and laboratory course work is integrated with patient care experiences. Full-time clinical education experiences of varying length occur throughout the course of study. The Physical Therapy Program course of study develops an understanding of normal and abnormal physical structure and function. The curriculum focuses on the management of patient problems rather than on procedures. Graduates of the Master of Physical Therapy Program demonstrate competency in physical therapy and the basic skills of research, administration, and teaching. Additionally, graduates show the ability and interest to continue professional development.

Opportunity for Students to Work Because of the intense nature of the program, students are not encouraged to seek outside employment during their enrollment.

Additional Cost In addition to Physical Therapy Program tuition and university fees, students should expect to pay program-related expenses. Contact the program for a current cost sheet.

Facilities Physical Therapy Program offices are located in Coleman Hall. Lecture and laboratory classes are located in Ball Residence Hall, Long Hospital Building and other locations on the IUPUI campus.

Accreditation The Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy Association. The program has filed an Application for Interim Accreditation of the master of physical therapy program with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

ADMISSION

General Information

Criteria Used for Selection of Class Admission into the School of Allied Health Sciences Physical Therapy Program is based on overall grade point average, mathematics and science prerequisite courses grade point average, student’s suitability for the physical therapy profession as reported by volunteer experience, supervisor evaluation of generic abilities, and a statement of personal values.

Class Size 60 each spring semester.

Specific Requirements

Application Deadline June 15 of the year prior to anticipated January entry.

Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours 32 of the stated 39 prerequisite credit hours courses must be completed at the time of program application. NO WAIVERS FOR DEGREE COMPLETION OR COURSE PREREQUISITES WILL BE GRANTED BY THE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM.

Limitations of Course Work Remedial courses may not be counted in the prerequisite credit hours; statistics, human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and human lifespan development must be completed no more than seven years prior to the date of entry.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. The minimum grade point average must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.

Minimum Specific Grade Point Average 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all credit hours attempted in mathematics and science prerequisite courses. The minimum grade point average must be met at the time of application and maintained until admission.

Minimum Grade Requirement in a Stated Prerequisite Course C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale).

Technical Standards See School of Allied Health Sciences policy.

Medical Requirements Basic immunizations as determined by Student Health Services must be completed by the first day of classes.

Indiana Residents Preference Policy See School of Allied Health Sciences policy. Nonresident, direct transfer applicants will be considered for admission only if the class cannot be filled with applicants who are residents of Indiana or who have completed the majority of applicable course work at a public college or university in Indiana.

Volunteer Experience Students must complete the equivalent of one day (8 hours) volunteer observational experience at two or more different types of Physical Therapy treatment facilities and have the supervising physical therapist complete the program’s student evaluation form.

Additional Requirements Accepted applicants and applicants on the alternate list must complete all the requirements for their baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in the Master of Physical Therapy Program and maintain the following:

• a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in each semester following notification of their status;

• a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all attempted credit hours; and,

• a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all credit hours attempted in mathematics and science prerequisite courses.

CURRICULUM

Prerequisites

Humanities/Social Sciences (G)	6 cr.
(Two courses such as Sociology, Anthropology, art, History. or Philosophy.)
Introductory Statistics (G)	3 cr.
Human Anatomy (G) (one course with lab)	4 cr.*
Human Physiology (G)( one course with lab)	4 cr.*
Chemistry (two courses with lab)	8 cr.*
Physics (two courses with lab)	8 cr.*
Introductory Psychology	3 cr.
Human Lifespan Development	3 cr.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology prior to entering the professional program. Students will need to be competent writers and demonstrate computer literacy.

Professional Program

Students must successfully complete and maintain current Health Care Professional-Level CPR certification prior to beginning clinical education experiences.

Scholarships The Constance Brown Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a deceased Physical Therapy Program alumna, is awarded to an outstanding first-year student. The Frances C. Ekstam Scholarship, in honor of the Physical Therapy Program’s first director, is awarded to an outstanding second-year student.

Awards The program recommends to the university superior academic students for degrees awarded with distinction. The William D. Porter Award is presented annually to a Program graduate selected by faculty as having demonstrated excellence in both the study and clinical application of neurological rehabilitation techniques. The award is in recognition of Mr. William D. Porter, who contributed to the education of innumerable Indiana University physical therapy students through his textbook photographs and classroom audiovisual materials.

Graduation Requirements Satisfactory completion of 89 graduate credit hours, including clinical education. All course work must be completed in compliance with the program’s and school’s academic and professional policies.

For further information, contact: