Doctor of Physical Therapy

The doctor of physical therapy program reflects the mission of GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which includes teaching with creativity and dedication; healing with quality and compassion; and discovering with imagination and innovation. This is an entry-level professional program that prepares graduates to examine, evaluate, diagnose, develop plans of care, provide interventions, and assess outcomes for patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal, neuromotor, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary dysfunctions. The program is offered full-time over eight semesters.

Students explore the legal and ethical aspects of patient care as well as issues of communication, patient education, health promotion, health policy, and practice management. The program is committed to the development of generalist practitioners prepared to practice in an evidence-based and ethical manner. Graduates are reflective practitioners who think critically to effectively solve problems; compassionate practitioners who demonstrate excellence in communication and interpersonal skills with respect for individual and cultural differences, and the core values of the profession; and dedicated practitioners who value the tenets of lifelong learning. Small classes enable students to engage in critical thinking activities that facilitate effective clinical decision making and problem solving. Faculty members use innovative teaching strategies and integrate clinical experiences to facilitate learning and retention throughout the curriculum.

This program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapist Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. Students are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination upon graduation.

Visit the program website for additional program information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall - December 1
	The application and all supporting documentation (fees, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores) must be received by the deadline in order for the application to be reviewed.
	The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program uses the online application system PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). Please go to the PTCAS Web site to begin the application process. The fee for using PTCAS is based on the number of programs the applicant designates. A limited number of application fee waivers are available. Meeting PTCAS’ eligibility criterion for a fee waiver does not guarantee a waiver will be granted for supplemental application fees.
	In addition to the PTCAS application, all applicants must submit a GW Supplemental Application to the Health Sciences Office of Admissions.
Standardized test scores:	The GRE is required for all applicants. Official GRE score reports must be received by the application deadline for an application to be considered for admission. The institution code for GW is 5246.
Recommendations required:	Two (2) recommendations must be submitted with your PTCAS application.
Prior academic records:	Official transcripts from every college and university attended must be submitted directly to PTCAS. All transcripts must be submitted, whether or not a degree was earned.
	All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by World Education Services and submitted directly to PTCAS.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 to 500 words, describe your reasons for undertaking study in the Health Sciences at The George Washington University. You should state your academic objectives, career plans, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
Additional Requirements:	Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
	Prerequisite course work includes the following:
	-Anatomy and Physiology (two semester sequence, or one semester of each; human focus preferred)
	-Physics (two semesters with lab)
	-Chemistry (two semesters with lab)
	-Biology (two semesters with lab recommended)
	-English (two semesters: one composition, one literature)
	-Statistics (one semester; mathematical focus preferred)
	-Psychology (two semesters: must include psychology beyond the introductory level)
	All science courses must be for science/health science majors.
	All applicants are required to review the Technical Standards/Essential Functions for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policy before applying.
	Note: Accepted applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable tuition deposit.
International applicants only:	Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents and English language requirements.
	PLEASE NOTE that the Health Sciences programs require the following minimum English language test scores for admission:
	-Academic IETLS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0; or
	-TOEFL: 600 on paper-based, 250 on computer-based, or 100 on Internet-based; or
	-PTE Academic: 68

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Office of Admissions
Health Sciences Programs
The George Washington University
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 2000
Washington, DC 20006

For questions contact:

hsphora@gwu.edu
202-994-0384
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 109 credits to be taken in the following sequence:

Program of Study

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall I Semester I
PT 8201	Functional Anatomy
PT 8311	Foundations of Examination
PT 8312	Foundations of Interventions
PT 8351	Professional Issues in Physical Therapy Health Care Management I
PT 8361	Clinical Conference I

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Spring I Semester II
PT 8202	Applied Physiology
PT 8313	Therapeutic Modalities
PT 8352	Teaching in Physical Therapy Practice
PT 8203	Neuroscience in Rehabilitation I
PT 8271	Research in Practice
PT 8362	Clinical Conference II
PT 8483	Integrated Clinical Experience I
PT 8204	Movement Science I

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Summer I Semester III
PT 8205	Movement Science II
PT 8206	Neuroscience in Rehabilitation II
PT 8207	Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology
PT 8363	Clinical Conference III
PT 8481	Interprofessional Community Practicum

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall II Semester IV
PT 8315	Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I
PT 8208	Medical Imaging
PT 8318	Management of Neuromotor Dysfunction
PT 8323	Prosthetics and Orthotics
PT 8364	Clinical Conference IV
PT 8272	Research Seminar
PT 8484	Integrated Clinical Experience II

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Spring II Semester V
PT 8316	Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II
PT 8320	Management of the Pediatric Client
PT 8322	Management of the Aging Adult
PT 8314	Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction
PT 8317	Management of Integumentary Dysfunction
PT 8365	Clinical Conference V

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Summer II Semester VI
PT 8491	Clinical Education Experience I
PT 8366	Clinical Conference VI
PT 8321	Women's Health

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall III Semester VII
PT 8492	Clinical Education Experience II
PT 8355	Professional Issues in Physical Therapy Health Care Management II
PT 8357	Capstone Seminar
PT 8356	Health Promotion and Wellness

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Spring III Semester VIII
PT 8493	Clinical Education Experience III
Elective