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Admission to the program is competitive, the average class size is thirty-six students. Each year more qualified candidates apply for admission than we are able to admit; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Acceptance is based on academic excellence, evidence of physical therapy clinical experience, the required essays, interview (if invited), and letters of recommendation. Acceptance will be based on the stated criteria and not based on race, sex, creed or national origin.
It is recommended that candidates review the core performance standards, found in Appendix A of the PT Student Handbook, on our website prior to submitting their application.
Our new class begins in the summer of each year (end of June or early July).
The minimum entrance requirements for the graduate entry-level physical therapy program are:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Documented volunteer or paid clinical experience in
physical therapy (100 hours minimum), e.g., how many hours completed at any health care facility. This should be signed by a licensed physical therapist, with an indication of his/her appropriate credentials. ( sample documentation This link is for interested parties not yet ready to apply through PTCAS.) A minimum of 50 hours is required at time of application. A minimum of 100 hours is required at time of matriculation.
- Three letters of recommendation (2 from licensed Physical Therapists; 1 from an upper-level Professor)
- Completion of required courses with a grade of C (2.0 minimum) or better
- Completion of the PTCAS application AND UD Graduate Application to which the PT Supplemental Application form is uploaded.
- Payment of UD supplemental fee $35.
- If requested, an interview with the admissions committee.
In addition, the Graduate Record Examination (verbal and quantitative) must be taken and scores forwarded to the University of Delaware. (School Code 5811)
Acceptance will be based upon the stated criteria and not on the basis of race, sex, creed, or national origin.
Required Courses
| Course |
Type or Level
Semester and (credits)
|
Course Description |
| English |
Writing
1 (3) |
Expository and argumentative composition through analysis of selected readings. |
| Psychology |
Introductory
1 (3) |
A foundation course in the application of the scientific method to problems of human behavior and experience. |
| Psychology |
Upper Level
1 (3) |
Suggested classes include, Personality; Sensation and Perception; Learning and motivation; Brain and Behavior; Memory and Mnemonics; Child Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; and Cognition. |
| Statistics |
Introductory
1 (3) |
Probability; estimation; classical statistical inference; modern decision theory. |
| Calculus |
Introductory
1 (3) |
Topics include functions, graphing functions, limits, derivatives, sequences, series, exponential and logarithmic functions and integration (Pre-Calculus will NOT fulfill this requirement). |
| Chemistry w/ lab |
Introductory
2 (8) |
Matter, the changes that matter undergoes, and the laws governing these changes, with greater emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, equilibria and energy relationships. Includes one three hour lab per week. |
Physics
w/ lab |
Introductory
2 (8) |
Fundamentals of physics, classical and modern; includes mathematics and problem solving. Calculus or Trigonometry based Physics will fulfill this requirement. |
Biology
w/ lab
|
Introductory
2 (8) |
Biology of the cell both structure and function. Perpetuation of life cell division, genetics and development. Origin of life and diversity of life. Material also included is the physiology of multicellular organisms: fungi, plants, and animals. The biology of populations, including behavior, evolution and ecology. (Any Anatomy and Physiology course may NOT be used to fulfill this requirement). |
| Physiology |
Human or Mammalian
1 (3) |
Principle underlying function of organisms at the organ system level; ionic composition and regulation, respiration, circulation, nutritive metabolism, excretion and neuromuscular activity. B306/316 is physiology of the basic organ systems of humans. If an Anatomy & Physiology course is used to fulfill this requirement, both A&P I and A&P II must be completed. (Exercise Physiology may NOT be used to fulfill this requirement) |
Recommended Courses
(but not required for admissions)
| Course |
Type or Level/Semesters and (credits) |
| Anatomy with lab |
Upper Level with dissection / 1 (4) |
| Biochemistry with lab |
General / 1 (4) |
| Ethics |
Introductory / 1 (3) |
| Introduction to Computers |
Introductory / 1 (3) |
| Organic Chemistry |
General / 1 (4) |
| Public Speaking |
Introductory / 1 (3) |
| Sociology of Health Care |
Introductory / 1 (3) |
| Sociology |
Introductory / 1 (3) |
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