FAQs on PT

1. Does Husson accept transfer students into the PT program?
Yes. We currently offer a number of points of entry into the six-year Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree program. Students may enter into any of the three pre-professional years depending on the number of transfer credits accepted. Students with an undergraduate degree, who have completed the necessary pre-professional courses, may apply for the three-year  professional program (year four) of the Doctor of Physical Therapy.

2. What is the Employment Outlook for Physical Therapists?
According to the 2011-2012 Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the PT markets are expected to grow well into the next decade. "Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 39 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations," the handbook states. "Job opportunities will be good for licensed physical therapists in all settings. Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, skilled nursing, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated. Job prospects should be especially favorable in rural areas because many physical therapists live in highly populated urban and suburban areas. To read the entire report with information about PT demand and salary projections, log on to www.bls.gov/oco.

3. How does the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree influence physical therapy licensure?
According to the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) licensure requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist professional education program and a passing score on a state licensure examination. The baccalaureate, master's and doctorate in Physical Therapy are all appropriate degrees for licensure.

4. Do I earn a Bachelor's degree if I enter the six-year Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program?
After the successful completion of the fourth year of study and all undergraduate requirements, Physical Therapy students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree.

5. When should I apply?
Early application is encouraged for the pre-professional phase. Applications are reviewed on a continual basis. Early acceptance is offered to applicants who meet all program requirements. Application deadline for transfer into the professional phase (year four) is April 1^st. Early application to the professional phase is also encouraged to ensure that all admission requirements have been met.

6. If I am accepted into the pre-professional phase, do I have to reapply to the professional phase of the program?
No. Students who are accepted into the pre-professional phase of the physical therapy program are guaranteed a position in the professional phase if they have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or greater by the close of the spring semester of the third year. Those students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.299 will compete with other qualified applicants for available seats in the professional phase class.