Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, page 4

Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, page 4
Independent Health Professions

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Advanced Standing Program

The department has a limited program of advanced standing for qualified clinicians who wish to acquire the D.P.T. Applicants should hold the master's degree in physical therapy, have more than six years of clinical experience and demonstrate high academic achievement in prior studies. Individual programs of study are planned for each applicant upon review of credentials and consultation with the faculty.

Professional Entry-Level Program

This program, for persons who are not physical therapists, comprises six semesters and two summers for completion of the required 120 units. All courses are in sequence and only in rare circumstances, or in a department-approved flex program, is the sequence altered.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to complete a baccalaureate degree (a minimum of four years or 120 semester hours of academic work) at an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. The prerequisite course work must include: four courses in the biological sciences (human anatomy and human physiology as separate courses are required); one year of college physics; a minimum of one year of college chemistry (organic chemistry and/or biochemistry is preferred); one semester of college mathematics (calculus preferred); two courses in psychology. Other studies must include: one course in composition and writing; one course in literature or one course in history. A cross-cultural course in sociology is recommended. All science courses must include laboratories. Experience in the use of computers as a tool for independent learning is recommended. Students from foreign countries must have taken at least one year of study in the United States prior to application. Credits from foreign institutions must be approved by the USC Office of International Admissions.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The GRE is required of all applicants. In general a score of 500 is a minimum on each of the components of the aptitude test.

Applications

Applications are available in September for the class entering in September of the following year. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 15 of each year. Only one class is admitted each year.

The Admissions Committee reviews all information submitted. Applicants may be requested to appear for a personal interview. It is highly recommended that all applicants make an appointment to visit the Health Sciences Campus and talk with students and members of the faculty.

Notice of Acceptance

Notice of acceptance will be sent to successful candidates no earlier than late January and continually thereafter until the class is filled. In no case will an acceptance be offered earlier than one year before anticipated enrollment.

Candidates should reply to an offer of acceptance within two weeks enclosing a $250 deposit (nonrefundable) which is credited to tuition at the time of registration. A letter of withdrawal is required if applicants wish to relinquish their place in the class; release is granted automatically upon receipt of the letter.

Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu