FAQ - Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is an allied health profession which promotes optimal health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged dysfunction. The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals reach their maximum potential and to contribute to society while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Physical therapy is a growing health profession with career opportunities in hospitals, private practice, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, research institutions, retirement communities, nursing homes, pediatric centers and schools.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?

A physical therapist (PT) completes a minimum of four years of education culminating a bachelor or master's degree. In the State of Ohio, he or she works from physicians' referrals, evaluating the patient, planning the program, and carrying out treatment. Beginning 2002, all physical therapy programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education will be at the post-baccalaureate level. The physical therapist Assistant (PTA) has at least two years of education culminating in an associates degree. He or she works under the supervision of a physical therapist implementing the PT's plan of treatment.

Who is eligible to apply to the Physical Therapy Program?

Entrance into the Physical Therapy program is competitive. COMPLETION OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS IS NECESSARY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAM. To be eligible for admission into physical therapy program the following requirements must be met:

1. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

2. Academic coursework

One year of Freshman English (English 101,102,103)
One year of First Year Chemistry with Lab (Chemistry course taken must be equivalent to the First Year Chemistry sequence required of Chemistry majors)
One year of College Biology with lab
One year of College Physics with lab
One year of Anatomy & Physiology and lab (Human)
Introductory Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology
One three credit hour statistics course (Business Statistics is not acceptable)
One three or four credit hour upper level exercise physiology course

3. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Suggested minimum score for the GRE is 450 in each section.

4. Documentation of 50 work or volunteer hours in a physical therapy setting, 25 of which must be in the in-patient department of a hospital (acute care facility).

5. Submission of 3 completed recommendation forms, including one from a physical therapist.

6. Availability to attend a personal interview with the Admissions Committee. Interviews are granted to those applicants determined most qualified by the Admissions Committee.

7. TOEFL scores are required for all students whose native language is a language other than English. Students should be aware that admissions requirements for the PT Program are constantly being evaluated and may, at any time, be changed. Students preparing to apply to the program are advised to check regularly with the College of Allied Health Sciences academic advisors and the program office regarding admission requirements.

What about high school students who are interested in Physical Therapy?

High school students interested in applying to the Physical Therapy program must enroll in a bachelor's program and earn their bachelor's degree before applying to the masters program. The University of Cincinnati intends on offering a Health Sciences undergraduate major in the near future which would include the prerequisites courses and offer students a strong background for applying to the PT program. Before entering college, students should complete three units of math, one unit of high school biology, one unit of high school chemistry, four units of English, two units of social science, two units of foreign language and two additional units of high school coursework. Additional high school courses that may help prepare individuals for college include physics and anatomy/physiology. Students can select any bachelor's program but are reminded that entrance requirements to colleges will vary. The College of Allied Health Sciences does offer a program curriculum in Pre-Physical Therapy at the undergraduate level. The academic advisors of the College of Allied Health Sciences can provide information on this program as well as suggestions for prospective students.

What about individuals who have a previous degree and have already met all admission requirements?

Individuals who have met the physical therapy admission requirements can apply, during the application period, to the Physical Therapy Program if the course requirements have been completed within the past 10 calendar years and the GRE taken within the past 5 calendar years. Individuals with questions concerning prior coursework and its acceptance in meeting physical therapy requirements should contact the College's academic advisors.

What about transfer students who have taken some, but not all, of the admissions requirements of the Physical Therapy Program?

Transfer students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for admission to the College of Allied Health Sciences and must select a bachelor's program. To transfer, students should request an application from the University of Cincinnati's Office of Admissions and indicate their preference for the major of choice. Following review of transcripts by the academic advisor, applicants will be notified of requirements that have been met. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree but have not taken all admissions requirements or students who are undecided in their choice of a bachelor's degree should contact the College's academic advisors.

When do academic prerequisites have to be completed?

All academic physical therapy admission requirements must be completed by the end of the Spring quarter of the year of application.

How many students will be admitted?

A maximum of 24 students will be accepted for admission. Enrollment is limited. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission into the Physical Therapy program.

What is the basis of admission?

Admission is determined by objectively weighing the following criteria: submission of a complete application by the application deadline, grade point average based on prerequisite course work, GRE scores, and recommendations. This decision is based primarily on GPA and GRE scores.