What bachelor's degree does the ETSU PT program recommend?

Contrary to rumors (and you've probably heard some!) we don't require or recommend any particular major/degree. We have had students in the program with backgrounds in a variety of areas: English, business, music, psychology, foreign language, exercise science, biology, nursing, public health, education, etc. We suggest that you choose a major in which you are interested. Remember: You still have to take the prerequisite courses regardless of your chosen major.

Do I have priority consideration if I attend ETSU for my undergraduate degree?

No, however, there is an advantage to doing your undergraduate work here: all the prerequisite courses are available at ETSU - you don't have to worry about whether or not you are taking acceptable courses.

I already have a bachelor's degree in physical therapy; may I apply to the DPT program?

Yes, you may apply for advanced standing in our DPT program.

Do you accept out-of-state students?

YES!

Do you require a certain number of volunteer or observation hours?

We do expect that you will have done some observation or volunteer work in a PT setting, however, we do not require a certain number of hours.  If you are selected for an interview you will be asked to talk about your experience in a clinic or other PT setting.

Where can I find clinical sites for volunteer or observation experience?

The yellow pages are a good start or if you know a physical therapist, ask if you could shadow him or her.

What is the average GPA of students accepted into the program?

Most students accepted into the PT program have GPAs in the 3.3-3.6 range (on a 4.0 scale).  The same holds true of their GPAs in the prerequisite courses.

What parts of the GRE do I need to take?

You need to take the general sections. We currently use the scores in the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

What is the required minimum score on the GRE?

There is no minimum score required, however, it is in your best interest to score as high as possible.

Should I study for the GRE?

Yes! You should get a study guide and go over the practice tests and the tips for taking the GRE at a minimum.  You shouldn't wait until the last minute to do this either!

I have the Graduate School application. Is there a separate PT application?

If you are applying for admission to the entry-level DPT the only application you need is the application from the School of Graduate Studies. (And you can apply on-line now or request a paper version). If you are applying for advanced standing, you will also submit the Physical Therapy Department Application for Advanced Standing.

Should I get my application in before July 1?

YES, YES, YES!  Although all application materials must be received by the School of Graduate Studies by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on July 1,  we strongly recommend that you submit your application as soon as you have met all the requirements. If you apply early and there happens to be something missing in your application, then we'll have time to notify you.  If you wait until the last minute to apply and your application is incomplete, you may be ineligible for consideration. See also:  Early Decision

Who should complete my recommendation forms?

You will need to submit three recommendation forms (they are included in the application packet).  At least one should be from a licensed physical therapist.  You may use faculty or employers for the others (or any combination, as long as one is from a PT). NOTE: Recommendations MUST be submitted on the forms provided in the School of Graduate Studies application materials.

Should I submit more than three recommendation forms?

We only use three in the screening process, so if you were to submit more than three, the selective admissions coordinator will contact you and ask which three you want to use.

Do you interview all applicants?

Not necessarily. We will interview eligible applicants but the number we actually interview will depend on the applicant pool each year.  We generally do not interview more than 60 applicants for the 30 available spots.

When are the interviews and when should I expect to hear if I've been selected for an interview?

Interviews are the first Saturday in August each year.  If you are selected for an interview, you should hear at least a week in advance. (We'd prefer to give more notice and will if possible!)

When does the program start?

Each new class of entry-level DPT students begins in January (spring semester).

How much does the program cost?

For the current information on tuition/fees, please see the Bursar's office website. There is a fee for the Human Gross Anatomy lab course in the first semester (not to exceed $100). In addition, students must be prepared to cover costs associated with Clinical Education (travel, lodging, food, background checks and additional immunizations or requirements as determined by the clinical site). These costs will vary by semester depending on the location of the clinical site to which the student is assigned.

What is the schedule of courses for the PT program?

The schedule changes each semester and is often based on the availability of guest speakers/lecturers and visits to off-site locations. 1st and 2nd year entry-level students should expect to be in class 8-5 Monday-Friday (though in any given semester, this is the extreme case). Entry-level students in the 3rd year should expect many courses to be on weekends or at night since those courses will be courses students with advanced standing will take as well.

We have over 150 clinical education sites at this time, but due to the length of that list we do not post it on the website. The majority of our sites are in Tennessee, however, we also have sites in Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, Oregon, Florida, and other states. Students are required to complete clinical rotations in certain areas or types of facilities (ex: acute, out-patient, rural, out of the Tri-Cities area). The Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) may place students according to availability of sites for each particular rotation, student goals and objectives, particular areas in which the student needs additional work or practice.

How do ETSU PT graduates fair on the national licensing exam?

The average scores of the ETSU PT program graduates are higher than the state and national average scores. ETSU PT graduates also have an excellent pass rate on the exam. The most recent data provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) (for graduating classes of 2001-2003) indicate the ultimate pass rate for our program is 100%.

How long does it take ETSU PT program graduates to find jobs as physical therapists?

Our graduates who were actively seeking employment have all been employed within six months of graduation (most of them are employed well within six months!)

The department maintains a job announcement bulletin board and forwards all job postings to the Career Development office for their posting on their job announcement website.

I still have questions about the program- who can I contact?

You may email the admissions coordinator. You may also the Admissions Coordinator by phone (423) 439-8275.