Physical Therapy FAQ
Are there differences between the entry-level masters and doctoral degrees in physical therapy?
The status of the entry-level physical therapist graduate with either degree is the same. All accredited professional entry-level programs are designed to provide a broad physical therapy background. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education uses the same evaluative criteria to accredit these levels. The institution determines the degree to be offered. There may a difference in emphasis as a result of a specific program mission or individual faculty strengths
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Is there a ranking of physical therapy programs?
The American Physical Therapy Association does not rank programs. The accreditation process assures quality in physical therapy education.
Why a post-baccalaureate degree?
This educational process provides time for the student to obtain a broad liberal arts background and integrate the significant amount of material included in the physical therapy curriculum. Over the years, the volume of scientific technology and literature in educational programs has grown well beyond what can be reasonably included in a baccalaureate program.
There are additional expectations of the physical therapy professional with the changes in the health care delivery system and needs of society which are best met with the additional coursework and skills.
How can I enhance my chance of admission to a physical therapy program?
A high overall grade point average, especially in the prerequisite course work, and exploring as many aspects of the field as possible are helpful in the admissions process. A record of observations and/or volunteer experiences in a variety of physical therapy practice settings, excellent writing,community service volunteering, and good interpersonal skills, and above average GRE scores are additional areas of emphasis.
What factors should I consider in selecting an educational program?
Personal considerations such as geographic location, cost, class size, faculty composition, degree awarded and design and length of the program will help you decide on a school. Present students, recent graduates and employers of graduates are sources of information on the strengths and weaknesses of programs.
Is the physical therapist assistant program a stepping stone to a physical therapist program?
No. The curriculum of the physical therapist assistant student differs from that of the physical therapist and does not provide the prerequisites needed for physical therapist education. However, there are accredited programs that are designed to permit experienced physical therapist assistants to continue working while they attend a physical therapist degree program on the weekends.
What are the course requirements in the sciences?
Required courses include one academic year of physics for science majors, a statistics course (education, math or psychology) and two courses in advanced sciences are required. Examples of advanced science course work are genetics, histology, comparative anatomy, embryology and microbiology. The higher-level science courses should include laboratory work. It is recognized that laboratories are not offered with all advanced sciences.
What undergraduate degree should I have?
Any undergraduate degree is acceptable as long as the student completes the required pre-requisite courses. All entering students are required to have at least an undergraduate degree with background in the humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences. Non-science majors are encouraged to apply. All applicants must complete prerequisite courses before entering the program.
What Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required?
No minimal score required. All three sections of the exam are required. The reservation for taking the examination is due approximately 6 weeks prior to the date of the exam and scores are available a month after the exam. Availability of exam results must be considered when applying by a specific deadline.
Does my application need to be turned in as a complete packet?
No, an applicant should submit the application data form and the deposit early. The other application materials (transcript(s), observation forms, resume, and official GRE scores) must reach the registrar's office by the deadlines posted.
What are the qualifications of program faculty?
The academic and clinical faculty includes a diverse group of credentialed professionals and outstanding educators who are recognized for their expertise. Expertise within the program faculty includes clinical practice specialty areas, administration and research.
Faculty members have publications and make poster, paper and workshop presentations regularly. They are recognized as leaders in professional and scientific associations locally, nationally and internationally. Faculty members encourage students to become actively involved in their chosen profession.
Can I apply to more than one program on the medical center campus?
Students are encouraged to apply to multiple programs. Each admissions process is a separate activity.
What is the length and sequence of coursework within the program?
The program is three calendar years in length. Learning activities within the program include lecture, practical laboratory experiences and clinical education assignments. The first year of the program focuses more upon classroom and laboratory activities on the campus, the second and third years include more clinical applications coursework and clinical education experiences.The clinical education experiences require the student to temporarily relocate with at least one period being at an affiliated organization outside of the state. Students are responsible for their own living expenses during this time.
When can I apply?
Applications are available in July preceding the date of enrollment. Students may apply for the program during their final year of enrollment in a baccalaureate program and be admitted contingent upon successful completion of the degree program. All prerequisites for the program must be completed before enrolling in the program.
Is there a waiting list?
No, students who are not accepted for admittance during one enrollment year must submit a new application for any other enrollment year. This includes all forms, documentation and transcripts.
What is the application process?
All applicants must use the online application process; specified documents must be completed and mailed to the Office of Student Services and Records. The physical therapy admissions committee reviews all information in completed student applications.
From this group of applicants, the most competitive students are invited for an interview. The specific characteristics for review are academic record (prerequisite GPA and overall GPA), written communication skills, knowledge of physical therapy, GRE scores, verbal communication skills, problem solving and resume. All components of the process are included in determining the admitted class.
Will the MCAT, GMAT or a foreign doctor of medicine degree substitute for the GRE pre-admissions requirement for the DPT?
The GRE will not be waived.
Is there a salary difference between the master's and doctoral degree graduate at entry into the profession?
In the only information available, graduates with either degree are considered entry-level with no salary differential. Over time the individual with a higher degree may more readily obtain a higher level position.
Will an applicant with a masters' or baccalaureate degree in physical therapy receive advanced standing for the entry- level doctor of physical therapy degree program?
No, a practicing physical therapist needs to enter a transitional doctor of physical therapy program or an advanced level program to enhance professional skills and expand marketability.
What is the eligibility of out of state residents?
The University of Mississippi is a state supported institution. Preference is given to Mississippi residents. Out-of-state applicants have been admitted into the program.
What is the salary for a physical therapist?
The salary for a beginning therapist is dependent upon the type of clinical setting, the size of the community and the region of the country. Current information can be obtained on the internet at stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm.
What is the average GPA of students accepted into the program?
The average GPA is usually over a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The range is from a 3.00 to 4.00. To be considered for admission, both the overall GPA and the pre-requisite GPT must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
How many students are accepted each year into the entry level program?
One class of 50 students are admitted each year. Classes begin during the summer semester. The available resources, market demand and the number of qualified students determine the class size.
How many observation hours are required? How do I get the hours? Who arranges them?
Applicants are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of observation in physical therapy departments or practices. A maximum of 20 hours may be used from any one site. Additional hours and sites are encouraged. The forms included with the application packet may be duplicated. The observation forms must signed by a licensed physical therapist and the license number included.
Observation hours must be in the current year of the application. Hours earned through employment will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own observation hours.
Can I work or attend the program on a part-time basis?
The program is not designed for part-time enrollment. The educational program is sufficiently intense that employment limits necessary study time. Work is discouraged and a variety of financial aid opportunities are available.
When and where may I get an application?
Applications are available online by July 1 of the year preceding enrollment. Application deadlines vary from program to program and are subject to change. All applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $25. More information may be obtained from the Office of Student Records and Registrar for admission. The address is:
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Office of Student Records and Registrar
2500 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505
Phone: (601) 984-1080