Physical Therapy Affiliation Programs
The Cooperative 3+3 Program with Widener University allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from ½ûÂþÌìÌà and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Widener University. During the program, students spend three years at ½ûÂþÌìÌà fulfilling general education Core, Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum, and Biology or Exercise Science major requirements. Afterward, they spend three more years at Widener University if accepted. Eligible students can apply to Widener University's 3+3 DPT program in their junior year, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. Upon completion of four years (three at ½ûÂþÌìÌà and one at Widener), and earning at least 125 credits, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or Exercise Science from ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is awarded by Widener University after fulfilling the remaining clinical experience. To be eligible for Widener University's DPT program, students must earn a "B" grade (no lower than a "B-") in all required prerequisite coursework and maintain a 3.3 overall GPA at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Core requirements should be completed during the three years at Elizabethtown before starting courses at Widener University. Students interested in this program should consult with the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Health Professions Advising Committee at hpac@etown.edu for additional requirements before planning their first-year fall class schedule.
½ûÂþÌìÌà has an interview agreement with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) for preferred admission to their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. To qualify for an interview, students must fulfill the following criteria: (1) Be a full-time student at ½ûÂþÌìÌà since matriculation, (2) Be a senior student, (3) Be a first-time applicant to the Interview Program, (4) Meet the minimum admissions criteria of the program for the application year and (5) maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses, pre-requisite courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0 by the end of their junior year of college. All prerequisite coursework requirements must be completed with a grade of "C+" or higher (a "C" is not accepted). Students can apply for an interview and preferred admission with Thomas Jefferson University after their third year at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, provided they meet the program's entrance requirements. Students interested in this program should consult with the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Health Professions Advising Committee at hpac@etown.edu.
4+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy with Messiah University
The Cooperative Bachelor's + 3 DPT program enables students to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) after completing ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's Bachelor's degree. Eligible students who complete the prerequisite requirements for this program are eligible to apply to Messiah University's DPT program as early as the spring of their Junior year at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. The DPT at Messiah University is awarded after all course and clinical experience requirements are met. To be eligible, students must earn a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 3.5 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.5. Students interested in this program should consult with ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ’s for additional information well before they plan to apply.
Physical Therapy Suggested Coursework
Minimum Requirement | ½ûÂþÌìÌà Recommended | Typical Semester Taken |
---|---|---|
Biology (12 hours including anatomy and physiology) |
BIO 111
BIO 112 BIO 201 BIO 202 |
Fall, First Year Spring, First Year Fall, Third Year Spring, Third Year |
English (8 hours) |
EN 100
2nd EN Course |
Fall/Spring, First Year Prior to end of third year |
Chemistry (8 hours) |
CH 105
CH 113* |
Fall, First Year Spring, First Year |
Physics (8 hours) |
PHYS 101
PHYS 102 |
Fall, Third Year Spring, Third Year |
Mathematics (4 hours) | MA 251 | Fall, second year or later |
Psychology (8 hours) |
PSY 105
2nd PSY course |
Fall, first year or later Spring, first year or later |
* Pre-requisite exists. Consult most recent ½ûÂþÌìÌà College Catalog for details.
Note: To find school-specific requirements for each U.S. physical therapy school see a .