Physical Therapy in Downers Grove

Fast Facts

Degree

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum science GPA of 2.9 and cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Successful completion of prerequisite courses
• GRE General Test scores
• Completion of first aid course
• Current certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers

Admissions Acceptance and Matriculation Rates (2011)

• 14% (150/1049) of applicants were accepted
• 5% (50/1049) of applicants were matriculated into the PT Program

Length of Program

34 months, full-time

Class Size

50

2012 Class Profiles (Class of 2015)

• Female: 64%
• Male: 32%
• Average Age: 23
• Average Overall GPA: 3.66
• Class Size: 50
• Top Home States: Illinois (76%), Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin

Graduation Rate (2011)

Approximately 96%

National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) Pass Rate (2009-2011)

Reported by the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy for MWU graduates

• 1st time pass rate - 3 year average 94%
• ultimate pass rate - 100%

Clinical Education Placements

Community, Urban, Rural, Teaching Hospitals; Geriatrics; Pediatrics; Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Clinics; Schools

Career Opportunities

Evaluation and treatment, screening, education, referral, consultation, wellness promotion and prevention

An April 2007 report in the Chicago Tribune ranked physical therapy 2nd (after clergy) in a poll of job satisfaction.

MWU Career Placement

100% were working within 6 months of beginning their job search

US Employment Projections through 2020

Employment of physical therapists is expected to increase 39 percent from 2010 to 2020.¹

Mean Salary National Average

$76,310¹

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S., Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm (accessed 2/4/2013)

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the Physical Therapy Program must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Minimum cumulative science GPA of 2.9 and overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.00 scale.
3. Completion of prerequisite courses totaling 46 semester/66 quarter credits as listed from regionally accredited colleges or universities
   • Grades of C or better (grades of C- are NOT acceptable) are required in each course
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores using the Midwestern University institution code of 1769
   • The test must have been taken no earlier than January 1, 2009.
   • For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre.
5. Completion of a first aid course within the past three years
6. Current certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
7. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
8. Motivation for and commitment to healthcare as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
9. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
10. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
11. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check

Return to TOP

Prerequisite Courses

Additional Application Information

Return to TOP

Degree Description

Midwestern University's Physical Therapy Program offers a course of study leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree for qualified students. The full-time, continuous, 34-month, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to deliver the academic and clinical education required to prepare students for their professional role as key members of the healthcare team and as an integral part of the healthcare delivery system. The general education, professional training, experience, and personal character development of physical therapists uniquely prepare them to coordinate care related to functional improvement and functional ability.

The focus of the professional clinical doctorate degree program is the preparation of entry-level, generalist physical therapists who are able to provide competent, skilled professional services in a wide range of community and institutional practice settings that require independent judgment and self-sufficiency.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares entry-level practitioners to provide physical therapy services in large, small, traditional, and nontraditional community and institutional practice settings that require independent judgment, leadership, and autonomous practice. The program also provides the foundation for graduates to identify and contribute to effecting solutions to the major, emergent health issues of our society and to contribute to the academic and clinical education of future practitioners. The graduate will be prepared to make valuable, ongoing contributions to society, healthcare, and the profession through leadership activities and collaborative efforts with others in physical therapy and professional education, practice, and research.

Physical Therapy Program Goals and Expected Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will practice independent competent physical therapy.
   • Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for independent, competent physical therapy practice.
   • Graduates will demonstrate appropriate professional behavior.
2. Students/graduates will contribute to and advocate for the health and wellness of society through education, consultation, and community outreach.
   • All students will develop, implement, and analyze a community outreach wellness program.
   • All students utilize current best evidence to develop age-appropriate fitness prescriptions which can be used for education and consultation in the community.
3. Graduates will access, utilize and contribute to the scientific literature for clinical decision-making.
   • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to access the scientific literature for clinical decision-making.
   • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to utilize scientific literature for clinical decision-making.
   • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to contribute to the scientific literature for clinical decision-making.
4.  Faculty will provide high quality teaching.
   • Faculty will provide high quality teaching.
   • Faculty will disseminate scholarly products on a regular basis.
   • Faculty will provide service to the University and the profession.
5. The Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program will maintain accreditation.
   • The Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program will maintain accreditation.
   • The Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program provides a comprehensive curriculum in Physical Therapy Education.
   • The American Physical Therapy Association's Core Values content exists throughout the Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program curriculum. 

Time Limit for Completion of coursework

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a continuous full-time program, extending 34 months from matriculation to graduation. The maximum allotted time for completion of the doctorate program is 52 months. 

Program Strengths

Evidence-based practice; health promotion and wellness programs

Planned Program Improvements

No major changes are anticipated in the next year.

Mission

Using the highest standards of education, the Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program shall prepare entry-level physical therapists to practice quality physical therapy across the healthcare continuum.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Related Links

Physical Therapy as a Career

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapists

Physical Therapist Online