Q: What degree is offered by Emory University?

A: The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) was approved in September, 2001. We are discontinuing the Master of Physical Therapy degree, so all applicants will now be applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Q: Is Emory highly ranked?

A: Yes. Currently the Emory DPT program is ranked eighth (8th) in the nation by US News and World Report (as of 2004)

Q: How long is the program?

A: The DPT program is on-going for nine continuous semesters (35 months).The program begins in mid June and finishes in May, 35 months later.

Q: When do classes begin?

A: Classes will begin in mid-June.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: Beginning in Fall of 2007, tuition for the 2007-2008 year is $9,328 per semester.

Q: What is the employment rate for Emory graduates?

A: The six-month employment rate for Emory DPT graduates is 100% (through 2002).The national average is 78.8%.

Q: What is the state licensure exam pass rate for Emory graduates?

A: The first-time pass rate for Emory DPT graduates is 96.2% (through 2002).The national average is 81.4%

Q: How many students are accepted into each class?

A: At this time, the physical therapy program accepts 40 students each year.

Q: What courses do Emory DPT students take?

A: You can read course descriptions and see the semester schedule on the prospective students page.

Q: What clinical facilities are associated with the Emory DPT program?

A: A list of clinical facilities can be found on the Clinical Affiliations page.

Q: How are students selected for the program?

A: The admissions committee reviews each application on an on-going basis. Applicants must have obtained a minimum grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 point scale and must take the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Preference is given to applicants with practical experience in physical therapy healthcare.Preference is also given to applicants showing academic achievement in the biological, physical, and social sciences.

Q: When should I apply?

A: Applications are accepted and reviewed beginning October 1st. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Q: Is there a deadline after which applications will no longer be accepted?

A: Yes. Applications will not be accepted for the incoming class of 2009 after Jan 31, 2009.

Q: Is there a minimum score requirement for the GRE?

A: There is no minimum score that is required. Average scores for successful applicants in 2008 were 1114 for the combined verbal and quantitative scores and 4.31 for the analytic writing score.

Q: What if the GRE was taken prior to October 2002?

A: If you took the GRE prior to October 2002 then you must submit scores on verbal, quantitative and analytical portions of the GRE. If you took, or plan to take, the GRE after October 2002 then you must submit scores on verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the exam. In either case, the GRE must have been taken within five (5) years of matriculation into the DPT program.

Q: How important are site clinical observations to students applying for Emory's DPT program?

A: Clinical observations are an important way to gain knowledge of the profession. Experiences in a variety of settings (pediatrics, sports medicine, acute care, geriatrics) are important to a complete understanding. Keep a log on all your experiences. You can use #18 of the application as a guide.

Q: What are the prerequisite courses for the program?

A: All prerequisite courses must be grade-earning courses and are to be completed within five years of matriculation. Prerequisite courses include three semester hours of human anatomy (w/lab), three semester hours of human physiology (w/lab), four semester hours of physics and a basic statistics course.

Q: Why is there a time limit for the prerequisite courses?

A: Material presented in the prerequisite courses is used in the program, therefore students must have current information. If you have taken a more advanced course using the prerequisite information, the time frame will be applied to the more advanced course.

Q: Does physics have to be calculus based?

A: No. It is important that the course include a laboratory experience and that it cover the topics of mechanics, sound, light, wave motion, heat, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics.Two physics courses will likely be necessary to cover all of the topics.

Q: When do clinical experiences in the DPT program start and how long do they last?

A: Part time clinical experiences (1 day per week) begin in the second semester and continue through the sixth semester period. These experiences are integrated with concurrent courses and provide an opportunity for immediate clinical practice of classroom learning. Three full time clinical experiences, each twelve weeks in duration, occur during the seventh and eighth semesters.