The George Washington University

PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION (2010-11)

The George Washington University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
900 23rd Street, NW
Suite 6179
Washington, Washington DC 20037
Phone: 202-994-8528          
Phone (alternate number): 202-994-4982
Email: hsphora@gwu.edu
Website: http://www.gwumc.edu/healthsci/programs/dpt/index.cfm

APPLICATION DEADLINE for 2011 ENTERING CLASS

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

If supplemental materials are required, send items directly to the PT program.

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES

Course Prerequisites

• Must applicants earn a Bachelor's degree prior to enrolling into the PT program? YES
• For more information about course prerequisites, visit the program Web site: http://www.gwumc.edu/healthsci/programs/dpt/admissions.cfm

* YES=course must be completed in a 4-year college/university and NOT in a community college.
** REQ=required lab; Rec=recommended lab; NO=lab not required; N/A=not applicable

Additional information about program’s course requirements:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE table below may contain blank fields if program data is not available or applicable.

References

Number of references required by program:  2 References

Additional information about program’s reference requirements:

PT Observation Hours

Enter your PT observation hours on your PTCAS application.  Print the PT Observation Hours form from the PTCAS application or use online PT Hours signature process, if the program requires you to have your hours verified by a physical therapist.  Send signed forms to PTCAS.

GPA Requirement

GPAs will be blank if program data is not available or applicable.

FOREIGN APPLICANTS AND TRANSCRIPTS

The program’s foreign (international) transcript policies do NOT apply to study abroad coursework that is itemized on a U.S. college or university transcript. Study abroad is processed in the same way as U.S. coursework.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Profile of Most Recent Entering Class

Items will be blank if program data is not available or applicable.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The George Washington University is a private institution built upon a foundation of integrity, creativity, and openness to the exploration of new ideas. It is a dynamic, student-focused community stimulated by cultural and intellectual diversity. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is housed in an academic medical center comprised of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the School of Public Health and Health Services whose mission is:                     

• Teaching with creativity and dedication,                  
• Healing with quality and compassion, and                   
• Discovering with imagination and innovation.   

The DPT Program provides quality graduate education and is committed to developing generalist practitioners who are: autonomous practitioners; reflective practitioners who think critically and use best evidence to effectively solve problems; compassionate practitioners who demonstrate excellence in communication and interpersonal  skills, a respect for individual and cultural differences and the core values of the profession; and dedicated practitioners who value the tenets of lifelong learning.

The curriculum consists of 102 credits of professional course work requiring three years of full-time study beginning in the fall semester. It combines content from the foundational sciences, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, professional practice expectations, practice management expectations, and critical inquiry. Students develop the skills needed to examine, evaluate, diagnose, prognose, develop a plan of care; and implement and re-evaluate that plan of care for patients with dysfunction in the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromotor and integumentary systems across the lifespan. Skills in the use of best evidence in making clinical decisions and predicting outcomes in physical therapy practice are developed throughout, beginning with a three course research sequence.    

The curriculum is built on the overarching principles of integration and application. Information is integrated and applied through a series of six integrative units entitled Clinical Conference I-VI. During this course sequence patient-actors are hired as "standardized patients" enabling students to apply their knowledge in authentic situations prior to entering the clinical setting. Integration and application are further reinforced through early clinical practice. Clinical experiences begin in the second semester with a weekly 1/2 day experience throughout the semester, builds to a 4-week full-time transition to the clinic, and culminates in three full-time clinical internships of 8, 10, and 12 weeks in length. These internships provide depth and breadth to each student's unique educational experience. A comprehensive examination in the sixth semester validates the student's readiness for the full-time clinical internships, and helps the student begin to prepare for the national board examinations.  In the past two years, 100% of GW graduates who took the national licensure exam passed and 100% of the graduates seeking employment were employed.   

The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is an exciting and vibrant community in which to live and learn. GW has an active student program through the Office of Graduate Life. Access to the nation's capital is only one of many opportunities available to students who choose to attend GW. Our Washington, D.C. metropolitan location provides unique access to national and international organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health, The National Academy of Sciences, and the World Health Organization. The University is within minutes of the headquarters of our national organization, The American Physical Therapy Association. Of course, Washington is the ideal location for sightseeing and cultural activities. The White House, the Kennedy Center and national monuments are all within walking distance of campus.

(Page last updated 9/1/2010)

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