Student at a table smiling during class for Biology BS, Physical Therapy DPT program.

The Physical Therapy Program is an accelerated combined-degree program between Fairleigh Dickinson University– Olsen College of Engineering & Science (FDU) and the Rutgers University School of Health Professions (RUSHP). The program specializes in doctoral-level education for individuals wishing to become physical therapists. Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program receive state-of-the-art education that prepares them to be in the forefront of the physical therapy profession. Students spend the first 3 years at FDU taking foundational science coursework and begin DPT coursework at RUSHP during their senior year following a successful application and interview.

Physical Therapy is the examination, treatment and instruction of human beings to correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, movement, dysfunction, bodily malfunction, and pain. It includes the planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices for the preventative and therapeutic purposes: and the provision of consultative, educational and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, movement, dysfunction, bodily malfunction and pain. Physical therapists continue to be in demand throughout the United States.

Admission Requirements

  • High School graduation or equivalent diploma (GED)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test is required and completion of ESL courses, if necessary.
  • Earn a minimum of 550 on TOEFL Exam for applicants with foreign credentials who are transferring into the DPT program.
  • Completion of any necessary developmental courses as determined by the University’s Basic Skill Test.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for all transfer students.

Admission to Rutgers–SHP

  • Complete all general education requirements maintaining an overall GPA of 3.3;
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all required science and math courses.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the physical therapy profession through actual work and/or volunteer experience in at least two treatment settings;
  • Demonstrate evidence of community service (non-PT related);
  • Formally apply via PTCAS to the Rutgers-SHP Physical Therapy Program for the professional component of the program; (final admission to the program is at sole discretion of RUSHP)
  • Submit three letters of recommendation; and
  • Have basic computer literacy, including file management, use of work processing and spreadsheet programs, use of email and the internet

Curriculum

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semesters 7 & 8

Successfully complete first year coursework at RUSHP is transferred to complete the remaining credits to fulfill the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. Students must submit official RUSHP transcripts to FDU to be awarded the B.S. degree.

Applicants must contact the FDU pre-health advisor on their campus who will assist with application packets. Information and application procedures for SHP’s Physical Therapy program are available online at: https://shp.rutgers.edu/doctor-of-physical-therapy/