Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

College of Health and Human Services

The University offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to prepare physical therapists to enter the complex and challenging health care environment. The optimal preparation for the curriculum includes an undergraduate emphasis on sciences and humanities, as well as meaningful life experiences. The DPT program is a full-time, two-and-a-half year, face-to-face graduate program. The curriculum is organized with progressive complexity to integrate basic, social and clinical sciences, while incorporating essential trans-curricular topics. The curriculum is based upon the expectations for contemporary physical therapist education and practice outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and other pertinent documents, literature and publications. The graduate of this curriculum will be a physical therapist with broad knowledge and skills, and an ability to work in a variety of settings providing services in primary care (e.g., health promotion and wellness, prevention, and acute care) and rehabilitation.

We expect our graduates to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and person focused professionals. Graduates will be scholarly and reflective practitioners who serve as integral members of the health care team, promote the profession of physical therapy and lead to optimize healthcare. These qualities are inextricably linked to the mission of this institution, which strives to empower students to act courageously, seek wisdom through faith and reason, work for justice, and lead lives of service.

Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Mission

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares highly competent physical therapists who have the broad knowledge and skills required for contemporary physical therapist practice. Graduates of the program will be known for their compassionate care, professionalism, and commitment to lifelong learning.

DPT Program Requirements for Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredits
DPT-500 Human Gross Anatomy 5
DPT-515 Professional Seminar 0
DPT-530 Kinesiology/Biomechanics 5
DPT-531 Functional Anatomy 2
DPT-550 Introduction to Physical Therapy 3
DPT-560 Physical Therapy Procedures I 3
 Credits18
Spring
DPT-520 Pathology and Medical Management I 3
DPT-540 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology 5
DPT-570 Physical Agents 3
DPT-580 Clinical Education (3 weeks) 3
DPT-635 Clinical Exercise Physiology 3
DPT-650 Evidence Based Practice I 3
 Credits20
Summer
DPT-525 Pathology & Medical Management II 3
DPT-645 Pediatric Therapeutics 2
DPT-700 Evidence Based Practice II 1
DPT-800 Applied Anatomy & Physiology 2
 Credits8
Year 2
Fall
DPT-600 Issues in Patient Care 3
DPT-620 Musculoskeletal Therapeutics I 5
DPT-630 Neuromuscular Therapeutics 5
DPT-640 Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics 3
DPT-680 Clinical Education (3 weeks) 3
DPT-710 Evidence Based Practice III 1
DPT-810 Imaging 1
 Credits21
Spring
DPT-660 Professional Practice in Healthcare 3
DPT-670 Orthotics and Prosthetics 3
DPT-674 Integumentary Therapeutics 1
DPT-715 Evidence Based Practice IV 1
DPT-720 Musculoskeletal Therapeutics II 3
DPT-760 Physical Therapy Procedures II 4
DPT-780 Clinical Education 3
DPT-820 Differential Diagnosis 2
 Credits20
Summer
DPT-781 Clinical Education (8 weeks) 8
DPT-830 Management of the Medically Complex Patient 1
 Credits9
Year 3
Fall
DPT-782 Clinical Education (8 weeks) 8
DPT-784 Clinical Education (10 weeks) 10
DPT-835 Project Portfolio 0
 Credits18
 Total Credits114

Clinical Education Requirements

In order to meet students requirements of the majority of clinical sites, students are required to complete a criminal background check (including child abuse and dependent adult abuse registry checks) and physical exam with immunization history (including MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Hep B), and the two-step or Quantiferon Gold tuberculosis test at the time of matriculation into the program and Influenza prior to the first clinical education experience and annually. Other immunizations or titers may be required by select clinical sites, students will be informed of these additional requirements as clinical placements are confirmed and they become known. Drug screens may be required prior to or during the clinical experience. Students are responsible for the cost of requirements. Students are also required to document personal health insurance at the time of each clinical experience.

Estimated Costs

The DPT Program sets a One-Price Tuition for all tuition and fees for the full 2.5 years of the DPT Program. This set price includes all tuition, course fees, liability insurance, technology fees, graduation application fees, and a physical therapist tool kit that is used throughout the curriculum.

While this plan covers the major expenses of the DPT Program, there are additional costs not included in this amount. These items are not included because they may vary based on the student’s prior training, clinical site placement and decisions on what course supplies to purchase. These additional costs include the following.

  • All housing and living related expenses
  • Books and optional course supplies
  • Parking fees
  • Background checks required for clinical education
  • Immunizations for clinical education
  • Travel and housing during clinical education
  • Graduation regalia (cap and gown)

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program

The Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program was established to prepare licensed physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical practice skills in the specialty areas of orthopaedic physical therapy. During this one-year program, the residents are employed by clinical sites, manage a full-time patient load and receive four hours a week of mentoring from a board certified orthopaedic physical therapist. Residents also complete over 300 contact hours of didactic learning in the area of orthopaedics at St. Ambrose University. The residency program is credentialed through the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education, a branch of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The mission of this residency program is to prepare licensed physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical practice skills in the specialty area of orthopaedic physical therapy. Further, the program will enhance clinical reasoning skills, provide experience in teaching and presenting, reinforce use of best evidence in practice, and facilitate life-long learning.

Program Goals

The clinical residency program will:

  1. Provide an advanced and comprehensive curriculum of accredited residency education in the specialty area of orthopaedic physical therapy.
  2. Provide residents clinical practice experiences by qualified clinical faculty and other health care professionals specializing in orthopaedics.
  3. Provide an environment for residents to apply evidence to clinical practice and contribute to scholarship in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy. 
  4. Ensure sufficient resources for residency education to accomplish its mission, goals, and outcomes.
  5. Be recognized regionally for resident and graduate achievement in orthopaedic physical therapy. 
  6. Will conduct ongoing evaluations of program members for effectiveness and continuous improvement of residency education.

Educational Objectives

The resident graduate will demonstrate the following at the level of a clinical specialist in orthopaedics:

  1. Demonstrate advanced orthopaedic physical therapy patient management skills, emphasizing patient safety, intervention effectiveness and efficiency.
  2. Possess highly effective interpersonal patient management skills to include compassion, written and verbal communication skills, objectivity, and an ability to address issues related to diversity (includes lifespan, gender, culture and ethnicity).
  3. Demonstrate the ability to teach in patient care, community and educational settings.
  4. Possess sound clinical reasoning skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  5. Display a high level of professionalism regarding patient care, community and educational settings.
  6. Be a health care practitioner capable of providing a point of entry into the health care system utilizing advanced medical screening.
  7. Implement best available evidence in patient care and teaching.
  8. Demonstrate personal and professional development that enhances their life and lives of others
  9. Be positioned to be leaders in orthopaedic physical therapy field.

This program is offered as an elective to graduates of the St. Ambrose professional DPT program and is available to outside applicants. See Physical Therapy Department for more details. Current students and interested applicants are encouraged to review additional program information provided on the department’s website and in the Clinical Residency Program Student Handbook.

Residency Program Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
SpringCredits
DPT-900 Radiology for the Physical Therapist 2
DPT-920 Advanced Musculoskeletal Therapeutics I 4
DPT-930 Special Topics in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy 2
DPT-981 Clinical Residency Block I 5
DPT-982 Clinical Residency Block II 5
 Credits18
Summer
DPT-983 Clinical Residency Block III 5
 Credits5
Year 2
Fall
DPT-925 Adv. Musculoskeletal Therapeutics II 4
DPT-984 Clinical Residency Block IV 5
 Credits9
 Total Credits32

Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program was established to prepare licensed physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical practice skills in the specialty areas of pediatric physical therapy. During this one-year program, the residents are employed by clinical sites, manage a full time patient load and receive four hours a week of mentoring from a board certified pediatric physical therapist. Residents also complete over 100 contact hours of didactic learning in the area of Pediatrics at St. Ambrose University. The residency program is in the candidacy process through the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education, a branch of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The mission of this residency program is to prepare licensed physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical practice skills in the specialty area of pediatric physical therapy. Further, the program will enhance clinical reasoning skills, provide experience in teaching and presenting, reinforce use of best evidence in practice, and facilitate life-long learning.

Program Goals

The clinical residency program will:

  1. Provide an advanced and comprehensive curriculum of accredited residency education in the specialty area of pediatric physical therapy.
  2. Provide residents clinical practice experiences by qualified clinical faculty and other health care professionals specializing in pediatrics.
  3. Provide an environment for residents to apply evidence to clinical practice and contribute to scholarship in the area of pediatric physical therapy.
  4. Ensure sufficient resources for residency education to accomplish its mission, goals, and outcomes.
  5. Be recognized regionally for resident and graduate achievement in pediatric physical therapy.
  6. Will conduct ongoing evaluations of program members for effectiveness and continuous improvement of residency education.

Educational Objectives

The resident graduate will demonstrate the following at the level of a clinical specialist in pediatrics:

  1. Demonstrate advanced pediatric physical therapy patient management skills, emphasizing patient safety, intervention effectiveness and efficiency.
  2. Possess highly effective interpersonal patient management skills to include compassion, written and verbal communication skills, objectivity, and an ability to address issues related to diversity (includes lifespan, gender, culture and ethnicity).
  3. Demonstrate the ability to teach in patient care, community and educational settings.
  4. Possess sound clinical reasoning skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  5. Display a high level of professionalism regarding patient care, community and educational settings.
  6. Be a health care practitioner capable of providing a point of entry into the health care system utilizing advanced medical screening.
  7. Implement best available evidence in patient care and teaching.
  8. Demonstrate personal and professional development that enhances their life and lives of others
  9. Be positioned to be leaders in pediatric physical therapy field.

This program is offered as an elective to graduates of the St. Ambrose professional DPT program. See DPT department for more details. Current students are encouraged to review additional program information provided on the department’s website and in the Clinical Residency Program Student Handbook.

Residency Program Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
SpringCredits
DPT-900 Radiology for the Physical Therapist 2
DPT-940 Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics I 4
DPT-981 Clinical Residency Block I 5
DPT-982 Clinical Residency Block II 5
 Credits16
Summer
DPT-983 Clinical Residency Block III 5
DPT-945 Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics II 4
 Credits9
Year 2
Fall
DPT-984 Clinical Residency Block IV 5
 Credits5
 Total Credits30

Admission to the DPT Program

The DPT program is based on a “3 + 2.5 year” or a “4 + 2.5 year” academic model. A minimum of three years are spent completing general education requirements, core courses for the undergraduate major and the prerequisites for the DPT Program. Persons taking advantage of the “3 + 2.5” model must attain their undergraduate degrees before the beginning of their 5th year (the 2nd year of the professional program). Students with a baccalaureate or a graduate degree when they start the DPT program will follow the “4 + 2.5 year” academic model. With both models, the DPT degree will be awarded after successful completion of the two-and-a-half-year professional program.

Students can apply to the DPT Program through three different tracks.

Track I - “3 + 2.5 Year Plan” High School Seniors

Track I is a “3+2.5" plan of study (three years of undergraduate study plus 2.5 years in the DPT Program). It is exclusively for high school seniors who are enrolling as freshmen at St. Ambrose University. Each year up to 20 high school students are granted placement in Track I positions conditionally reserving them a place in the DPT class that will commence with their senior year in college.

Phase A: Track I Application Process during high school

Phase B: Submission of evidence of meeting Track I criteria prior to entry into the DPT program, done during junior year.

Track II – “3 + 2.5 Year Plan”

Track II is a "3+2.5" plan of study (three years of undergraduate study plus 2.5 years in the DPT Program).  Track II students must have completed all bachelor’s degree requirements in their major other than those to be completed in the first year of the DPT Program. First year DPT courses are applied toward completion of the undergraduate degree, which must be awarded prior to the beginning of the second year of the DPT Program. Students from institutions other than SAU may also utilize Track II. Students from institutions other than SAU will need a letter from the respective Registrar's Office indicating that the first year of DPT courses will be credited toward the bachelor's degree and that the bachelor's degree will be awarded prior to the start of the second year in the DPT Program.

Track III – “4 + 2.5 Year Plan”

Track III is a "4+2.5" plan of study (four years of undergraduate study plus 2.5 years in the DPT Program).  Individuals who are in their senior year of college, hold a bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university may apply using Track III. The bachelor's degree must be awarded prior to the fall they anticipate entering the DPT Program.

Track 1, Phase A

Track I students utilize a "3+2.5" plan of study (three years of undergraduate work plus 2.5 years in the DPT Program). First year DPT courses are applied toward completion of the undergraduate degree, which must be awarded prior to the beginning of the second year of the DPT Program. The Track I student will be guaranteed admission into the DPT Program if all of the Phase B requirements are met. A student who does not meet the Track I/Phase B criteria remains eligible to apply to the DPT Program using Track II or Track III.

Track IA Application Criteria and Procedures

To apply for a Track IA position, high school seniors will need to:

  • Complete a general application online to St. Ambrose University
  • Meet the entrance requirements of St. Ambrose University
  • Have completed the equivalent of one year each of high school biology and chemistry. One year of high school physics is strongly recommended
  • Attain a minimum of 3.5/4.0 unweighted high school GPA
  • Complete and provide documentation of at least 20 hours of observation with a licensed physical therapist in one or more physical therapy settings.
  • Complete an acceptable on-site personal interview with DPT faculty members.
  • Complete a Track IA application and submit by December 1.

  • Anatomy and Physiology is a prerequisite for application to the SAU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and must be completed after high school graduation at a college or university. Anatomy and Physiology courses completed as dual enrollment during high school will not meet the prerequisite requirements for the SAU DPT Program.

Track 1, Phase B

Track IB Application Criteria and Procedures

Track IB applicants will apply directly to the physical therapy department using the Track IB application provided to them by the PT department. They will also be given forms for their reference letters to complete that are similar to the PTCAS reference forms, documentation forms to record observation hours, and a plan of study form. All of this information is submitted directly to the Physical Therapy Department. Students accepted into Track I are required to meet the Track I, Phase B criteria in order to matriculate into the DPT Program their senior year.

  • Complete all bachelor's degree requirements in their major other than those to be completed in the first year of the DPT program
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or above prior to entering the DPT program. (Students in Track I who will not complete the prerequisites by the spring admissions deadline must provide a detailed written plan of study for completion of the remaining courses prior to final admission into the DPT program).  No more than eight (8) credit hours of science prerequisites may be taken at a community college.
  • Submit a plan of study detailing how an undergraduate degree will be earned prior to the beginning of the second year of the DPT program.
  • Earn and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30/4.00 and a prerequisite grade point average of at least 3.30/4.00 by the end of their fourth semester at St. Ambrose.1
  • Complete a Track IB Graduate Application form provided by the Physical Therapy Department.
  • Complete the GRE, with a combined score of 295 or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections. Use GRE institution code 6617 and department code 0619.
  • Have completed and document a minimum of 50 hours of observation with licensed physical therapists. Two or more settings are also required. All hours must be completed at the time of submitting application. Hours completed as a high school student will be applied to those 50 hours. At least 10 hours of observation should take place while a college student.
  • Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.
  • Provide at least one reference from a SAU faculty member and an additional reference from an individual well acquainted with the applicant to the Physical Therapy Department directly from the reference.
  • Complete an acceptable on-site personal interview with DPT faculty members.
1

Note: St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Department will not accept online lab courses to satisfy prerequisite requirements. All lab courses must be taken on campus.

Track II/III Application Criteria and Procedures

Track II/III applicants will complete Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). PTCAS allows students to complete a single application. The application is then sent to programs the students have chosen to apply to (as long as that school participates in PTCAS). Students will send their transcripts to PTCAS for transcript analysis, references will submit their forms through PTCAS, observation hours will be collected through PTCAS, and students will submit GRE scores to PTCAS. A rolling admissions process is used with application review beginning in the early fall. Interviews with admissions decisions start in the fall and continue into the spring. The deadline for application submission is December 1. The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA required is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) for 18 or more semester hours in a science based graduate curriculum. A minimum prerequisites GPA of 3.0 at time of application submission is also required.

PTCAS Applicant Requirements

  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or above prior to enrollment in the DPT Program.
  • Attain a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA in all undergraduate coursework or a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.25/4.0 for 18 or more semester hours in an approved graduate science degree program.
  • Have completed and document a minimum of 50 hours of observation with licensed physical therapists. Two or more settings are also required. All hours must be completed at the time of submitting application.
  • Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and submit official results to PTCAS
  • Submit an application to SAU through PTCAS
  • Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended through PTCAS
  • Submit two references from individuals well acquainted with the applicant through PTCAS
  • All international students are required to submit official results from the TOEFL exam and must score at least 600 (written), 250 (computerized) or 100 (internet).
  • International students are required to have their transcripts evaluated through the World Education Services (WES).
  • Complete an acceptable on-site personal interview with SAU DPT faculty members.​
  • Anatomy and Physiology is a prerequisite for application to the SAU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and must be completed after high school graduation at a college or university. Anatomy and Physiology courses completed as dual enrollment during high school will not meet the prerequisite requirements for the SAU DPT Program.

Note: St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Department will not accept online lab courses to satisfy prerequisite requirements. All lab courses must be taken on campus.

Track II Specific Requirements

  • Track II students must have completed all bachelor's degree requirements in their major other than those to be completed in the first year of the DPT Program.
  • Students from institutions other than SAU will need a letter from the respective Registrar's Office indicating that the first year of DPT courses will be credited toward the bachelor's degree and that the bachelor's degree will be awarded prior to the start of the second year in the DPT Program.

Track III Specific Requirements

  • The bachelor's degree must be awarded prior to the fall they anticipate entering the DPT Program from an accredited four-year college or university.

Based upon GPA, GRE scores and quality of other application materials, select applicants from both Tracks will be invited for a required on-site interview. While the department receives many applications from qualified individuals, due to the competitiveness of the applicant pool, all qualified individuals may not be invited for interviews. The Department reserves the right to deny an interview or acceptance to applicants that have previously interviewed for the program and were denied admission, or individuals who have academic and/or professional behavior concern in their application process. Individuals who are not invited for an interview or denied acceptance will receive a letter informing them of this decision.

At the conclusion of interviews, admissions data will be processed by the department and selected applicants will be invited to join the DPT program. Students who are accepted into the DPT program will be notified in writing. An alternate list will also be developed. Acceptance responses and fees from the members of the entering class will be required by a specified deadline date. Students in the entering class will be expected to sign the Technical Standards form prior to matriculation.

Prerequisite Courses

Biology 1
BIOL-181General Biology I4
BIOL-191General Biology II4
Human Physiology 2
BIOL-230Human Anatomy & Physiology I4
BIOL-232Human Anatomy & Physiology II4
General Chemistry 1
CHEM-105General Chemistry I4
CHEM-106General Chemistry II4
College Physics 1
PHYS-203College Physics I4
PHYS-204College Physics II4
Statistics/Biostatistics
STAT-145Introductory Statistics3
Intro. Psychology
PSYC-105Introduction to Psychology3
Psychology/Sociology
Upper level3
Total Credits41
1

With labs

2

At SAU, anatomy and physiology is included in a two semester course sequence with included labs. An appropriate substitute would be a 3 or more semester hour course in human physiology with lab and a 3 or more semester hour course of Human Anatomy with lab if available at institution.

Track IB/II/III Acceptance

Admitted students pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of $200. Students electing not to join the program by the specified deadline date will be replaced by an applicant on the waiting list. Petitions for waivers of prerequisite courses and appeals regarding the admission process must be directed to the PT Department.

Admissions Appeal Procedure

Applicants for admission to the DPT program have a right to appeal decisions related to admission according to the following procedure:

  1. Applicants must file a written appeal of any decision of the Admissions and Retention Committee within two weeks of having received written notification of a committee decision. The appeal must be sent to the director of the Physical Therapy Department and must include the reasons for challenging the Admission and Retention committee’s decision.
  2. The director will convene a department Appeals Committee.
  3. The decision of the department’s Appeals Committee will be made within two weeks after receipt of the appeal.
  4. The applicant will be informed in writing of the Appeals Committee’s decision on the appeal within two weeks of the decision.
  5. The student has a right to appeal the department’s Appeals Committee’s decision to the Associate Dean of the School of Health Sciences.

Grading Policy

Each course instructor is responsible for establishing and notifying students of the guidelines required to complete course work. The Physical Therapy Department has set the following criteria for assignment of letter grading (percent of total course work):

Letter Grade Percent Grade Point Average
A >93.0% 4.0
A- 90.0-92.9% 3.67
B+ 87.0-89.9% 3.33
B 83.0-86.9% 3.0
B- 80.0-82.9% 2.67
C+ 77.0-79.9% 2.33
C 73.0-76.9% 2.00
C- 70.0-72.9% 1.67
D+ 67.0-69.9% 1.33
D 63.0-66.9% 1.0
D- 60.0-62.9% 0.67
F <60.0% 0.0

Percentages that fall below the cut-point will not be rounded up.

In order to meet program requirement, a student must receive a 70% or higher in order to pass a course. Other grading assignments and policies (Auditing, Quality-Points, Withdrawal from the University, Policy on Academic Dishonesty, Statement on Satisfactory Progress, DPT Student Retention Policy, Retaking a Course, and Second-grade Option) are outlined in this catalog, the University Student Handbook and the DPT Student Handbook. Courses graded Pass/No Pass will require a minimum of 70% for a grade of Pass. Faculty may require a higher minimum passing rate. Refer to the course syllabus provided during the first class period.

DPT Transfer Policy

Transfer students must apply, and be accepted, in the usual cycle of admissions and meet all requirements for admission. Once accepted, they may then appeal to the Curriculum Committee for review of any previous physical therapy coursework prior to matriculating into the program. The Curriculum Committee, in consultation with individual course instructors, will make all decisions regarding equivalence of courses for the purpose of professional course equivalence. Only credits from another CAPTE accredited program will be accepted. Courses must be recent (within two calendar years) and indicate a high degree of performance (a grade of B or higher). Additionally, a reference letter from a faculty member at the previous program is required. Awarding of transfer credits is decided on a case by case basis. The student applying for professional course equivalence is responsible for providing the necessary documentation to the Curriculum Committee. The Curriculum Committee may request additional information as they feel appropriate.

Withdraw Policy

If a student withdraws from any class in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the Department will follow the University Policy on assigning a grade of “W” (withdrawal), “WF” (withdrawal failing) or “WP” (withdrawal passing). Because our curriculum is designed to be completed in a full-time manner with classes taken concurrently, withdrawing from a course will be in effect withdrawing from the program. If a student withdraws, they must reapply for admission to join a future cohort. Students should refer to the Professional Program Leave Policy to determine if a leave of absence should be requested prior to withdrawing from a class and the program.

Grade Appeal Policy

Overview

When a student believes a final course grade has been assigned in error or in an arbitrary or capricious manner, he/she has the right to appeal the grade. The student should first attempt to resolve the matter with the primary course instructor. If the grade dispute is not resolved at this level, the student may initiate a formal written appeal to the department Chair. A final appeal can be made to the Associate Dean of the School  that oversees the appropriate department or, when a department Chair or Associate Dean is the instructor involved in the appeal, to the Dean of the College.

Actions Permitted

  1. Students may only appeal the final course grade. Individual assignment grades (exams, quizzes, etc.) should be discussed and resolved with the Instructor throughout the semester.
  2. All recognized appeals by students and instructors should be written and delivered to the appropriate individual (Instructor, Chair, or Dean) either electronically in email format to the appropriate individual’s email address at the University, or by hard copy delivered personally to the appropriate individual. The individual appealing is responsible for assuring and establishing the delivery and receipt of a timely appeal.
  3. No one may substitute personal judgment for that of the Instructor in regard to the quality of the student's work; therefore, the student must show evidence of any deviation from established procedure that adversely affects the student in the assignment of the letter grade for the course.
  4. Decisions at the Chair level or higher can include either denial of the appeal or upholding the appeal, at which point the final course grade will be changed. The University does not have any liability for any impact to the student for the time period preceding any change to the final course grade in the University’s Records & Registration Office.

Procedures and Timeline

  1. Students must first attempt to resolve the grading issue with the Instructor.
  2. If the student decides to formally appeal the final grade, he/she must provide a written appeal, including the justification for the appeal, to the Instructor. If the Instructor is no longer employed by the University, the student must provide the written appeal directly to the Department Director.
    Timeline: The appeal must be submitted by the student to the Instructor (or Department Chair if applicable) in electronic email format to the individual’s University email address, or by personal delivery of a hard copy of the written appeal within 1 week from the grade submission due date posted by the University’s Records and Registration Office.
  3. Instructor should notify the student upon receipt of the appeal, but the student is responsible for assuring the receipt of the appeal. If the Instructor cannot be contacted, the student should notify the department Chair of his/her appeal and request assistance in contacting the Instructor.
  4. Instructors will e-mail or mail a written decision to the student within 1 week of receiving the appeal. If the Instructor fails to provide a decision within 1 week, the student should notify the department Chair to intervene in obtaining the decision or furthering the appeal.
    Timeline: Within 1 week from receipt of the appeal
  5. After receiving the Instructor’s decision, the student may appeal the final grade, in writing, to the Department Chair. It is the student’s responsibility to provide evidence to support the appeal. The Chair will investigate the appeal. The investigation will include discussing the matter with the Instructor and may include requesting the Instructor to support the accuracy and fairness of his/her grading. The student’s written appeal constitutes authorization for the Chair to have access to the student’s educational files and grades pertaining to the appeal.
    Timeline: Within 1 week after receiving the Instructor’s decision
  6. The Chair will render a decision on the appeal and provide the decision to the student and the Instructor.
    Timeline: Within 1 week from receipt of the appeal
  7. If the Chair’s decision is to deny the appeal, the student may appeal the grade, in writing, to the Associate Dean. The student may also elect to meet with the Associate Dean to present information directly related to the appeal.
    Timeline: Within 1 week after receiving the Chair’s decision
  8. The Associate Dean will provide a final decision to the student, Instructor, and Chair.
    Timeline: Within 1 week from receipt of the appeal
  9. If the Chair’s decision is to grant the appeal, the Instructor may appeal, in writing, to the Associate Dean. The Instructor may meet with the Associate Dean to present information directly related to the appeal.
    Timeline: Within 1 week after receiving the Chair’s decision
  10. The Associate Dean will provide a final decision to all parties.
    Timeline: Within 1 week from receipt of the Instructor’s appeal
  11. If the decision is to change a student’s final grade, the change will be communicated to the University’s Records and Registration Office.

Exceptions

  1. If the Department Chair is the Instructor involved in the appeal, the appeal goes directly to the Associate Dean and then to the Dean of the College.
  2. If the Dean is the Instructor involved in the appeal, the appeal goes to the Chair and then to the Dean of the College for the final decision.
  3. Timelines may be extended by the Chair or the Associate Dean if necessary evidence or individuals are not available, or if the University determines that additional time is necessary to process the appeal. No exceptions or extensions of time will be granted for students to initiate a grade appeal.

Grading for Practical Examinations

Practical/laboratory examinations are an important part of the DPT Curriculum. Program faculty members use these exams to assess each student’s integration of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective dimensions of learning. Demonstrating safety and competence during a practical examination is considered an essential step in the student’s development of entry-level patient care skills. Students are required to pass all practical exams for each course.

Students are expected to demonstrate safe practices and achieve a minimum score of 80% or a “pass” on a “pass/no pass” practical on each individual practical examination. Individual faculty will determine the relevant safety issues for the practical exams for each course. A student failing to attain the above levels on a practical exam will be required to retake that exam. If the average score between the first score and the second score is less than 80%, that average is the grade the student receives. If the average is greater than 80%, the student receives a score of 80%. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a retake time with the course instructor. Any student who fails to demonstrate safe practices or fails to achieve a minimum passing score on the retake examination will receive an “F” grade for the course. Requirements for laboratory examinations (e.g., anatomy) will be described by the course instructor.

The need to repeatedly retake practical examinations may demonstrate inadequate preparation by the student and/or identify students at risk for not passing future clinical education experiences. Therefore, students who do not pass 80% of all practical exams during an academic year on the first attempt will meet with the Admissions and Retention Committee and their advisor in an attempt to help identify strategies to correct this problem. Continued failings of practical examinations on the first attempt may require further action ranging from remediation to dismissal from the program.

Student Retention Policy

The DPT program requires students to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their professional curriculum to graduate. Students not maintaining a minimum of 2.8 cumulative GPA will be placed on academic probationary status for the semester following the cumulative GPA falling below 2.8. During the probationary semester the student will be advised weekly by their faculty advisor, with the advisor being given status reports every 4 weeks by the student’s instructors during the probationary semester. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 following a probationary semester will result in the student being denied permission to register for the following semester of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Readmission to the program will be based upon competitive re-application during the regular admissions cycle or appeal (see below).

This catalog refers to retention policies; specifically, “Retaking a Course” and “Second-grade Option,” both of which permit students to retake a course, but differ in how the subsequent GPA is computed. In reality, retaking course work offered in the program would be impractical or difficult due to the sequential arrangement, as well as the anticipated overlapping schedules of first, second and third year classes. If a student does not receive a grade of “C” or higher in a course required for graduation from the PT program, they will be notified by the office of the director and are required to satisfy one of the following options. Until this is done, they may not continue in the professional curriculum without special permission from the Curriculum Committee.

  1. Retake the course if scheduling allows,
  2. Take a comparable course at another institution, pre-approved by the Curriculum Committee,
  3. Complete additional course work in the areas of deficiency as assigned by the course instructor (at his or her discretion) and approved by the Curriculum Committee.

The student repeating a class or completing the required independent study in a course will receive a letter grade, which, will be recorded on the official transcript following the “Second-grade Option” procedure in the SAU Catalog. Inability of the student to complete one of these options with a C grade or above will result in the student being ineligible to continue in the professional program. Readmission to the program will be based upon competitive reapplication during the regular admissions cycle.

The DPT program expects its students to utilize appropriate professional behaviors within academic, clinical and other public settings. In the academic setting, faculty members will review the professional behaviors of each student. Students receiving any unsatisfactory ratings will meet with their faculty advisor to establish a plan with goals for remediation within an appropriate timeline. The plan and timeline will be reviewed and approved by the faculty. If the goals are not met by the approved timeline, the resulting action may range from further remediation to dismissal from the program.

In addition, the following apply to Clinical Education Courses:

  1. Students will be required to pass all Clinical Education experiences in order to receive credit toward graduation.
  2. The Clinical Education Office will notify students when they have received a “No-Pass” grade on a clinical education experience. This notification shall constitute a “No-Pass” for the experience, even if the student’s transcript lists a grade of “In Progress” for the course.
  3. A “No-Pass” grade for a Clinical Education experience will require the student to repeat the experience at a clinical site other than the one in which the student has received the No-Pass grade. The experience must be completed within the subsequent academic session or as soon as it is practical to schedule.
  4. “No-Pass” grades for two Clinical Education experiences (whether a repeat or two separate experiences) will be considered grounds for dismissal from the professional program without option to apply for readmission to this program.

Students must complete their academic and clinical course work no later than the end of the academic year following the scheduled graduation date of their class. As dictated by the Financial Aid Office, students must maintain “satisfactory progress” as defined for all SAU graduate students in order to retain federal student financial aid. A graduate GPA of 2.8–2.99 shall be deemed satisfactory progress provided the GPA is raised to a 3.0 after no more than two consecutive semesters. The Admissions and Retention Committee will review the grades of all students whose cumulative GPA is below a 3.0 and together with the faculty advisor, will recommend appropriate avenues for the student to attain the 3.0 status.

If the student has a third semester in a row of a GPA between 2.8-2.99, this may be grounds for dismissal from the program. After the third semester, the A&R Committee will review the mathematical possibility to raise the GPA to 3.0 or higher with the remaining coursework and take into consideration the student’s past academic performance when making the decision to dismiss the student or allow them to continue. Additionally, if at any time a student’s GPA is below a 3.0 and the A&R Committee deems it is not mathematically possible for the GPA to reach a 3.0 with the remaining coursework, this will be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Dismissal Policy

Students will be dismissed from the program for several reasons. These include, but are not limited to:

  1. The student’s inability to make academic progress based upon his/her cumulative grade point average.
  2. The student’s inability to successfully earn a grade of 70% or higher or “pass” by the second attempt.
  3. The student receives a second academic course grade below a 70%.
  4. The student receives two “no pass grades” for clinical education experiences.
  5. The student’s inability to remediate professional behaviors.

Dismissal may also result from a violation of the St. University Student Code of Conduct. The faculty has a responsibility to exercise its professional judgment in determining a student’s ability to continue in the program. A student who is dismissed from the program, has the right to appeal this decision. See Dismissal Appeal Process below.

Dismissal Appeal Process

A student who has been dismissed may consider the following appeal process. The appeal process must be initiated through the Physical Therapy director within two weeks of the receipt of the letter of dismissal. The following procedure will be followed:

  1. The student must meet with the director who will explain the appeal process and discuss the possible outcomes. The following are examples of possible appeal decisions:
    1. Appeal will be denied;
    2. Appeal will be accepted. In the event of academic based dismissal, the student is allowed to take a second grade option in an attempt to raise the grade point average. An individual course within the physical therapy curriculum can only be retaken once. No more than two courses total may be retaken in the curriculum.
  2. The student will obtain an appeal petition from the director and fill out the appeal petition completely.
  3. The student must obtain their academic advisor’s signature on the petition.
  4. The student submits the signed appeal petition to the director within one week of the date the petition is obtained.
  5. The director will present the appeal petition to the Physical Therapy Admissions and Retention Committee.
  6. Within one week of receipt of the petition, the chair of the Admissions and Retention Committee will contact the student to discuss the date/time of the meeting.
  7. A student representative will be appointed to assist the Admissions and Retention Committee in its decision. Any members of the committee who have direct involvement in the case or who feel they cannot act in good faith can excuse themselves from the appeal process. In this case, alternate physical therapy faculty members will serve on the committee. The director will serve on the committee ex officio and will only vote if there is a tie.
  8. The student has the right to represent themselves and their written petition or they can choose to submit a written petition only.
  9. The committee will meet on the appointed date/time with or without self-representation by the student. If the student wishes to present their petition personally, they will be dismissed from the meeting when it is time for the discussion and decision.
  10. The committee decision will be made by majority vote with secret ballot.
  11. The committee will present the decision to the entire faculty and the director.
  12. The director will notify the student both verbally and in writing of the appeals decision with one week of the date of the decision.
  13. If the student’s dismissal appeal is denied, the student has the right to appeal this decision to the Associate Dean of the School of  Human Sciences. This appeal must be submitted to the Dean within 5 business days of receiving the appeal decision. The reasons for appeal must be based on procedural errors, bias against the student, or additional evidence that has come to light that was not initially available.

Graduation Policy

In order to graduate, all students must meet the following standards

  1. Attain a cumulative DPT GPA of at least 3.0.
  2. Earn a “70%” or higher in all courses or a “pass” in pass/no pass courses
  3. Complete all service learning requirements
  4. Complete the Portfolio Project (DPT-835 Project Portfolio)
  5. Acceptable participation in mandatory university and college wide events that are not part of a course. This includes two Interprofessional Day events and other events throughout the program.
  6. Demonstrate acceptable performance in all Professional Behaviors
  7. Complete all clinical education experiences with a grade of “pass”.

Commencement Participation Policy

Participation in the St. Ambrose University Commencement ceremony is a public affirmation of a student’s successful completion of the DPT program. We realize, however, that select circumstances might prevent a student from completing required course work by the date of the commencement ceremony. Because we view it as desirable that students feel part of the St. Ambrose community by participating in the commencement ceremony, the following departmental policy was adopted.

In order for DPT students to participate in the St. Ambrose Commencement Ceremony, they must:

  1. Have attained a cumulative DPT GPA of at least 3.0,
  2. Have completed all initial or repeated Clinical Education courses with a grade of “Pass,” and
  3. In the case item #2 is not satisfied; continue to demonstrate satisfactory performance during any Clinical Education course up through the Thursday prior to commencement weekend.

Participation in the commencement ceremony is not a guarantee that a student will indeed graduate from the DPT program.

Professional Licensure

At the completion of the DPT program, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in any state and sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Once a passing score on the NPTE is achieved along with all state level requirements, a physical therapy license will be issued to the graduate. It is the student’s responsibility to apply in a timely manner to individual state licensing agencies for licensure as a physical therapist. Information about state licensing agencies and the National Physical Therapy Examination can be obtained through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org). All application and examination fees are borne by the license applicant.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
telephone: 703-706-3245
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 563-333-6403 or email pt@sau.edu.

Any person may submit to CAPTE a complaint about an accredited program that allegedly violates CAPTE’s Standards and Required Elements or CAPTE’s expectations related to program integrity. CAPTE will consider two types of complaints: those that involve situations subject to formal due process policies and procedures established by the institution/program and those that involve situations not subject to formal due process procedures. CAPTE will not consider complaints that fall outside its jurisdiction/authority as expressed in the Standards and Required Elements. When appropriate, complainants will be referred to other organizations to pursue their concern(s). In all communications with individuals seeking to file a formal complaint, it is emphasized that CAPTE will not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for faculty members or students in matters of admission, retention, appointment, promotion, or dismissal. CAPTE will take action only when it believes practices or conditions indicate the program may not be in compliance with the Standards and Required Elements. Full description and procedures for submission of formal complaints are detailed at www.capteonline.org.