Accreditation Status

Effective October 31, 2023, the Hofstra University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 516-463-5185 or email Yasser.Salem@hofstra.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT website). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 516-463-5185 or email yasser.salem@hofstra.edu.

About the Curriculum

The program has a comprehensive curriculum reflective of contemporary practice and standards of practice.  The curriculum reflects the educational process for future physical therapists and the necessary characteristics physical therapists must have as they enter the profession.  The curriculum incorporates a sequential development of knowledge, from concrete to abstract and simple to complex.  This development occurs within individual courses and throughout the curriculum.  The curriculum begins with basic science and foundational courses and progresses to practical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving.  Clinical skills are integrated from the first semester and throughout the curriculum.  Alongside the didactic courses, students participate in clinical internships.  These courses allow students to participate in clinical practice and hands-on experiences early in the curriculum, emphasizing clinical education across the curriculum.  Professional development and leadership skills are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Admission may be granted, pending completion of the degree. Undergraduate degrees must be conferred, and final official transcripts must be received at least one month prior to the start of the program.
• A cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) *
• Completion of all required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. An overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred for required prerequisite coursework.
• Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores completed no more than five years prior to the application.  No minimum score is required.
• A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation, one (1) from academic faculty and one (1) from a licensed physical therapist.
• Successful performance on an admissions interview.  Note: Interviews are required and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
• Documentation of a minimum of 50 observation hours in two different physical therapy clinical settings.
• International students must take the TOEFL exam and pass with a minimum score of:
  • Internet-based test: 80
  • Computer-based test: 213
  • Paper-based test: 550

*Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may still be considered under certain circumstances.

Required Course Prerequisites

To assure that students have the foundational content knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the curriculum, the Program requires the following prerequisite coursework, completed within the past ten (10) years:

• Anatomy & Physiology with Lab – 6 credits minimum; OR Anatomy with Lab (3 credits minimum) and Physiology with lab (3 credits minimum)
• Physics with Lab – 6 credits minimum
• Biology with Lab – 3 credits minimum
• Chemistry with Lab – 3 credits minimum
• Psychology– 3 credits minimum
• Statistics – 2 credits minimum

All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the beginning of the DPT curriculum. The minimum prerequisite coursework requirements cannot be waived and must be completed or in progress by the posted application deadline(s) from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Prerequisite coursework must be satisfied with a grade of “C” or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). A single course cannot be used simultaneously to meet more than one course prerequisite. All coursework completed by the applicant will be considered in the admissions process. Credit for coursework obtained through distance learning or online courses will be recognized as meeting prerequisite requirements, as long as course credit is awarded from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Application

Applicants who are interested in the DPT program may apply directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at hofstra.edu/gradapply.

Admission Deadline

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of May 1 for admission to the class that begins the subsequent summer, and applications are accepted annually. All application requirements and materials must be received before the deadline. The minimum prerequisite coursework requirements must be completed or in progress by the posted application deadline(s). Applications that are incomplete at the posted deadline may not be reviewed by the Program.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 105

The following courses must be fulfilled with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet the requirements listed in the catalog at the time of the student’s entry into the program and those listed below:

1. Completion of all program requirements.
2. Earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate coursework.