Applicant FAQ
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Below is a list of applicant's frequently asked questions and their answers:
- Is your program fully accredited?
- Do I need to take the GRE?
- Do you offer a Doctoral Degree?
- What is the difference between a "regular" and an entry-level doctoral degree?
- What are Pre-professional requirements?
- Will I choose a specialization while I am a student in your program?
- Will I be able to do ALL of my clinical affiliations in San Antonio?
- What courses do you require for admission to the PT program?
- Should I retake courses in which I received a "C" in order to raise my GPA?
- If I retake a course and receive a higher grade, how is that computed into my GPA?
- How do you treat courses in which I have "CLEP'd"?
- Does the school at which I take my prerequisite courses impact my chance of being admitted to PT?
- When do classes start and may I go part time?
- Will I have enough time to work part-time while I am a student in your program?
- Do I need a specific number of volunteer hours in order to apply?
- What kinds of questions do you ask during the interview?
- Are letters of reference required and how many?
- When will I be notified if I have been selected for an interview?
- When do you notify applicants of your decision on their applications?
- If I am not admitted this year, is there a way to make my application stronger for next year?
- Do you have advisors with whom I may speak?
- How do I get my transcript reviewed?
- What kind of computer skills will I need in order to begin the PT Program?
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Is your program fully accredited?
Yes. The PT program at UTHSCSA was fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) on November 1st, 2000.
Up through the 2006 application period (for students entering in Fall 2007), we do not require the GRE. Beginning September 2007, applicants (for the Fall 2008 entry class) will be required to take the GRE.
Do you offer a Doctoral Degree?
Yes. We accepted our first class in the fall of 2008.
What is the difference between a "regular" and an entry-level doctoral degree?
The traditional Masters Degree entails graduate level work in a discipline where you have mastered the entry-level competencies. An entry-level degree indicates that the focus of study consists of those beginning skills needed for initial practice in the profession.
What are Pre-professional requirements?
The curriculum builds on a pre-professional foundation of prerequisite courses and requirements of humanities, sciences, arts, and personal experiences that are intended to help students develop into well-rounded, compassionate professionals.
Core curriculum include coursework in psychology, sociology, speech, and electives in the humanities and arts. Science prerequisites provide the basis for in-depth study in the professional phase of the program and include biology, chemistry, and physics. Other requirements include knowledge of medical terminology, skill in scientific writing, and volunteer experience in health care.
Will I choose a specialization while I am a student in your program?
All students complete the program as "generalists." Typically, therapists will begin specialization after graduation with experience and continuing education. However, our program offers electives in the final year that allow a student to gain added experience in certain specialties.
Will I be able to do ALL of my clinical affiliations in San Antonio?
Students are not promised any particular location for clinical assignment. However, preferences are allowed within the strict limits of available sites. Special consideration is given to students who have dependents. Students should be prepared to travel to facilities in and/or out of state for clinical experiences in affiliated health care facilities. The 24 weeks of full-time clinical experience included in the curriculum are held during the second summer and third fall semesters. Clinical assignments may require that the student locate outside of San Antonio for the duration of each rotation. While the cost of travel, temporary housing, maintenance of local accommodations, etc. will vary according to individual arrangements, the student is encouraged to budget for major expenditures associated with these assignments.
What courses do you require for admission to the PT program?
See the PT fact sheets below::
Should I retake courses in which I received a "C" in order to raise my GPA?
Only you can make the decision to retake a prerequisite course. Admission to the program is dependent on a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA and a competitive Math/Science GPA. A pre-admission counselor is available to advise applicants on the best course for admission to the program.
If I retake a course and receive a higher grade, how is that computed into my GPA?
For the overall GPA, all undergraduate coursework is computed and averaged. Low grades are not deleted. For prerequisite math and science courses, the higher grade is computed.
How do you treat courses in which I have "CLEP'd"?
CLEP credit may be awarded if (1) the credit appears on an official transcript from a regionally accredited college/university or (2) an official score report reflecting at least a minimum score is submitted. Awarded credit will fulfill a respective course requirement but will not factor into GPA calculations.
Does the school at which I take my prerequisite courses impact my chance of being admitted to PT?
No. However, some prerequisite courses may be offered only at four-year institutions. Also, applicants who have taken courses at larger institutions may be better prepared for the rigorous requirements of the PT program. Beginning in the fall of 2007, we will not except any more than 60 credit hours from a community college.
When do classes start and may I go part time?
Classes generally begin the last week of August. Students must take all courses in the order in which they are offered. Applicants are expected to take a full-time course load throughout the curriculum.
Will I have enough time to work part-time while I am a student in your program?
Only you can make the decision as whether to work part-time. Our program is considered full-time and very demanding. We recommend that you plan for financing yourself in some other manner than working part-time while a student in the PT program.
Do I need a specific number of volunteer hours in order to apply?
Knowledge and understanding of physical therapy gained through a minimum of 100 hours of observations, volunteer work or as a paid employee in a variety of settings is required. Such experience must be verified in writing. We require that you document volunteer hours by using our form which is on our web site.
What kinds of questions do you ask during the interview?
You will be asked questions that reflect your knowledge of physical therapy and the health care environment, problem solving skills, maturity and potential for success in our program and in our profession.
Are letters of reference required and how many?
A minimum of two letters of reference (at least one from a physical therapist) are required. You may have more if you wish. A recommendation form can be found on our web site.
When will I be notified if I have been selected for an interview?
Invitations to interview are typically sent out in December. We usually begin interviewing in early January.
When do you notify applicants of your decision on their applications?
Typically we have four full days of interviews beginning in early January. Notification letters are sent within two weeks following completion of the last round of interviews. A phone call is made to those applicants who have received a seat in the program with a letter to follow. A response form, which is included in with your letter, must be sent to the department within two weeks of receiving the letter. Once we receive your positive response to our offer, we will hold this seat in our program for you. For us to continue holding this seat for you, we are requiring students to continue communicating with the program through our Admissions Counselor and confirm your previous commitment to our program. You will do this by filling out a REAFFIRMATION FORM which will be sent to you in May. Send this form to the P.T. Department Admissions Counselor between May 15 and June 15. If we do not receive your REAFFIRMATION FORM by June 15, your seat will be given to another applicant.
Alternates receive a letter. If a slot opens, the next person on the alternate list is called with an offer to join the program.
If I am not admitted this year, is there a way to make my application stronger for next year?
The PT Admission Counselor is available to counsel applicants on the best course for admission to the program.
Do you have advisors with whom I may speak?
Yes. Counseling appointments are available with a pre-admissions counselor. It is recommended that you meet with them no later than the second year of college. (If this is your second career, then make an appointment before you enroll in prerequisite courses.) Call the Allied Health Welcome Center to set up a counseling appointment (866) 802-2688. You may bring your transcripts for evaluation.
How do I get my transcript reviewed?
Send a copy of your transcript with a cover letter requesting a transcript evaluation for transfer of credit in PT to the following: School of Allied Health Sciences, Welcome Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC: 7717, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900 or call (866)802-2688.
What kind of computer skills will I need in order to begin the PT Program?
Students in the PT Program should be able to use a variety of computer systems and software. Expected skills are, but are not limited to: general word processing and printing, AV presentations, e-mail communications, and internet navigation. Both Macintosh and PC systems are used in the Department. Personal computers are available for student use in the main library, however we strongly recommend that all students have access to their own computer system (including a printer). The most common software programs currently used in the PT program are the Microsoft Office Suite ('Word, Excel and Powerpoint' ) and the 'EndNote' reference management system.
All written assignments, papers and projects are expected to be presented in either an electronic version, a printed format, or both. It will be a significant advantage for students to have these skills before entering the PT program.
