Dual Degree Physical Therapy Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1)
Does Kean University have a Physical Therapy Program?
Kean University has a collaborative program with the University of Medicine & Dentistry in
Newark, N.J., (UMDNJ). This dual degree program in Physical Therapy is a six-year combined
Bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. It consists of undergraduate studies at Kean
for the Bachelor’s Degree and graduate studies at UMDNJ in Newark leading to a Doctor of
Physical Therapy Degree (DPT).
2)
How does it work?
High School students and transfer students are admitted into an undergraduate major at Kean. In
the fall semester of the junior year, students may apply for admission to the graduate Doctor of
Physical Therapy degree at UMDNJ. If accepted into the program, courses taken during the first
year of the DPT Program will be used to complete the senior year of the undergraduate degree.
Having completed the first year in the program, students are able to graduate from Kean
University with a Bachelor’s Degree in their major. These students then go on to complete two
more years at UMDNJ to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at UMDNJ.
3)
What major should I choose?
We offer 8 majors from which to choose for your Bachelor of Art’s Degree. They are Biology
(Pre-professional), Earth Science (General), Economics, History, Philosophy and Religion,
Political Science (General), Psychology and Sociology.
Most students choose Biology (Pre-professional) with Psychology being the second most popular
major.
4)
Does it matter which major I choose?
No. The Physical Therapy Program welcomes students with a wide range of interests. You
should choose a major in which you are interested. However, Biology, and to a lesser degree
Psychology, majors will have a stronger foundation in the sciences upon applying to UMDNJ.
The major that you
select will be the major for which you receive your Bachelor’s Degree from Kean. (note: If you
are not accepted into the DPT program, you need to think about what career options will be
available to you with the major you choose.) All students are required to complete the
prerequisite courses for the physical therapy program, regardless of major selected.
5)
When can I apply to the DPT?
To be eligible to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) through the Dual
Program in Physical Therapy, you must meet ALL university requirements for the major as
well as the prerequisite courses required for the DPT program. These requirements must be
completed by the end of the spring semester before the summer in which you expect to start the
DPT program at UMDNJ. The program will begin around August 1st every year for the new
entering class. The requirements include:
All General Education and Major Required Courses (as identified in the Pre-PT guide sheets)
Courses required by UMDNJ:
Psy 1000 General Psychology* 3 Credits
Chem 1083 Chemistry I 4 Credits
Chem 1084 Chemistry II 4 Credits
Bio 3403 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits
Bio 3404 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits
Phys 2091 General Physics I 4 Credits
Phys 2092 General Physics II 4 Credits
Math 1054 Precalculus 3 Credits
One course in Statistics** 3 Credits
*Other psychology courses may be substituted for Psy 1000.
**Taken with advisement according to the undergraduate major selected.
Prerequisites must have been taken within the past 10 years of the date of the application to UMDNJ.
6)
How competitive is the DPT Program in Physical Therapy?
The DPT Program in Physical Therapy is an intense academic program and is very competitive.
This highly competitive 110-credit program includes course work and clinical affiliations with all
courses taught at UMDNJ in Newark. The DPT is a year round program with classes
scheduled during the school year and in the summer. Class size is limited. Seats are reserved
each year for qualified Kean University students.
--3-The minimum requirements to apply to UMDNJ’s PT program are based on:
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A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from all colleges attended
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses
Graduate Record Examination scores. GRE general test which includes three sections,
verbal, quantitative and analytical.
Field Experience – Applicants must demonstrate experience, as a volunteer or as a paid
worker, in at least two different clinical setting prior to applying to the DPT program.
References – Letters of recommendation are required from two clinical sites where the
field
experience was obtained. In addition, one personal letter of recommendation is required.
Other Requirements –You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities
attended and you must show extracurricular or work experience that demonstrates
interpersonal skills, leadership capabilities and general interest in the healthcare profession.
7)
How long will it take?
The Dual Program is designed to take 3 years at Kean University and 3 years at UMDNJ.
8)
When are applications due?
They are due at UMDNJ on October 1st of the calendar year preceding the summer in which you
plan to enter the program. For example, applications for summer 2013 will be due October 1,
2012.
9)
When do I take the GRE exam?
Ideally, the GRE should be taken during the spring semester prior to the fall UMDNJ application
deadline. This allows the student some flexibility should he/she decide to take the exam a second
time. For example, if you are applying to the DPT program for Fall 2013, take the GRE during
the Summer 2012 before you apply.
10)
How do I prepare for the GRE’s?
There are test preparation textbooks available as well as courses offered by Stanley Kaplan,
Princeton Review among others. Typically at least three months of thorough preparation and
study prior to sitting for the GRE are advised.
11)
Where should I do my field experience?
You can get your field experience at a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, sports facility,
rehabilitation center, physical therapy facility or wherever physical therapy is offered and you can
work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. You must work in two different
facilities to get a broader experience.
--4--
12)
How many hours should I work?
A minimum of 50 hours in each field experience would enable you to gain insight and
understanding of the profession. The more hours you work will allow your physical therapist
supervisor to observe you to assess your ability as a future physical therapist. You will use that
assessment as a recommendation for the DPT Program.
13)
Does it matter if I get paid or volunteer for my field
experience?
No.
14)
Does Kean University provide a list of places where I can get
my field experience?
No, but we can provide you with ideas regarding possible sites for your field experience.
15)
What GPA do I need?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. However, the higher your GPA the better your chances of
getting into the program. High grades in the prerequisite courses are also essential.
16)
Does the Admission Committee require an interview?
Yes. After you apply to the program the Admissions Committee will contact you to
schedule an interview at UMDNJ in Newark. You will visit the campus, meet the faculty
and have an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the profession. The
Admissions Committee is interested in meeting all the candidates who apply to the
program.
17)
What else does the Admissions Committee consider?
Besides a high GPA, the Admissions Committee reads your application very carefully and
reviews the following.
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Overall GPA
Math/Science GPA
GRE score
Answers to essay questions on the application including content, organization spelling, and
grammar.
Recommendations – two from field experiences and one character reference.
All the information you provide about yourself as requested.
How you follow instructions regarding filling out the application.
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18)
General appearance of application, i.e. typed, neatness, professional.
Interview
What happens if I don’t get into the program?
You will complete your Bachelor’s Degree at Kean. You can reapply to UMDNJ the following
year as well as apply to other graduate schools that offer Physical Therapy. Also, when you
apply to other programs, make sure you have met their prerequisite requirements. They may
differ from those at UMDNJ.
Reviewed and updated April 2012
Reviewed/Updated:
November 2011 & April 2012 with Jeff Fasick
April 16 – waiting for review and ok from G Chang