PHYSICAL THERAPY

FAQs

What is the DPT?

The DPT is the preferred entry level degree for all physical therapists. It is a clinical degree, like Podiatry and Dentists. Physical therapists with a doctorate degree is a long range goal of the American Therapy Association. Different PT programs have different focuses within their curriculum. Compare the overall curriculum of the schools you are interested in. The degree granted upon graduation is determined by the institution, not the curriculum. Starting salaries are the same for any entry level degree. Hiring practices are based upon the individual, letters of recommendation and the school they attended, not the degree earned.

I'm a licensed physical therapist. Can I enroll in your DPT program?

The DPT Program is an entry-level, full time DPT curriculum. IT is not a transitional DPT for physical therapists who have entered the profession with a bachelor's or master's degree.

What is the housing situation?

Dormitory style private rooms are available to Hunter College students. Housing is on the Brookdale Campus, where the Physical Therapy Program is located. Housing costs approximately $1.000.00 per semester. Click here for information about housing at Hunter College. Your application and deposit is refundable if you are not provided with a dorm room. Housing is limited and cannot guarantee that all students applying for housing will receive housing.

The College of Staten Island at present does not offer housing.

What do I do once I'm accepted?

Notification of acceptance to the DPT Program based at the College of Staten Island begins in January 2006, and from the program based in Hunter College in January 2006. This process will continue until all interviews have been completed. An orientation for incoming PT students is scheduled prior to the beginning of the DPT Program. You will be notified of this orientation in a letter mailed by the DPT program.

What are the retention rates?

The Physical Therapy faculty are dedicated to producing competent PT clinicians. Students who are having academic/financial/personal difficulties are assisted as much as possible. Our average graduation rate is over 95%.

What are the passing rates on the National Physical Therapy (licensure) examination?

Hunter College: Graduates of our present Master's Degree curriculum have consistently performed at or above the national average for passing the examination required for licensure. Recently received data on graduates of our MPT curriculum is provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy twice a year. Click here for a summary page of our most recent classes performance.

College of Staten Island: Graduates of the current BS/MS program have performed at or above the national average for passing the license exam. Recent data on graduates is provided by the Federation of the State Boards of Physical Therapy which is provided twice a year.

I'm an international student. What do I need to know about applying to the DPT program?

Translations and evaluation of transcripts from colleges outside the U.S. must be completed early in the application process. The Office of International Students at the Graduate Center collects the documents and issues the I-20. Please refer to the graduate catalog or graduate application for more detailed information.

What if I'm a internationally trained Physical Therapist?

If you are qualified to work as physical therapist in another country, you may not need to apply to our program. Contact the New York State Board of Physical Therapy to determine if your education allows you to take the National Physical Therapy Examination. If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, then you are not qualified for the examination. If you wish to become a licensed physical therapist in the U.S., then you must apply to an accredited physical therapy program. The Graduate Center of CUNY DPT Program (Hunter College site or College of Staten Island site) will require you to apply and enroll in our entire curriculum. We do not waive courses from other colleges or universities. You must also complete the 100 hours of clinical experience in the United States, Canada, Australia, or England.

May I meet with an advisor?

Members of the Physical Therapy faculty are available for counseling appointments. These appointments are only scheduled after receipt of our information packet. Please contact us with specific questions and days/times you are available. You may either write or call the department secretaries between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at (718) 982-3153 at the College of Staten Island, and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at (212) 481-4469 at Hunter College.

Do you offer informational Open House events? When is the next event scheduled?

Hunter College: The Program Director holds an informational session often during each semester for information on the Program, prerequisites, the admissions process, and to answer questions regarding entry into the Graduate Center program and other New York State Schools. Please call for the date and time of the next scheduled open house or check our Web site by navigating to the News & Events section.

College of Staten Island: The Program Director holds an Open House each fall semester as an informational session to answer questions on admissions, prerequisites and the admissions process. During the academic year the Program Director holds informal sessions in a group and individually.