Doctor of Physical Therapy

The LSU Health Shreveport Physical Therapy Program offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for persons interested in becoming a Physical Therapist. The degree is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and required prerequisite coursework. The Program is a three year program comprised of 9 semesters. The curriculum is aimed at producing outstanding clinical skills in Physical Therapy including, diagnosis, clinical reasoning, program planning, and therapeutic intervention. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Role of a Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical Therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, Physical Therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellnessoriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Career and Practice Settings

Physical Therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, more than 80% practice in other settings: 1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited

U.S. college or university by the first day of class. 2. Minimum 3.2 GPA in all undergraduate science/math courses (4.0 scale). 3. Minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the last five years sent to GRE DI code 7739: • 285 combined quantitative and verbal scores. • Scores from the analytical writing portion of the GRE are required. 4. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses: • English Composition (6 hours) • Advanced English Composition, Technical Writing, or Exposition (3 hours) • Chemistry (8 hours) – Lab based • Biology/Zoology (8 hours) – Lab based • Advanced Biology (3 hours) – Recommended: Histology or Cell Biology • Physics (8 hours) – Lab based • Anatomy (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Anatomy • Physiology (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Physiology • Mathematics (6 hours) – Algebra level or greater • Psychology (6 hours) – Recommended: Abnormal Psychology, Growth and Development • Statistics (3 hours) – Behavioral or Experimental • Public Speaking (3 hours) • Medical Terminology (1 credit) 5. At least 60 hours of practical experience in physical therapy. Practical experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Earned a minimum of 30 hours from each site.

• Rehabilitation • Out-patient • Long-term care • School system • Skilled nursing facilities • Pediatrics • Home health • Research

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

2020 MEDIAN PAY $91,010 per year | $43.75 per hour NUMBER OF JOBS, 2019 258,200 JOB OUTLOOK, 2019-29 18% (Much faster than average)

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/PT

PROGRAM LENGTH: 36 months (nine semesters) APPLICATION METHOD: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) CLASS SIZE: 36 students accepted per year APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 1 CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester)

Admission Requirements

CONTACT Admissions and Records Office