Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective students frequently ask questions about admission to the physical therapy program. For your convenience, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions. Please feel free to contact the program or the admissions office if you need additional information.
There are a number of PT schools in the state of Ohio. What makes Walsh a unique experience? Why should I consider applying to Walsh University's DPT program?
Walsh is unabashedly a Catholic university. The faculty, students, and support personnel on campus live the mission of the university, which is to model the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and to foster service learning within the educational model. However, Walsh is welcoming to students of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. In addition, our smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty and administration, as well as our involvement and passion for the profession of physical therapy is unmatched. We feel Walsh is the perfect blend of spirit and sophistication.
I have read on Walsh's website that the university is committed to service learning. How is this embedded within the DPT program?
We have 2 primary courses dedicated to service learning aimed at promoting wellness and prevention in a community health model. Students in their 3rd year of the program will design and implement a Community Health Program for an underserved target audience. In addition, the 3rd year students will provide mentorship to our 1st year students, who will also participate in the Community Health Program. This ensures service opportunities for a majority of our students as well as providing a positive feedback cycle for ongoing development of these activities.
The clinical experiences within the program are critical to a strong education in physical therapy. What is unique about the clinical experiences at Walsh?
Our students complete four clinical rotations in a variety of practice settings that encompass patients with diverse needs. The emphasis of our clinical education curriculum is placed upon the body systems encountered by students in the academic course work in contrast to the type of setting in which students are placed. Our collective clinical education experiences will provide opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences involving the patient-client management process, interdisciplinary teamwork, teaching, practice management/administrative activities, and supervision of physical therapist assistants and other supportive personnel.
I am interested in creating and participating in original research. Is there an opportunity at Walsh's DPT program to participate in research?
Students and faculty work together in the creation of original research within the requirements of the DPT curriculum. Our students have been incredibly successful in disseminating their research. For example, students have contributed to textbook chapters, multiple journal publications, presented at national conferences and have worked with licensed clinicians on collaborative research studies.
Walsh's enrollment qualifies it as a small university. What has Walsh's DPT program done to assure that the education received at Walsh is commensurate to that of a larger university?
Walsh is a complex blend of spirit and sophistication. Our mission allows careful emphases on the areas of education that we think are critical ingredients to be an effective, exceptional physical therapist. These include compassion, motivation, empathy, dedication, and effort. Furthermore, our faculty consists of physical therapists who are; internationally recognized scholars, highly involved in the professional association, are board certified clinical specialists or fellowship trained clinicians, and who have a wide variety of skill sets necessary for effective education.
In areas where a unique teaching perspective is needed, outside faculty or clinicians are brought in to teach. That said there are no holes within the curriculum that lead to gaps in learning.
Do I need to have a Bachelor's degree to apply and be admitted to Walsh University's physical therapy program?
You do not need your degree in hand for us to interview you or make an offer of acceptance. However, you must have completed your degree and all pre-requisite coursework prior to the start of graduate program courses. The only exception is for Walsh undergraduate students who are enrolled in the Early Assurance program.
What are the average overall and pre-requisite GPAs and GRE scores of students selected to attend Walsh University's physical therapy program?
Both overall and pre-requisite mean GPAs and mean GRE scores vary from year to year. The minimum standard pre-requisite and overall GPA necessary for acceptance into the program is a 3.0. Completion of GREs is required prior to an invitation to interview, but there is no minimum standard. The past few classes that have matriculated had a mean overall GPA of 3.61, a mean pre-requisite GPA of 3.50, and a mean verbal GRE score of 153, a quantitative GRE score of 153 and an analytical writing scaled score of 4.0.
Can you provide your acceptance and matriculation rates?
For the admissions cycle of 2015 - 2016, our program received a total of 206 applications. Of these applications, there were 114 qualified applicants. From these qualified applicants, 56 students were offered admission to fill a class of 34 students.
If I am unsuccessful in getting accepted into the physical therapy program and plan to re-apply, do I have to resubmit a complete application?
Yes, you will need to submit a new application. The PTCAS system only keeps a one year cycle of admissions information. We would appreciate a written notification of your desire to be considered for the following year as well as what you plan to do to optimize your application.
How can I determine if a course at my institution will meet a specific pre-requisite requirement?
Course descriptions can be found at: http://www.walsh.edu/prerequisite-course-descriptions. We will also consider pre-requisites on a case-by-case basis. To have a pre-requisite evaluated for appropriate content, you must submit your request in writing to Graduate Admission Office and include both a course description and syllabus.
I have not been able to obtain observation hours, what can I do?
While we strongly recommend that you attempt to complete observation hours in a variety of settings, it is not required for entry into the program. You will be required to complete an essay documenting your experiences and exposure to physical therapy. Observation hours are one way to gain exposure.
What should I major in for my undergraduate studies?
We encourage prospective students to pursue a major in any discipline that interests them as long as the student can complete the pre-requisite courses for the physical therapy program. Some majors, however, allow students to complete the pre-requisites while at the same time working toward a Bachelor's degree. The most common examples of majors that meet this description include biology, kinesiology, exercise science, and psychology.
Is financial aid available for this program?
At Walsh University, we believe that higher education should be made available to all who seek it. Our friendly, caring staff is here to help you understand the breakdown of tuition and fees and navigate the financial aid process. Please contact us at 330-490-7367 with any questions.
What is the graduation rate from your DPT program?
The 3 year overall graduation rate is 92.9%.
How many of your graduates are employed as PTs within 6 months of passing the licensure examination?
It is 100%.