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Gannon University believes the power of rehabilitation can help in healing those who suffer from movement dysfunction. If you are interested in restoring function, relieving pain and preventing disability for individuals of all ages, Gannon’s physical therapy program can help you achieve your goals. As an undergraduate in Gannon’s physical therapy program, you will be prepared for acceptance into Gannon’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. With the guidance of an advisor, students select courses to fulfill prerequisites needed for Gannon’s DPT program. Gannon’s DPT curriculum is seven years in length with graduates completing an undergraduate degree in four years before completing three years of professional preparation.

The job opportunities for physical therapists remain abundant. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs are expected to continue growing through the new millennium. Although many physical therapists practice in a traditional hospital setting, the majority provide services in out-of-hospital settings such as home health agencies, nursing homes, public health agencies, school setting, private physical therapy clinics and a variety of other non-traditional settings. Advances in medical technology continue to allow for the treatment of more severe disabilities. As a result, physical therapists will be needed to care for aging baby boomers who face heart disease, strokes and arthritis, and also to attend to the growing number of newborns who suffer severe birth defects. The average annual starting salary for a physical therapist is $54,000.

Overview

Gannon’s undergraduate physical therapy program prepares students for acceptance into Gannon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. With the guidance of an advisor, students select courses to fulfill prerequisites needed for Gannon’s DPT, or other programs to which they wish to apply.

Gannon’s DPT curriculum is seven years in length with graduates completing an undergraduate degree in four years before completing three years of professional preparation.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements Leading to a DPT (4+3)

The minimum requirements to be considered for acceptance to the undergraduate Physical Therapy program include:

• Overall high school GPA of 3.0 or better.
• SAT score of 1010 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or higher or ACT score of 21 or higher.
• Completion of college prep biology and chemistry with labs and three years of college prep mathematics.

Students applying to the Undergraduate Physical Therapy Program can choose one of ten academic major options (see Major Facts).

Note: Students meeting the higher admission criteria below have the added advantage of a guaranteed position in Gannon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program (4+3). This determination will be made by the Admissions Committee at the time of application.

• SAT total of 1050 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or higher.
• GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Students offered this guaranteed position must also maintain the following criteria while enrolled in the Undergraduate Program at Gannon:

• A GPA of 3.2 or higher in Gannon undergraduate courses.
• A GPA of 3.2 or higher in prerequisite courses (with no repeated courses).

Students will be given special consideration for a graduate scholarship upon entrance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Gannon.

3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy
Admission Requirements:

Gannon also offers the opportunity to participate in a 3+3 accelerated program. This program has been designed for qualified students to earn an undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in six years rather than seven. Students in the accelerated program may choose a major in Science or Sport and Exercise Science. Students who wish to apply should choose the 3+3 Accelerated (DPT) program on their application and must meet the following criteria:

• SAT total of 1100 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or higher.
• A high school GPA of 3.4 or better.

Students offered this guaranteed position must also maintain the following criteria while enrolled in the Undergraduate Program at Gannon:

• A GPA of 3.4 or higher in Gannon undergraduate courses.
• A GPA of 3.4 or higher in prerequisite courses with no repeated courses.
• GPA will be reviewed at the end of each academic year.