DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DUAL DEGREE (3+3) Are you interested in the science of movement? Do you want to help people achieve their athletic goals? Would you like to play a key role helping people heal? St. Catherine University offers a fast track to earn your undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in just six years. This efficient option allows you to select one of four undergraduate majors and plan your coursework so you are ready to apply for early admission to the DPT program during your junior year. Save one year’s worth of time and tuition, and get a jump start on your career!
STEPS TO DO NOW February 15 Priority deadline to submit your application for admission into St. Kate’s and early acceptance to the DPT program. HIGH SCHOOL GPA: 3.25 to be reviewed 3.9 = average of students receiving early admission
WHY DPT AT ST. KATE’S? Innovative curriculum that prepares students to think and reason in a clinical environment.
Top 5% DPT program nationally in the number of clinical education hours for first-year students.
100% of our DPT students who pass the licensure exam are employed within 6 months of graduation!
Declare Pre-PT as the area of study on your application Declare a major in one of the following: • Biology • Exercise and Sport Science • Psychology • Public Health: Health Sciences
With a DPT class size of 34 students per cohort, students get an intimate educational experience and increased level of support.
St. Kate’s DPT graduates have a reputation of being highly competent, ethical, and culturally fluent leaders and clinicians in the physical therapy profession.
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DUAL DEGREE (3+3) (continued) START PLANNING FOR YOUR GRADUATE PROGRAM Requirements to get into the DPT Program: First – Third Undergraduate Years • A n undergraduate cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale • S uccessful completion (letter grade C or above) of all prerequisite coursework with GPA of 3.4 or better • A minimum of 40 hours of observed (PT verified) clinical hours in a variety of clinical environments • T he Medical Terminology course is recommended for all pre-DPT majors
TIPS FOR DPT PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE DURING YOUR JUNIOR YEAR OF COLLEGE • M eet with your pre-PT advisor from the Academic Advising Office every semester while an undergraduate student. • M eet with DPT faculty early (first and second year) to discuss why you’re interested in physical therapy and begin building connections. • S pend a lot of time on your application – prepare for essays and recordings. • B uild good relationships with your undergraduate professors so they may provide a strong recommendation. • M ake the most of your 40 clinical observation hours and experience. Shadow professionals in a variety of different areas – acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient, transitional care, etc.
HOW TO SHADOW • D o this during your first and second years so the hours are completed before you apply during your junior year. • B egin talking to people you know in the field and networking. • C all local providers and ask to shadow. Clinics are usually very receptive to this. • O ur students have shadowed at local Minneapolis/St. Paul area clinics such as Allina, M Health Fairview, TRIA Orthopedics, Park Nicollet, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Hennepin County Medical Center.
The information in this document applies to students entering the College for Women. Portions of this document are subject to change at any time. Consult the St. Catherine University Undergraduate Academic Catalog for official requirements.
College for Women Office of Admission 2004 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 651-690-8850 or 800-656-5283 admissions@stkate.edu @st.kates
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