Marshall University offers a dynamic environment where aspiring physical therapists can cultivate their skills, engage in hands-on learning experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the field of physical therapy.
As a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Marshall University, you’ll be immersed in a supportive and collaborative learning environment, equipping you with the knowledge, expertise, and practical experience necessary to excel in this rewarding field.
The School of Physical Therapy, in conjunction with the Lewis College of Business Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program, has developed an exciting new opportunity for selected DPT students.
The dual DPT/MBA degree is an option for enrolled DPT students who seek a career as a private practice owner, clinical manager, or healthcare administrator.
Marshall University’s program is one of a handful of programs in the United States to offer such a dual DPT/MBA degree.
Why choose the dual DPT/MBA degree?
The program is designed for highly motivated physical therapy students who seek knowledge and experience in business administration to propel their physical therapy careers. Many physical therapists find themselves in supervisory, managerial, or practice ownership without having the requisite knowledge of accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, finance, decision-making, information systems, business policy, and strategic planning.
By combining the DPT and the MBA in a dual-degree program, the graduate will be prepared for healthcare leadership positions and will set Marshall University graduates apart from their peers by providing them with business acumen.
The Marshall University Doctor of Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program allows high school seniors to apply for conditional acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Successful applicants will have a guaranteed seat pending maintenance of all undergraduate requirements and earning a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University.
- Open for Applications: June 24, 2024
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Letters of Recommendation/Official Transcript/ACT or SAT Score Report Deadline: December 15, 2024
- Interviews for the DPT Early Assurance Program (required): January 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Admission Requirements
This program is designed for highly motivated high school students (in-state or out-of-state) who have achieved the following criteria during their high school careers:
- Minimum composite ACT of 25 or SAT composite score of 1200.
- Cumulative High School GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of reference/recommendation from high school teachers in STEM-related courses.
- On-campus interview in January with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee.
Continuing Requirements
- Students must declare an undergraduate major (e.g., Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Health Sciences, Biology, etc.). There is no preference given based on undergraduate major; however, students must complete all required prerequisite courses (see below).
- Complete their undergraduate degree within four years.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester (students may fall below a 3.0 GPA for a maximum of one semester during their undergraduate degree), achieve an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in all prerequisite courses (BSC 120 and BSC 121 or higher; BSC 227 and BSC 228; CHM 211, 212, 217, and 218 or higher; PHY 201, 202, 203, and 204 or higher; STA 225 or PSY 223 or MGT 218; PSY 201 and PSY 311).
- Students must successfully complete at least 60 hours of valid clinical observation in physical therapy before the start of the fall of the senior year.
- Students will apply through PTCAS in the fall of the senior year to ensure that all criteria are met. Students may have a maximum of two prerequisite courses outstanding in the fall of the senior year.
Application Process
- Students must apply and be accepted into the undergraduate program and declare a major at Marshall University prior to applying to the DPT Early Assurance Program.
- Students must complete the Early Assurance Program application online no later than the date listed above. An incomplete application package could negatively impact the selection process.
- Application package must include:
- Application form including personal statement/essay
- Two letters of reference/recommendation which must be from high school teachers who have had the applicant in class and are familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
- Students must submit official SAT/ACT score report(s) and official high school transcript(s) with the information of “unweighted” cumulative GPA to Marshall University SOPT Admissions Committee (2847 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25702) no later than the date listed above .
- Applications will be reviewed by the Marshall University SOPT Admissions Committee, and all applicants will be sent notification in writing whether they have been selected for an interview.
- Finalists will be required to participate in on-campus interviews.
- The Marshall University SOPT Admissions Committee by final vote will select the applicants who will be accepted into the program.
Advantages of the DPT Early Assurance Program
- Students will be assured a seat in the DPT program upon admission to Marshall University, provided they have met all admission and continuing requirements.
- Students will be able to establish a close and continuous connection with Marshall University DPT program.
The Marshall University Doctor of Physical Therapy Junior Early Assurance Pathway allows college juniors to apply and secure a place in conditional acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, bypassing the traditional admission process through PTCAS typically undertaken during their senior year. This optional pathway is tailored for high-achieving college students who have excelled academically early in their college journey and wish to selectively pursue their DPT degree at Marshall University. This pathway also offers scholarship assistance during the first year of the DPT degree.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Junior Early Assurance pathway, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Departmental application to the DPT program. Deadline for submission of program application: October 15 of the applicant’s junior year.
- Credit Requirements: Complete at least 60 college credits by the application deadline.
- GPA Requirements: Maintain an overall and science prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Finish at least 24 out of the 33 required science prerequisite credits* and 3 credits of the Behavioral/Social Science prerequisites, earning a grade of “B” or higher in the following courses:
Sciences:
- Biology (with lab)*: 8 credits
- Chemistry (with lab)*: 8 credits
- Physics (with lab)*: 8 credits
- Human Anatomy*: 3 credits
- Human Physiology*: 3 credits
- Statistics*: 3 credits
Behavioral/Social Sciences:
- Psychology – 6 credits (preferably life developmental, life span or abnormal)
- Observation Hours: Complete a minimum of 15 clinical observation hours by the application deadline.
- References: Submit the contact information of two recommenders, including one from a licensed Physical Therapist by the application deadline. An email will be sent to each of your recommender with details on how to complete their online recommendation.
- Essay: Provide a personal essay as part of the application.
*Science prerequisite courses completed at a community college will not count toward the minimum 24-credit requirement.
Continuing Requirements (after being accepted) for Full Admission to the DPT Program:
- Application for Graduate Admission. Deadline: October 15 of the applicant’s final undergraduate year (i,e, senior year).
- Earn a Bachelor’s degree prior to the starting date of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
- Achieve an overall and science prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Secure a grade of “B” or better in all required prerequisite courses.
Benefits of Junior Early Assurance
- Guaranteed Seat: A seat in the DPT program is reserved and held until after graduation, eliminating application stress during your senior year.
- Simplified Application Process: The university’s internal application process replaces the need for PTCAS, saving time and costs.
- Guaranteed First-Year DPT Scholarship:
- Receive a $3,000 scholarship during the first year ($1,000 per semester).
- Get $500 of your seat deposit** credited during the summer semester of your first year.
**Deposit: $500 seat deposit will be due at the time of acceptance. The seat deposit will be applied to your first semester’s tuition upon matriculation into the program.