Physical Therapy: Requirements

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements are established by the faculty on recommendation from the Director of Graduate Study and the Academic Standards Committee.

1. An undergraduate degree must be cleared and posted to the academic record by the time of enrollment.
2. The following courses required for physical therapy must be completed with a grade of C or better: PT 605, 610, 615, 625, 640, 641, 644, 645, 646, 647, 653, 654, 655, 656, 660, 662, 663, 664, and 665. In addition students must receive a passing grade for PT 601, 650, 651, 657, 666, 687, and 688.
3. PT 650, 651, 657, 666, 687, and 688 require the student to complete the equivalent of 31 weeks of full-time clinical internship under supervision of licensed physical therapists in a combination of on-campus clinics, and clinical facilities that hold an Extended Campus Agreement with the Physical Therapy Program. To be eligible to participate in off-campus internships, students must satisfactorily complete all prerequisite coursework and demonstrate appropriate professional behavior as measured by the departmental Affective Tool. In addition the student must undergo a background check by the Washington State Patrol, as required by RCW 43.43.830, prior to placement in both on- and off-campus clinical experiences.

Upon successful completion of the academic program, a comprehensive written exam, and clinical internship, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is granted. The graduate is then eligible to take any state licensure examination for physical therapists.

Continuation toward a Degree in Physical Therapy

1. Once degree candidacy has been granted, a student is expected to complete all degree requirements within six years. All courses to be counted in the degree, including graduate transfer credit, must be taken within the six-year period prior to granting the degree; hence, courses may go out of date even though candidacy is still valid.

2. A student is expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Academic Standards Committee reviews the record of a degree candidate who earns a cumulative grade point below 3.0 or who receives a grade of C+ or lower in a course. No more than two courses with C or C+ grades, or a maximum of two units of C or C+ grades, may be counted toward a degree, subject to School approval. Grades of C-, D+, D, D-, and F are not used in meeting graduate degree requirements but are computed in the cumulative grade point average. A candidate falling below a 3.0 or receiving a grade of C+ or lower may be removed from candidacy or be placed on probation. When candidacy is removed for any reason, the student may not register for additional work without the prior approval of the Academic Standards Committee. Approval must be by petition. A student will not be approved for PT 666 (Analysis and Synthesis Clinic) while on academic probation.

   A student will be unable to continue in the program or enroll in Physical Therapy courses if the student receives a C-, D+, D, D-, F, or WF for the second time in required courses; must repeat more than two of the required courses; violates the standards of ethical practice observed by the academic and clinical educational programs in physical therapy; or violates University policies regarding academic dishonesty.

3. In addition, each student must provide own transportation to clinical facilities for clinical experience, pay a fee for PT 687 and 688, Clinical Internship, and maintain health insurance, immunization, and a current CPR certificate.