Academic Progression Standards | Doctor of Physical Therapy

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program admits qualified students regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or disability that does not interfere with the performance of professional physical therapy practice as provided by law. Applications and credentials for admission to the physical therapy program must be submitted for processing to the Carroll University Office of Admission. As decisions are made on applications, applicants are notified through the Office of Admission.

Current Direct Admission Students

During their freshmen, sophomore and junior years at Carroll, direct admission students earn credits toward undergraduate degrees in existing Carroll majors which have a pre-physical therapy emphasis. To advance into the professional phase of the program in their Senior Year, direct admission students must satisfy all of the progression standards listed in their designated undergraduate course catalog along with the below requirements during their freshmen, sophomore and junior years at Carroll. Please reference the Pre-Professional Academic Progression Standards below.

If for any reason the Direct Admission student does not advance into the Professional Phase of the program, career counseling will be provided.

Competitive Admission

As early as the junior year, students can apply to enter the professional phase of the program, and, upon acceptance would begin Year 1 of the DPT professional phase during the senior year. Applicants completing a bachelor's degree at Carroll receive a calculated preference in consideration for DPT Year 1 admission. Applicants must be free of academic and disciplinary probation for all institutions previously attended. Please reference the Pre-Professional Academic Progression Standards below.

Prior Degree Option

For students planning to apply to the Physical Therapy Program following the completion of their undergraduate degree at an outside institution, please refer to the Graduate catalog for the Non-Traditional Student requirements for admission.

Pre-Professional Physical Therapy Undergraduate Academic Progression Standards

Current Direct Admission and Non-Direct Admission students must refer to the undergraduate catalog year in which they first entered Carroll for specific Academic Progression Standards.

The academic progress of the direct and non-direct admit students is evaluated by the professional phase admissions committee during the direct admit or non-direct student's junior year. Any direct admit student who withdraws from the program during his/her freshman, sophomore or junior year must inform the program director in writing and complete a new major, minor declaration form in the Registrar Office. If for any reason the Direct Admission student does not advance into the Professional Phase of the program, career counseling is available.

Professional Phase Academic Standards: DPT Year 1, 2 and 3 of the Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

All Physical Therapy degree program requirements must be completed by the student in 33 months unless permission is otherwise granted by the Director of the Physical Therapy Program. Satisfactory progress is contingent upon satisfying the following academic requirements:

1. A grade of C or better or a grade of S is required in all physical therapy courses. If a student earns a letter grade of D, F, or U in a physical therapy course, the student must repeat the course before progressing to subsequent course for which the failed course is a prerequisite. When repeating a physical therapy course, a student may be required to successfully complete ancillary learning experiences or clinical competencies/practicums that validate theoretical knowledge. If a student is unable to take further courses in the next occurring semester as a result of this policy, the student is placed on academic suspension and repeats the course during the next appropriate semester. A course may be repeated only one time. A student receiving a D, F, or U twice in a physical therapy course or in two physical therapy courses will be dismissed from the program.
2. A student must obtain a grade point average of 3.00 or better each semester, and a grade of S in all courses graded S/U courses. If a student earns a semester grade point average between 2.00 to 2.99, or received a U in a course, he or she is placed on academic probation. To be meet the requirements of an academic probation term, the student must earn a grade point average of 3.00 or better in all subsequent semesters. If a clinical internship course is scheduled during the next semester, the student must earn an S in the clinical internship course and a semester grade point average of 3.00 or better in the semester following the clinical internship to meet academic progression standards. If a student is on academic probation the last semester of the program, the student must earn an S in the clinical internship course and a grade of S and 3.00 GPA for didactic course/s to graduate.  A student will be dismissed from the program if 1) s/he fails to meet academic standards any time following a probation term, or 2) if s/he earns a semester GPA of 1.99 or less. While on probation, students may be required to complete activities designed to facilitate success.

Admission and progression standards are subject to change based on regulatory, licensing and or certification needs.