Health Science to WSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Pathway

• 47 to 48-credit-hour professional degree program, which prepares graduates for admission to a clinical education program.
• Provides a foundation in health services delivery, population health assessment, leadership, and other vital areas of competency for health professionals.
• The Customized Curriculum requires a mix of science and mathematics courses that support admission requirements specifically for the WSU PT program.

• The WSU Department of Physical Therapy reserves six (6) seats each application cycle for current Wichita State University Health Science majors who have met both the specified DPT admissions standards and the special considerations at the time of application.
• Students not selected for one of the reserved seats will receive full consideration for the remaining slots.

• Through the Scientific Foundations Division, Pre-PT HS students may study in the college’s gross anatomy laboratory — the largest in southcentral Kansas — and develop their knowledge and skills in clinical neuroscience, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.

• Free Supplemental Instruction (SI) is available for many math and science classes to help Pre-PT HS students maintain a competitive GPA.

• Pre-PT HS students interested in engaging in advanced disciplinary study are encouraged to apply for admittance to the Public Health Sciences Departmental Honors program.
• Honors students go beyond the classroom to explore a research area of their choice, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship, and collaborate with students, faculty and industry partners in research or scholarly activities.
• Graduating with Departmental Honors recognizes excellence in the major and strengthens applications to the DPT program.

• As part of the BS in Health Science degree, Pre-PT students build an Applied Learning Portfolio which demonstrates skills related to career readiness, scholarship, professionalism, interprofessional education, and volunteerism.
• Students who complete applied learning activities are more competitive and better equipped for clinical education post-graduation.

• Pre-PT HS Students are urged to join the Pre-PT Student Organization, offering networking opportunities with professionals and peers, volunteer activities, clinic tours, guest speakers, career guidance, and support for graduate school applications.
• Pre-PT students are also encouraged to join additional organizations such as: Young Professionals of Wichita, Golden Key, Future Healthcare Professionals, HOSA, HEALTH Student Association, or Panhellenic Organizations.

• Complete all major coursework with a “C-” grade or higher.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
• Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours.
• Earn credit in a minimum of 45 hours of upper-division coursework at a 4-year institution (university).
• Completion of PHS 401 Applied Research in Public Health Science projects with PT faculty and students (not a requirement, but strongly encouraged).

• Admission to the WSU DPT program is not guaranteed and is based on a variety of factors in addition to academic performance.
• Minimum of 20 hours of observation in one or more PT settings. Additional observation hours in multiple settings are highly encouraged.
• For additional information and the most current admissions information please visit the DPT website.

 

Fifteen credit hours of Mathematics and Natural Science are required for the BS in Health Science. Competitive WSU DPT applicants typically complete these prerequisites with an average GPA of 3.60 or higher. Additional prerequisite credit hours can be applied as open electives toward the required 120 total credit hours for the bachelor’s degree.