Program Description: The physical therapy curriculum is a two-year program (including summers) with five months of full-time internships spaced throughout the two-year period.
The program's mission is to prepare students to become physical therapist clinician generalists who are able to practice in a wide variety of settings, to participate in delivery of primary care and interdisciplinary health care services, and to respond effectively to the special needs of rural and under served populations.
No thesis is required, but all students are expected to complete a major project before graduation.
Learning experiences include laboratory and clinical assignments, service learning projects in community agencies, and traditional basic science courses.
Required Standardized Test: GRE General Exam
Minimum Admissions Requirements: Same as the Graduate School
Additional Admissions Criteria: Volunteer or paid experience in at least two physical therapy service settings, essay on a subject determined by the faculty admissions committee, and three letters of recommendation (one from a physical therapist and one from a college instructor are required).
Application Deadline: February 1
Prerequisites: Applications for the physical therapy program must include an essay and a form listing pre-requisite courses and physical therapy volunteer or employment experience (form and instructions linked below).
Form and Instructions:
- Complete the 2009 Physical Therapy Supplementary Information Form (Word). You will need to upload this form (which includes course information, experience, and an essay) when you Apply Online
Number of Graduate Faculty: 7
Number of Students: Up to 32/year
Location of Course Offerings: Most courses are taught in Cullowhee. Clinical laboratory assignments throughout the two years are scheduled in clinical facilities located throughout western North Carolina. Internships are scheduled in clinical facilities throughout the United States.
Graduate Program:
Karen Lunnen, Ed.D.
Department Head
Department of Physical Therapy
828-227-2191
Todd Watson, D.P.T.
Admissions Committee Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
828-227-7070
twatson@email.wcu.edu
Departmental Website: Physical Therapy - M.P.T.