SHP Catalog

Program Director: Graham
Faculty: Bickel, Braswell, Ford, Graham, Lowman, McCarthy, Morris, Ogard, Peel, Shaw

The post professional Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) program offers a 61 to 66-semester hour advanced curriculum for practicing physical therapists. The curriculum is composed of core courses and a choice of concentration in musculoskeletal, neuroscience or clinical outcomes research. The program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. This program provides the graduate with the advanced knowledge and skills to serve as a leader within health care and educational environments through examination and revision of current practice guidelines and through the development and implementation of new programs.

Accreditation: The University of Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctor's levels.

Credentials Conferred: Diploma The Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy degree is awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Length of Study: 2 1/2 to 3 years for full-time students.

Program Entrance Date: Primarily in the fall semester; spring admission may be considered.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Application Procedure: The following materials must be submitted directly to the Department of Physical Therapy:

• Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy Program application;
  
• two offical transcripts from each college attended;
  
• official GRE scores;
  
• three recommendation forms;
  
• current resume; and
  
• copy of current U.S. physical therapy license
  
• Apply to the graduate school: http://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uab-grad.
  

Requirements of Admission: The applicant must hold a Master's degree in Physical Therapy or a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and a Master's degree in a related field. Minimum admissions requirements include:

• a minimum GRE score of 1100 (550 on each verbal and quantitative) and 4.5 analytical writing;
  
• a minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) in all previous coursework;
  
• personal interview with Department of Physical Therapy faculty; and
  
• if accepted, provide proof of required immunizations and proof of current certification in BCLS for Healthcare Providers.
  

Typical Program *

First Year
Fall
PTDS 702 Advanced Movement Science (3)
PTDS 710 Health Promotion in Physical Therapy (3)
PTDS 720 Introduction to PT Clinical Outcomes (3)

Spring
PTDS 703 Current Issues in Movement Science (3)
PTDS 711 Health Promotion Planning and Administration (3)
PTDS 721 Foundations for PT Outcomes Research I (3)

Summer
PTDS 704 Principles of Clinical Decision Making (3)
PTDS 712 Program Evaluation and Health Policy (3)
PTDS 722 Foundations for PT Outcomes Research II (3)

Second Year
Fall
PTDS 700 Essentials in Medical Screening I (3)
PTDS 705 Clinical Decision Making in Physical Therapy (3)
PTDS 713 Field Experience in Health Promotion (1)
PTDS 708 Professional Development Seminar I (1)

Spring
PTDS 701 Essentials in Medical Screening II (3)
PTDS 798 Dissertation Proposal (3)>
Electives **(3)

Summer
Comprehensive Exam***
PTDS 798/799 Proposal/Dissertation (1-6)>
PTDS 709 Professional Development Seminar II (1)

Third Year
Fall
PTDN/M/C 730 Advanced Focus Course I (3-4)
PTDS 799 Dissertation (1-6)

Spring
PTDN/M/C 731 Advanced Focus Course II (3-4)
PTDS 740 Practicum (3-6)
PTDS 799 Dissertation (1-6)

*Alternative degree plans are available for students wishing to enroll in fewer courses per semester
**Elective courses may be taken any semester
***The comprehensive exam is taken upon completion of the core coursework and research sequence

For further information, contact:
Program Director, DScPT Program
SHPB 384
School of Health Professions
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1212
Telephone: (205) 934-5949
E-mail: cgraham@uab.edu

Go to list of School of Health Professions Programs of Study.