Preparation
What courses do I still need to take?
You will need to take any prerequisite courses that you have not yet completed and any prerequisite courses in which you earned a grade less than C.
Do I have to have all the prerequisite courses completed before I can apply?
No, but it must be possible for you to complete all course work before the start date of the program.
Should I repeat courses that I made C’s in?
You should only if you can't possibly improve your GPAs by taking additional coursework in a given subject area.
Can I take all the required courses at a junior college?
Yes, but at least some of the science courses should be taken at a four-year institution.
I didn't do well early in my scholastic career. Will that count against me?
When your record is evaluated, all grades you earned are noted and also when you made them. Trends of grades are important. Your last 60 hours GPA is an important criteria.
If I repeat a course, do I get the higher grade or are the grades averaged?
If you repeat a course only once, we will take the higher (usually the latest) grade. If a course is repeated more than once, all subsequent grades for that course are averaged.
I graduated a long time ago, will I have to retake any course work?
The content of coursework completed in chemistry, physics and physiology more than 10 years prior to the application deadline will be accepted if validated by an appropriate mechanism. This may be demonstrated in that the information has been used on a regular basis in your job or life related activities or by CLEP Exam or credit by examination.
Will the courses I've taken at another university transfer to UAB?
Credits received at a regionally accredited institution are accepted. Unless you are expecting to earn an undergraduate degree from UAB, the prerequisite courses earned elsewhere are not entered as part of your academic record at UAB. They are evaluated only by the Department of Physical Therapy to determine if they will adequately prepare you for success in this curriculum.
Does it matter where I went to school?
Not as long as it is a regionally accredited institution.
My school was very rigorous, so should my grades be worth more?
Because there is no measure of the quality of educational experiences offered in each program of each university, all programs are regarded as equal.
What should I major in?
You should major in whatever area of study you enjoy most. Allow yourself to explore lots of different interests early in your college career. When you find something you enjoy, chances are you will do well in it. Let your own curiosity be your guide.
Can I major in sports medicine/pediatrics/geriatrics?
The entry level curriculum is designed to prepare you as a generalist. You will know enough about all of the areas of Physical Therapy to get started. If you wish to specialize in the future you may do so, either by taking continuing education courses or by enrolling in a post professional Doctor of Science in PT curriculum at UAB or one of the many other colleges and universities offering such programs.
What do most applicants major in?
No specific major is required. Students have entered with degrees in psychology, biology, chemistry, religion, rehabilitation counseling, ornamental horticulture, and agriculture to name only a few. This program and the profession will be stronger and more enriched by being made up of people with a wide variety of backgrounds.
Do Alabama residents get preferential treatment?
If, during the final evaluation of candidates, two are equally qualified and one is from Alabama, the Alabama resident is offered the position.
How can I become an Alabama resident?
You must live in the state for one year immediately preceding the date of registration. You must show intent to stay in Alabama indefinitely and have more substantial connections with Alabama than any other state. For more information please visit the UAB Nonresident Tuition Policy.
How many hours of PT related work are required?
We have set no minimum number of hours of work in physical therapy or related field. We want you to have experienced physical therapy in a variety of environments. You need to have explored as many aspects of the field as you can to really get a feel for the profession. Is it really what you thought it was before you started experiencing it? Do you like the PT’s you've met? Would you look forward to going to work every day?
How many different places should I have had PT experience in?
As many as possible. The more you experience the more you know, not only about the profession, but also about yourself.
Can I work while I'm in the PT program?
Working while pursuing your degree is discouraged. There is very little time available outside of class and study time. Students in the past who have worked have experienced difficulty keeping up with classroom responsibilities.
Can I attend the PT program part-time?
No. The entry-level professional curriculum is a full-time program and designed to be completed in eight terms.
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Program Dates
When does the program start?
The program begins in the Spring Term which usually starts January 3, 4 or 5. The curriculum is a set curriculum and must be started and completed in a specified period of time (8 terms). If you need to drop out of the program for some reason, you may have to reapply for admission to the program and start the curriculum again.
When would I graduate?
The program lasts for three years consisting of eight terms and one summer break during the second year. You will graduate at the end of fall semester (late December) in the third year from your start date.
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Educational Costs
How much does it cost to obtain a PT degree at UAB?
Click Here for information regarding tuition rates at UAB and a detailed estimate of educational costs (tuition, fees, and other) specifically for the UAB Physical Therapy Programs.
FEE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT THE BEGINNING OF ANY TERM.
Are there scholarships available?
There are scholarships available through the Department of Physical Therapy. Additionally, you can contact the UAB Financial Aid office at (205) 934-8223 about other opportunities.
What about work study possibilities?
There are some possibilities for work study assistance. Contact the Financial Aid office at (205) 934-8223 for further information.
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Where to Live?
Where do students live?
Students live in apartments in the local area in either private or UAB complexes. Contact the UAB housing office at (205) 934-2092 for further information.
Can you help me find a roommate?
Students seeking roommates can ask that their name and address be on a list which is distributed to the whole class. Students then contact one another about arrangements.
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Job Opportunites and Salaries
What are the prospects for employment upon graduation?
The job market was tight from 1998 to 2002 but since that time many more jobs are becoming available, some with "sign on" bonuses, and our graduates are easily finding employment.
Populations requiring PT's are increasing the need for services and will continue to grow. In recent weeks, Congress and the White House reached agreement on a plan to restore more than $12 billion in cuts previously made in Medicare payments. Known as the Balanced Budget Refinement Act, the plan eliminates for two years the $1,500 caps on Medicare's coverage of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. It also delays a scheduled 15% reduction in payments to home health agencies and increases payments in three rehabilitation categories within the Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) for skilled nursing facilities. This action is expected to make finding a job in physical therapy easier. For additional information you may wish to visit the website for American Physical Therapy Association.
How much do Physical Therapists earn?
According to a 2001 survey by the APTA, the median income for a sample of 801 physical therapists practicing in southern states.was $54,000
Can I go into private practice? Yes. There are opportunities for those wishing to open their own practice. Visit The American Physical Therapy Association's private practice section on their website.
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Clinic
When do I go to clinic?
Clinical Education I begins during the final six weeks of the second term and consist of one day a week experiences. Clinical Education II and III are one day per week, for ten weeks during terms three and four. Clinical Education IV, V, and VI are full time rotations and occur in terms six, seven, and eight respectively.
Where are the clinics located?
Students are placed in many facilities in the greater Birmingham area as well as all over the state of Alabama. In addition, there are clinical sites all over the southeast and a few in more distant states, as well as one in Stockholm, Sweden.
Who decides where I will go for clinic?
After consulting with you about your goals and needs, the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) will make your clinical assignments. The ACCE will try to accommodate any special requests you make, but please remember, the ACCE is placing 100 students in clinics year round.
Are room and board provided at the far away clinical sites?
Some clinical sites are able to offer varying degrees of assistance to students; some offer room and board; some offer assistance in finding room and board; and some offer no assistance.
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P.T. License
Do I have to be licensed to practice PT?
Yes, all states require Physical Therapists be licensed to practice.
Is there a licensure examination?
Yes, there is. It is a national examination used by all states. It is under the authority of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Graduates may take the exam by appointment at any of the designated testing sites.
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