MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY - Mercy College

students a spirit of inquiry, and to provide them with high quality clinical educationalexperiences.Expectations of the GraduateThe Mercy College Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is designed to prepare studentswith the entry-level proficiencies needed in the practice of physical therapy. Upon completionof the Program, graduates will have the ability to:1. Synthesize knowledge from science and the humanities as a foundation for supportingphysical therapy practice.2. Synthesize and apply knowledge of human development and learning across the life-span tothe practice of physical therapy.3. Develop an understanding of the effect of disability on an individual’s life.4. Utilize the evaluative and interventional processes for consultation on prevention andpromotion of health, wellness and fitness.5. Integrate the five elements of patient-client management (examination, evaluation, diagnosis,prognosis, and intervention) to optimize outcomes in clients of all ages.6. Use a dynamic process of scientific inquiry to competently fulfill the physical therapist's rolewithin a complex and changing health care environment.7. Integrate professional values and ethics in the practice of physical therapy.8. Demonstrate knowledge of the current health care system and an understanding of theimplications of the organizational, political and economic realities on physical therapy practice.Course LoadThe Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is a full-time weekend program that takesapproximately three years and four months to complete. Students are required to take 9-11credits per semester. Course work may be completed in 10 semesters.Program RequirementsStudents who have successfully completed at least four prerequisite courses listed below with aminimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to apply to the Program. All prerequisitecourses must be successfully completed prior to entry into the Physical Therapy Program. Nomore than 2 prerequisite science courses can be taken during the summer before entering theProgram. Volunteer or work-related experience in physical therapy is required. A maximum of24 students will be accepted into each class.Students are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits to be considered for acceptance.These credits must include the 48 credits of required general education courses, and theprerequisites for Physical Therapy. Please note that no more than 75 credits can be acceptedfrom a two-year college. Students with foreign credentials and whose first language is notEnglish are required to complete six credits of college-level English composition to satisfy thedual degree requirements. Those who already hold a BA/BS degree are only required tocomplete the prerequisite courses and the Physical Therapy curriculum. After successfulcompletion of the first year of the program, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science inHealth Science. After successful completion of the final program coursework, students will beawarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.