Pre-Physical Therapy

Profession overview:
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants help people to maximize their quality of life. They are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.They work with people of all ages and abilities, and in a variety of settings. They help people rehabilitate from devastating injuries, manage chronic conditions, avoid surgery and prescription drugs, and create healthy habits.

Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

There are many specialties within physical therapy and the opportunities are across disciplines. See more about specialist certification here: https://www.apta.org/your-career/career-advancement/specialist-certification
There are currently nine board-certified clinical specializations within the PT world, all of which are designated by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specializations (ABPTS):
1. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (CCS)
2. Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy (ECS)
3. Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS)
4. Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
5. Oncologic Physical Therapy
6. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
7. Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS)
8. Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
9. Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, The median salary in 2021 for a physical therapist was $95,620. Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Professional Association and Resources:

APTA: American Physical Therapy Associationhttps://www.choosept.com/ (A great location to find shadowing in Colorado)

Careers in PT: apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy

The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years. The DPT program through CU is 2 1/2 years with a yearlong internship option.
Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal.

CU Anschutz DPT School of Medicine:
https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program

UCCS DPT Hybrid Program: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program/education-programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy/about-our-program/hybrid-pathway

To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.

Academic PreparationPrerequisite Coursework through UCCS Pre-PT track.
Work with your Academic Advisor!

https://advising.uccs.edu/sites/g/files/kjihxj1341/files/2020-06/PRPT-20-21.pdf

Check each program you want to apply to as some requirements will differ. Check out the DPT Program Directory to compare pre-requisite coursework: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/5287/Comparison-of-Course-Prerequisites-by-Program

Testing and Requirements: (Program dependent)

o Altus Suite- CASPer. Register for test here https://takealtus.com/ Some programs are moving away from the CASPer exam so be sure to check the program’s requirements.
o GRE: A percentage of DPT programs require GRE. (not CU)
o Letters of Recommendation: 3-5 LORs, faculty and 1 from a licensed physical therapist. View LOR tab to learn more.
o Personal Essay
o Criminal Background Check

For the most accurate information, be sure to check out each program’s website.

Shadowing: Direct observation of a licensed physical therapist- variety of settings is recommended. CU DPT program is not requiring a set number of shadowing hours, and also accept informational interviews in place of in person shadowing. Something is always better than nothing.
See a shadowing guide here: https://career.uccs.edu/resources/medical-shadowing/

Clinical Hours: Direct patient contact, ideally working with a physical therapist. PTA, Volunteering, Community Service, Paid Jobs/Internship.

PTCAS: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service
Service that allows you to apply to many DPT programs in one central location.

Timeline for PTCAS: (CU example)
• June 15 PTCAS Application Opens
• Usually takes 3-6 weeks for verification through PTCAS
• July-Sept Secondary Applications
• Oct 1 Deadline
• Oct 28 Final CASPer test date
• January 11, 12, 13 Interviews via ZOOM
• January-late March Offers of Admission
• June 1 Orientation to DPT program
• June 6 Summer semester begins

Interviews: Kira Talent Assessments

Interview virtually and written assessment for many programs. For a Full PTCAS guide to learn all about the application process, check out the PTCAS Quick Start Guide.

Before getting started, consider the following:
1. All references are submitted electronically by references using Letters by Liaison, our Recommender Portal.
2. Research each program’s requirements. You should determine whether your programs have specific requirements regarding reference roles or relationships before listing references on your application. Many programs have strict guidelines and completed references cannot be removed or replaced.
3. Choose your references early in the application process to ensure they have adequate time to submit your reference.
4. Prepare your references. Once you choose your references, be sure to inform them about the process and that they will be completing the reference electronically. We recommend getting their preferred email address and asking that they monitor that inbox for your reference request (which will come from ptcasinfo@ptcas.org), including any junk or spam folders.

The Reference Process

When you request references, your reference receives an email request with a link to Letters by Liaison. References review your requests, and then accept, complete, or deny them. References may complete assessments such as writing essays, completing Likert scales, and/or uploading letters.
Once your reference completes your reference, you’ll be notified via email. You can check the status of your reference requests in the Check Status tab of your application at any time.

Requirements

You can enter information for a maximum of 5 references. If you want to submit more, send those additional references directly to your programs.
Visit the APTA site for more information on each program’s reference requirements.

UCCS does not offer committee letters and you will need to ask for 3-4 individual letters of recommendation. We suggest getting 4-5 letters of recommendation—two from science professors whose class you took for a grade, at least one from a physical therapist you’ve shadowed or worked with, and a fourth from an employer or another (non-science or science) professor.
Check the policy for every school to which you’re applying!

Establish Relationships
Get to know your Professors early! Tell professors at the beginning of the semester that you would like them to keep an eye on your performance in class. It will give them a longer observational window. Visit their offices regularly.
At the end of the semester, if you do well, ask them if they would be willing to write you an excellent letter of recommendation when you are ready to apply.A key to a good letter is the establishment of a relationship between student and professor based on shared academic interests.
1. Ask thoughtful questions
2. Delve deeper into concepts presented in lectures
3. Share your academic and career goals
4. Ask for recommendations for additional reading
5. Inquire about their areas of interest and research

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

1. Ask if potential writers if they feel capable of writing a supportive letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
2. Get business cards with your recommenders’ contact information.
3. Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession. You could also include a snapshot, a copy of a paper or assignment from their class, or transcript.
4. Always give recommenders ample time. One month at a minimum. Follow up to make sure that your letters have been sent.
5. Send thank you notes.

Check out the Community Connections Page here: Community Connections