Entry-Level Dual-Degree Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University is a member of the Early Assurance Consortium for physical therapy education. Qualified students are admitted as first-year students into the Entry-Level Dual-Degree Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

The undergraduate curriculum, which can be completed in 3 or 4 years, is specifically designed to prepare students for the DPT program. Students study human movement and explore methods of assessing and maintaining healthy movement and preventing disability. Students choose an area of concentration, either in Human Movement or Sports Medicine, to best prepare for graduate studies.

Human Movement Track: This track explores movement across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics, with the intent to provide a foundational understanding of normal human movement. The curricular model focuses on developing the early thought processes and disciplinary content for many fields in the health profession related to movement. Through the scientific understanding of human anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics, students advance toward exploring methods of maintaining healthy movement, preventing disability and initiating assessment of movement. The culmination of the track involves application of human movement in clinical practice, through research in motion analysis, or in the community through promotion of healthy living.

Sports Medicine Track: This track explores movement from the perspective of athletic performance. The curricular model focuses on developing the early thought processes and disciplinary content for many fields in the health professions related to sports medicine and working with an active and/or athletic population (traditional sports, tactical athletes, performing artists, etc.).

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies and after meeting specific program requirements, students are guaranteed admission to the graduate DPT program. At the beginning of the spring semester of the first undergraduate year, students are required to select and adhere to coursework in either the three- or four-year preprofessional track. If the three-year track is selected, students will not be allowed transfer into the four-year curriculum at a later date. The decision for a three-year versus four-year track is individual, yet multifactorial. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following: accumulation of college credits upon entering the university, involvement in athletics, financial aid, necessity of summer and/or J-term coursework and study abroad opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Health Science Studies program for physical therapy, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Foundational Science Knowledge: Demonstrate a knowledge of foundational sciences.
2. Interprofessional Healthcare: Identify the roles of various healthcare professionals.

Goal: Students will demonstrate diverse and innovative thinking.

1. Creative Thinking: Define and devise imaginative and original solutions to various challenges.
2. Diversity: Identify the role and impact diversity plays in health.

Admission to the Program

Statement on Nondiscrimination and Compliance: The Quinnipiac University Physical Therapy program supports equality of educational and employment opportunity. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.

Admissions: Candidates applying for admission to the Dual-Degree BS Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy program from high school are required to have no less than three years of high school college preparatory mathematics (four years are preferred), one year of biology, one year of chemistry and one year of physics. In addition, the scores of the Scholastic Assessment Test or the College Entrance Examination board of the American College Testing program are important considerations. Related healthcare experience is highly desirable. Prospective candidates also must satisfy general Quinnipiac University admission requirements.

All applications must include two letters of reference, and a personal interview may be required with representatives of the admissions office to discuss program requirements and the applicant’s professional interests and commitments. Applicants must have observation hours in at least two different clinical settings, preferably one in a rehabilitation facility and one in an acute care setting. A minimum of 10 hours in at least two settings (20 hours total) is required.

Applicants should forward to the Office of Admissions a signed note from the physical therapist at each setting verifying observation hours. Applications are accepted for admission to the fall semester only. All applications are processed and screened by the dean of admissions for selection to the program. Reference letters, other correspondence and inquiries relating to an application should be directed to the dean of undergraduate admissions. Admission to Quinnipiac does not guarantee admission to the professional graduate DPT program in physical therapy, unless officially accepted into the program as a first-year student and preprofessional program requirements are met.

AP Credits and Course Substitutions

A student who scores at least a 4 on the AP exam for biology or has transfer credits may choose to have credit awarded for BIO 101-BIO 102.

A student who scores at least a 4 on the AP exam for calculus or has transfer credits may choose to have credit awarded for MA 141.

A student who scores at least a 4 on the AP exam for chemistry or has transfer credits may choose to have credit awarded for CHE 110-CHE 111. 

A student who scores at least a 4 on the AP exam for biostatistics or has transfer credits may choose to have credit awarded for MA 275.

No other AP credits will be accepted in the math and science categories; AP credits or transfer credits for other non-math and science core curriculum requirements will be accepted.

Preprofessional Bachelor’s Degree Program Requirements

All students are required to complete a specialty track in Human Movement or Sports Medicine. Initial placement in the English and mathematics courses is determined by examination and an evaluation of high school units presented. The minimum mathematics requirement is MA 141. 

The Department of Physical Therapy Graduate Admissions Committee is responsible for evaluating and ensuring that all early-assurance candidates meet the requirements in the preprofessional component of the program to continue to the graduate program. Students must achieve a minimum overall 3.20 GPA and a 3.20 cumulative GPA in preprofessional program science and math coursework with no prerequisite course grade below a C-. Please see the DPT Admission tab for additional requirements necessary for continuation to the graduate program. 

Preprofessional Undergraduate Courses Calculated into 3.20 Math/Science Requirement

The following courses in the preprofessional component must be successfully completed with a C- or better and are calculated into the GPA for science and math coursework.

Professional DPT Program Requirements

Please see the DPT Requirements tab for Technical Standards and Essential Requirements and criteria to maintain good academic standing in the professional DPT Program.

Undergraduate Direct-Entry

• Entry-Level Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy (3+3)
• Entry-Level Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy (4+3)