Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy (3+3)
Program Contact: Katherine Harris 203-582-8511
This program is for freshman entry only. Students accepted into the HSS-DPT program as freshmen may complete the Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies in three years. All students must complete 122 university credits to include the required University Curriculum (UC) courses, DPT required courses, and a minor in an area of interest. Students must achieve a 3.2 cumulative GPA and a 3.2 average for 46 credits of selected math and science courses for admission to the graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. In this fast-paced curriculum, students are expected to enroll in course work during summer terms (two courses per summer) and a J-term (one course in one J-term). Online courses are available for summer and J-term course work.
AP Credits and Course Substitutions
A student who scores a 4 on the AP exam for biology may choose to be awarded credit for BIO 101-BIO 102.
A student who scores a 4 on the AP exam for calculus may choose to be awarded credit for MA 141. If AP credits are awarded and accepted for CHE 110-CHE 111, the student will discuss other sciences to be considered as replacements.
A student who receives a 4 on the AP exam for biostatistics may choose to be awarded credit for MA 275. No other AP credits in the math and science categories will be accepted for program substitution. AP credits for other non-math and science core curriculum requirements will be accepted.
The Review and Evaluation Committee for the program in physical therapy is responsible for evaluating and screening candidates during the preprofessional and professional graduate components of the program. Requirements for the program in physical therapy were approved in conjunction with the accreditation of the program and are acceptable to the School of Health Sciences and Quinnipiac University administration.
Curriculum for Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/DPT (3+3) for Freshman Entry
A total of 122 credits is required for completion of the BS in Health Science Studies.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Credits | |
BIO 101 & 101L |
General Biology I and General Biology I Lab |
4 |
CHE 110 & 110L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
MA Quantitative Literacy 1 | 3 | |
FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring Semester | ||
BIO 102 & 102L |
General Biology II and General Biology Lab II |
4 |
CHE 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 |
UC Social Sciences elective 2 | 3 | |
UC Humanities elective | 3 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Summer Online | ||
Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
BIO 211 & 211L |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I |
4 |
PHY 110 & 110L |
General Physics I and General Physics I Lab |
4 |
MA 275 | Biostatistics | 3 |
COM 150 | Public Speaking: Principles and Practice | 3 |
UC elective | 3 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring Semester | ||
BIO 212 & 212L |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab |
4 |
PHY 111 & 111L |
General Physics II and General Physics II Lab |
4 |
UC Humanities elective | 3 | |
HSC 315 or PL 222 |
Bioethical Issues in the 21st Century or Bioethics |
3 |
QU 420 | Integrative Capstone | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Summer Online | ||
UC Social Science elective (Abnormal Psychology) | 3 | |
UC Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
BMS 300 & 300L |
The Physiology of Human Performance I and The Physiology of Human Performance I Lab |
4 |
BMS 200 | Biology and Experience of Human Aging | 3 |
Elective | 3 | |
IC Fine Arts elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
J-term | ||
Elective (Online) | 3 | |
Credits | 3 | |
Spring Semester | ||
BMS 301 & 301L |
Physiology of Human Performance II and Physiology of Human Performance II Lab |
4 |
AT 440 | Biomechanics | 3 |
HSC 262 | Nutrition in Health and Illness | 3 |
HSC 214 | Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
HSC 214L | CPR, AED and First Aid | 1 |
HM 404 | Legal Aspects of Health Care Delivery | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Summer Online | ||
Elective courses | 6 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 122 |
1 | MA 141, program requirement |
2 |
The sequencing of course work for the preprofessional track is flexible; however, all requirements in the curriculum must be completed prior to entry into the graduate DPT program.
For information about the graduate portion of the program, please see Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Mission Statement
An education in physical therapy at Quinnipiac University embodies both the university’s commitment to its three core values: high-quality academic programs, a student-oriented environment and a strong sense of community, and the American Physical Therapy Association’s core values: accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility. The program in physical therapy prepares students to become competent and compassionate entry-level physical therapists, who are able to practice in a variety of settings serving diverse populations across the lifespan.
To achieve its mission, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program:
- cultivates critical and reflective thinking, clinical decision-making, and lifelong learning by utilizing an evidenced-based learning model, authentic assessments and a variety of learning experiences that include interactive technology. This learning model features small lab sizes, hands-on activities, visits to area clinics and opportunities to engage in professional development forums and community interdisciplinary collaboration
- provides both in-class and in-clinic opportunities for students to engage in the essential elements of patient/client management
- supports faculty teacher-scholars who are effective teachers and who collectively engage in scholarship, professional development, direct patient care and university and community service
Admission
Candidates applying for admission to the 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 health care 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 Undergraduate Admissions Office 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 vice president and dean for 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 University does not guarantee admission to the professional graduate DPT program in physical therapy, unless officially accepted into the program as a freshman.