Admission and Costs
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Admission Information
There are two avenues to be admitted into University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
- Direct Entry: Applications submitted as a senior in high school or undergraduate at the University of Jamestown, can be accepted to the Physical Therapy Program without applying through PTCAS (see below). The Physical Therapy Program will hold a position for the applicant, pending successful graduation from the University of Jamestown.
- PTCAS.org: Application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.
Individuals wishing to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program for admission need to apply using the PTCAS online application. The PTCAS application will be available in July each year on the PTCAS website at www.ptcas.org.
The University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program will hold interviews in November and February each year. The deadline to submit applications for the November interviews is October 1; the deadline for February interviews is December 31. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until May 1 or until the class is full.
Information to complete the application needs to be entered and/or uploaded into PTCAS by the application deadline. Upload all required documents into PTCAS for processing; do not mail documents to the Program. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview at University of Jamestown in the fall or spring prior to beginning the Program. All costs associated with this interview are the responsibility of the applicant.
University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program gives priority to graduates of University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND; and gives preference to graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN; Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; and North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
with applicants will be via the contact information provided in PTCAS.
Admission to the Program is determined on the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to matriculation
- Official transcripts from all higher learning institutions that you have attended
- A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all undergraduate courses (GPA calculation includes repeated courses)
- A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all prerequisite courses listed in the prerequisite table; GPA calculation includes repeated courses).
- Strongly encouraged to complete of a minimum of 40 hours observation, volunteer, and/or paid work in a physical therapy setting
- Signed Essential Function Requirements form
- Personal essay
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from work supervisor or professor
- One from licensed physical therapist or professor in major
All coursework and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States must be completed by June 1 prior to beginning the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. TOEFL scores are not required of candidates who have attended and graduated from an accredited US institution.
University of Jamestown protects applicant rights, including due process. If an individual feels that he or she has been treated unfairly in the admissions process, he or she may wage a complaint with the Admissions Review Committee. The Admissions Review Committee is composed of the Director of the Physical Therapy Program and the Provost.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Prerequisites
Eight of the eleven prerequisite classes must be successfully completed by the end of the fall semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
All coursework, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, must be completed prior to beginning the program.
Any coursework completed after the fall semester will not count toward cumulative or prerequisite GPA calculations, but will need to be completed and meet minimum requirements prior to matriculation
Prerequisite Table
| Minimum Required Semester Hours |
Prerequisite |
Acceptable Courses (see prerequisite for lab requirement) |
University of Jamestown Equivalents |
|
8 Total Semester Hours
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
OR
Human Anatomy with Lab
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
OR
Human Anatomy
Either option MUST be completed in biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology department
|
BIOL 208 |
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
OR
Human Physiology with Lab
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
OR
Human Physiology
Either option MUST be completed in biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology department
|
BIOL 209 |
| 8 Total Semester Hours |
General Biology I with Lab
|
Cell Biology or General Biology I |
BIOL 150 |
| General Biology II with Lab |
Cell Biology, Embryology, General Biology II, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Zoology
Botany not accepted
|
BIOL 151 |
| 8 Total Semester Hours |
General Chemistry I with Lab |
General Chemistry I |
CHEM 133 |
| General Chemistry II with Lab |
General Chemistry II, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry |
CHEM 134 |
| 8 Total Semester Hours |
Physics I with Lab |
Physics I |
PHYS 143 or PHYS 203 |
| Physics II with Lab |
Physics II |
PHYS 144 or PHYS 204 |
| 3 Total Semester Hours |
General Psychology |
General Psychology |
PSYC 101 |
| 3 Total Semester Hours |
Lifespan Development
OR
Abnormal Psychology
|
Developmental Psychology |
PSYC 203 or PSYC 302 |
| 3 Total Semester Hours |
Statistics |
Business Statistics, Math Statistics, Psychology Statistics, or Biostatistics |
PSYC 202 or MATH 205 |
Program Costs
Tuition
https://www.uj.edu/academics/programs/dpt/
Books
Cost for books will vary dependent on the faculty member teaching the course and requirements for the curriculum.
Technical and Professional Fees
Includes Technology, APTA Membership, ExamSoft, Exxat, background check, graduation, and clinical education fees.
Enrollment Deposit
This is a one-time $400 charge, applied to the first semester tuition bill.
**Additional costs may be associated with transportation and housing related to clinical experiences.
Transfer Credit Policy
University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program does not accept courses in transfer for program credit.
Program Policies
Academic Standards
Each student is in good standing in the Program if he or she maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0. A grade of D or F constitutes an unsatisfactory grade in the physical therapy courses. A student receiving a D or F does not progress to courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite.
Readmission after PT Course Failure
A student does not continue in the Program after receiving one D or F in a physical therapy course. The student will have to repeat and pass the failed course the next time it is offered. A student who fails a physical therapy course is strongly advised to work with their advisor to formulate a plan outlining actions to facilitate successful course completion.
After receiving a D or an F in a subsequent physical therapy course, a student will be ineligible for continued progression through the Program and is subject to dismissal.
Probation
A student is on probation when his or her cumulative GPA drops below 3.0. A student will have one semester to raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.0. If after that semester the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0, the student may be subject to dismissal from the Program. A student may be unable to attend a clinical experience (PT 881, PT 882, PT 883, or PT 884) while on probation.
A student may be placed on probation when the student does not meet the Professional Behavior Action Plan guidelines. A student will have one semester to meet the Professional Behavior Action Plan guidelines. If after that semester the guidelines are not met, the student may be subject to dismissal from the Program. A student may be unable to attend a clinical experience (PT 881, PT 882, PT 883, or PT 884) while on probation.
Examinations and Quizzes
Personal calculators or other electronic devices are not allowed during exams or quizzes unless approved by the faculty member teaching the course.
Each student will also be required to leave his or her backpack in the front of the classroom or in his or her locker.
Each student will be required to turn his or her mobile phone off, remove his or her watch, and leave both in his or her backpack. All other electronic devices must be left in his or her backpacks with the exception of a laptop or tablet required for an electronic examination.
Types of Examinations
The Program utilizes two types of examinations: written examinations and skill-related practical examinations. The faculty member teaching the course determines the number, type, and schedule of examinations. Check the course syllabus for information.
The practice of physical therapy requires the integration of information presented in all courses. Consequently, both written and practical examinations may include questions that require the student to use knowledge and skills from previous as well as concurrent courses.
1. Written Examinations
- Written examinations are either hard copy or electronic via ExamSoft. The faculty member teaching the course will indicate the method required.
If ExamSoft does not operate properly on your computer, several computers are available in the Program office to check out for the examination.
2. Practical Examinations
- Any course with a laboratory component may include at least one skill-related practical examination. Practical examinations may be scheduled outside of regular class time at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. Many practical examinations are pass or fail. If the practical is not pass or fail, faculty have adopted a consistent policy that each student must earn a grade of at least 84% on each physical therapy skill-related practical exam. If a student receives a grade below 84% or fails due to safety reasons, the student must take a reexamination. The student receives the minimum grade of 84% after passing the reexamination.
Retaking a Practical Examination
Prior to the practical reexamination, the student must meet with the faculty member teaching the course to identify deficiencies and to develop strategies to master the material. The format of the practical reexamination is at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. The format, however, will be the same for every student that needs to take a specific practical reexamination.
Only one reexamination per practical examination will be allowed per student. The faculty member teaching the course and one additional faculty member will give the reexamination. The skills and knowledge to perform adequately and safely on practical examinations are critical to the practice of physical therapy. For that reason, if a student fails a given practical examination twice, that student will fail the course and may be subject to dismissal from the Program.
Grading Scale
Each course syllabus includes grading information. Every student will be informed in each course of the methods to be used to evaluate his or her performance. All courses, for which a standard letter grade is given, will use the following scale:
A: 92 – 100%
B: 84 – 91%
C: 76 – 83%
D: 68 – 75%
F: 0 – 67%
Incompletes
A grade of Incomplete may be granted when a student is temporarily unable to complete course requirements or take a final examination due to unusual personal circumstances. Incompletes in classroom courses must be finished within four weeks of the beginning of the next semester, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that has been discussed with the faculty member teaching the course and the Program Director. Incompletes in clinical courses are outlined in the Clinical Education Handbook.
Volunteer Service Hours
All DPT students are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service during their enrollment in the program. Volunteer service is any activity that serves others in the community, and the student does not receive any financial compensation. Students may earn volunteer hours by serving the community (i.e., working at HERO, or helping a community member with their home exercises), the program (i.e., being a Student Teaching Assistant), and their profession (i.e., as a UJPTSO class officer). See Program Resources in MyUJ for complete details. These hours are tracked using the form: UJPT Documentation of Volunteer Experience Hours. Student participation is tracked as part of PT 785 Clinical Education Theory V.
Passing a PEAT
All DPT students are required to pass a PEAT, a practice physical therapy board examination, prior to graduation. The Program provides two PEAT examinations for students to take. If the student does not pass either of those examinations, the student is required to purchase a PEAT from the FSBPT. This information is tracked as part of PT 970 Seminar.
Taking the NPTE Prior to Graduation
Students are allowed to take the NPTE prior to graduation. To do so, students must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Participate in NPTE Preparatory course provided by UJPT
2. Pass the first PEAT that is provided by the program (through FSBPT, the Academic PEAT)
3. Be in good academic standing:
- Coursework GPA above 3.0
- Pass all clinical experiences to date, without remediation
- Not currently on an academic action plan or probationary status
4. Approval from the Program Director and the core faculty
Once the student meets the program requirements stated above, the student may register to take the NPTE. The student will follow the registration process as outlined by the appropriate state licensing board and FSBPT. Students should register for licensure in the state where they plan to practice as a physical therapist. However, it may be easier to register in North Dakota, which is part of FSBPT’s Alternate Approval Pathway (AAP), then transfer state licensure after graduation.
Upon graduation, the student must complete any requirements outlined by the appropriate state licensing board (i.e., submitting final transcript with degree conferred).
Students that do not meet the requirements may appeal to the PD and will be considered on an individual basis. To appeal, the student must email the PD and explain why they believe they should be allowed to take the NPTE. Supporting evidence should be included in the explanation. The email must be received no later than one week after taking the PEAT. A decision will be made by the PD no later than one week after receipt of the email appeal.
Graduation
A graduation intent form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by April 30, one year prior to the expected date of graduation. This is the responsibility of the student. Forms are available from the Registrar’s Office. Each student must have a graduation intent form on file in the Registrar’s Office in order to be considered a candidate for graduation.
Graduate students are to attend and participate fully in graduation activities including baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. Information regarding graduation and regalia will be provided by the Program the fall semester before graduation.
The formal conferring of degrees for the year occurs at the Commencement Ceremony in May.
Graduation Rate
The following information is provided in accordance with Public Law 101-542, the “Student Right to Know Act” and by CAPTE. The most recent graduation rate for the Physical Therapy Programs are posted on the Program website under Graduate Outcomes tab
Graduation Fee
The graduation fee helps to cover the costs associated with commencement and the graduation of the student. It does not include graduation regalia; the cost for the hood and tam is the responsibility of the student. The Program has robes available for use; however, a student may choose to purchase their own.
Health Policies
The Program requires the following health records for participation in Program activities and clinical experiences. Each student must provide a document showing proof of each upon entrance to the program and subsequent documents to maintain current health records throughout the program:
- Good health statement: dated and signed statement from provider (physician, NP, PA) verifying that the student has been examined and found to be in good health for participation in the Physical Therapy Program. This statement is required one time, prior to entering the program, unless the student has experienced a change in health status, in which case a new statement of good health for participation will be necessary.
- Three Hepatitis B Vaccinations or report of a positive antibody titer (blood draw)
- MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella).
- Varicella vaccination or evidence of serologic evidence of immunity (blood draw)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination within the past 10 years.
- Seasonal influenza vaccination or documentation from primary health care provider if student is medically unable to receive influenza vaccination.
- COVID-19 Vaccination
- Negative Tuberculosis (TB) blood test and annual negative TB skin or blood test
- Chest x-ray and appropriate medical follow-up required if positive TB test
- Any additional requirements specified by your clinical site, for example, a drug screen.
- Medical or religious exemptions from vaccinations require completion of the Student Immunization Request Form, which may be obtained by contacting the Program Director
Violations of Law and Student Conduct Regulations
Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts which constitute violations of law and of this Code. Student conduct proceedings at the University will normally proceed while criminal proceedings are pending and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.
Academic Regulations
Student Attendance
The Program prepares a student for a professional role. Regular attendance and punctuality in all components of physical therapy are essential and required of all students. A Student Absentee Request Form must be completed if a student must miss class.
The sequential nature of the physical therapy curriculum makes it difficult to make up missed course requirements. The professional commitment and obligation of a student for the clinical portions of the curriculum preclude the options of a student for voluntary absences permitted in many university classes. Hence, it is understood that responsibility for meeting academic obligations as part of the educational program rests on the student.
If a student is ill, they must notify the faculty member teaching the course as soon as possible by a phone call or email.
If a student arrives late to class, they is expected to inform the faculty member teaching the course the reason for being late at a class break or the end of class. The faculty member completes a Student Encounter Form that will placed in the student’s file.
The third time a student is late for his or her scheduled course, it is reported to his or her advisor. The advisor will set up a meeting with the student to discuss it as a reoccurring problem.
Please be aware that scheduled class days and times may change or be moved, based on necessity or extenuating circumstances. If class days and times need to change, the lead instructor will notify the students as soon as possible of the change.
The Program recommends that students do not hold a job while enrolled as coursework must be a priority. Students that do choose to work must have flexibility with their job and be able to adjust their schedule to be available for all class sessions. If a change in meeting time for a regular scheduled class causes a conflict with a student’s work obligation, the student must contact the course instructor(s).
Student Attendance and Professional Behaviors During Online Classes
For all online coursework, it is recommended that students create a distraction-free workstation where they can attend class without disruptions from family, friends, roommates, or pets. It can be in a location of the student’s choice, but keeping a consistent distraction-free workstation will help students focus on their coursework. This workstation should have reliable internet service.
To facilitate an effective classroom environment in an online format, the following policies are:
1. Attendance during online classes is required.
2. Students are expected to be logged in and prepared for class by the scheduled start time. Everything you need for class should be ready at your work station.
3. Camera MUST be on, unless your instructor informs you that you can turn it off.
4. Audio should be muted, except when you are speaking with classmates or the instructor.
5. Position yourself in a way that you can view your screen, participate in class, and take notes as needed.
6. Do not move around the room or complete other tasks during class time. Anything that diverts your attention from class is unacceptable (i.e. talking to someone else in the room, viewing or listening to another device, playing with a pet, etc.)
7. Breaks will be provided for you to move around, use the bathroom, refill drinks, get a snack, etc.
Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in a Student Encounter Form, and repeated offenses could result in a Professional Behavior Action Plan. Failure to comply with the Professional Behavior Action Plan may result in the student being placed on Program probation for professional behavior reasons.
Attendance and punctuality in all components of physical therapy are essential and expected of all students. The same policies apply to online classes. You must be present and prepared for class in the same way you would for a face-to-face class. We also must remind you of the importance of adhering to professional and academic standards during online classes.
Student Absentee Request Policy
A student requesting absence from his or her scheduled course(s) will submit a self-remediation plan via email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) the student will be absent from with the information listed below.
In the event the student is ill, the student will submit a self-remediation plan via email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) upon return to class.
All of the information below must be included in the email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s):
• Name
• Date request made
• Reason for request, including date(s) of event
• Date(s) absent from class
• Justification for attendance at event
• Coursework that will be missed
• Self-remediation plan
After this has been received and reviewed by faculty members, they may approve, modify, or deny the request. Faculty members will determine if the self-remediation plan is acceptable.
A copy of the written request and the faculty members’ final decision will be attached to a Student Encounter Form (Appendix 5) and placed in the student’s file.
If the request is approved, the student will be excused from class and is expected to complete the remediation plan.
If the request is denied, the student will be expected to attend class.
If the request is denied and the student chooses not to attend class, the student will receive a zero for any coursework that day and an additional Student Encounter Form will be placed in the student’s file documenting the unexcused absence.
Leave of Absence
If it should become necessary for a student to withdraw from the University for extenuating circumstances in their personal life (for example, medical issues with the student or family member, family death, etc.), and they find it difficult to be successful in the Program, the student may request a leave of absence from the Program.
Poor academic performance alone does not qualify for a leave of absence.
Typically, this leave of absence would be one year in length, due to the progressive nature of the curriculum. Any student contemplating taking a leave of absence should discuss this with his or her faculty advisor. The advisor will also work with the student to ensure that they are receiving all appropriate support services from the University.
A student who requests a leave of absence must submit a letter of request to the Program Director. The request must include:
• The reason for the request
• The length of leave being requested
• The student’s proposed plan of remediation of the problem which necessitates withdrawal
Because of the unique nature of such situations, each case will be handled individually. Once the decision has been made, the student will be notified in writing. The letter of notification will include the following:
• The decision, including length of leave granted
• Any conditions to be met by the student
• An outline of the student’s options regarding the consequences of the leave of absence
Appeal Process
Any exceptions to policies in this catalog must be requested through the petition process. Petitions are available in the Registrar’s Office or the office of the Program Director. Petitions should be filled out completely with any supporting information attached and returned to the Registrar’s Office.
Decisions regarding appeals will be made by the Program Director. If any question remains, the Program Director may refer the matter to the Provost who may, if he or she feels it is necessary, consult with the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. The decision of the Provost will be final in all cases.
Outcomes
Student and Graduate Goals and Expected Outcomes:
Goal 1: Students and graduates will demonstrate competent, evidence-based physical therapy practice.
Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
- Demonstrate skills required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
- Integrate patient values and circumstances, clinical expertise, and scientific literature to provide evidence-based physical therapy.
Goal 2: Students and graduates will demonstrate professional, compassionate, and ethical physical therapy practice.
Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:
- Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors consistent with the APTA Core Values.
- Adhere to professional standards as defined by the APTA Code of Ethics.
Goal 3: Students and graduates will serve their communities and the physical therapy profession.
Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:
- Engage in service to their communities.
- Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession.
Program Goals and Expected Outcomes:
Goal 1: The Program will integrate education, research, and clinical practice to provide sound professional development.
Expected Outcomes – The Program will:
- Deliver a curriculum that aligns with national standards and evidence-based physical therapy practice.
- Facilitate scholarly activities through professional development opportunities and allocation of appropriate resources.
- Provide diverse opportunities for clinical practice and experience.
Goal 2: The Program will create an atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for the continuing growth of the individual.
Expected Outcomes – The Program will:
- Create an environment to maximize individual professional growth.
- Provide opportunities to enhance self-discipline and responsibility.
Goal 3: The Program will demonstrate a commitment to community service.
Expected Outcomes – The Program will:
- Engage with community partners to deliver relevant community service.
- Sustain formal community affiliations.
Faculty Goals and Expected Outcomes:
Goal 1: Faculty will demonstrate effective teaching consistent with the dynamic nature of physical therapy practice.
Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:
- Demonstrate effective teaching.
- Integrate content expertise and current scientific evidence into teaching.
- Engage in professional development related to teaching and learning.
Goal 2: Faculty will contribute to the scientific body of knowledge through scholarly activities.
Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:
- Engage in an ongoing scholarly agenda.
- Disseminate scholarship.
Goal 3: Faculty will serve their university, communities, and the physical therapy profession.
Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:
- Engage in service to the university and community.
- Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession.