Program

SHU offers the prerequisite coursework recommended by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy for admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program: one year of biology, one year of chemistry, one year of physics, one year of human anatomy & physiology, one semester of statistics, and one semester of psychology. Furthermore, SHU also offers recommended coursework in exercise physiology and in technical writing. Requirements vary, so please see the APTA website for the complete list of prerequisites for each DPT school. DPT schools do not post a minimum GPA requirement, but the average overall GPA of successful applicants is around 3.7. Most DPT schools require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, and SHU has GRE preparation books. A typical GRE score of those who enter DPT school is in the 150s for verbal, 150s for quantitative, and 4 for analytical writing. We strongly recommend studying more than 3 months for the GRE and taking the test in the summer before the senior year.

SHU supports extracurricular activities for your DPT program application. Through Siena Serves, students can complete community/volunteer service through the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, and many others. Lenawee County is home to Promedica Hickman Hospital and numerous physical therapy practices, where students can observe physical therapists. Students can also gain health-related research experiences working one-on-one with a SHU faculty member or by enrolling in a SHU Sustainability Internship focused on air-, water-, or food-quality. SHU has active chapters of Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honors Society, Greenlight Environmental Science Club, and a Chemistry Club, where students can develop essential leadership skills. The Center for Student Success provides dedicated advisors to assist students with academic development. Siena Heights’ Career Services offers valuable networking, internship, and career opportunities through workshops, job boards, and career fairs.

SHU biology graduates have gained successful admission to DPT programs at the University of Michigan-Flint, Ohio State University, Wayne State University, University of Toledo, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Gannon University, and Andrews University.