Program structure

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is a comprehensive three-year, full-time program designed to integrate academic coursework with hands-on clinical training. The program requires the completion of approximately 118 credits.

1. Year 1: Foundational Sciences and Skills

• Focuses on foundational knowledge and introductory clinical skills.
• Courses include:
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Principles of Evidence-Based Practice
  • Introduction to Patient Management
  • Professionalism in Physical Therapy

2. Year 2: Advanced Clinical Skills

• Develops advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary systems.
• Courses include:
  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology for Physical Therapists
  • Neurological Rehabilitation
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging
• Begins integrated part-time clinical experiences.

3. Year 3: Clinical Practice and Leadership

• Emphasizes practical application and preparation for professional practice.
• Courses include:
  • Advanced Clinical Decision Making
  • Health Policy and Administration
  • Community Health and Wellness
  • Research Project/Capstone
• Full-time clinical experiences in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

4. Clinical Education

• Integrated throughout the program:
  • Part-time clinical experiences during the first two years.
  • Full-time clinical internships in the final year.
• Students gain hands-on experience working with diverse patient populations and practice settings.

5. Capstone Project

• Students complete a research project or presentation to demonstrate mastery of evidence-based practice and critical thinking.

6. Professional Development

• Focus on professionalism, leadership, and preparation for licensure exams.
• Emphasis on evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and lifelong learning.

For detailed information, visit the program curriculum page.

Fees and Funding

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine entails specific tuition costs and offers various financial aid opportunities to support students.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: The program's tuition rates vary based on the academic year and residency status (Maryland resident or non-resident). For the most current and detailed information, please refer to the Tuition and Fees for DPT Program page.

• Additional Fees: Students are responsible for various fees, including:

  • Student Activities Fee
  • Student Government Fee
  • Campus Center Infrastructure Fee
  • Student Services Fee
  • Shuttle Fee
  • Technology Fee
  • Registration Fees (e.g., equipment purchase, malpractice insurance)
  • Health Insurance Premium (unless proof of equivalent coverage is provided)

For a detailed breakdown of these fees, consult the Tuition and Fees for DPT Program page.

Financial Aid Opportunities:

• Federal Aid: Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid programs, including:

  • Federal Grants: Such as the Federal Pell Grant.
  • Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loan options are available.

• State Scholarships: Maryland residents may qualify for state-funded scholarships, such as:

  • Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program

• University Scholarships: The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science offers various scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need. Examples include:

  • Pekar-Abell Scholarship: For third-year DPT students demonstrating a passion for pediatric physical therapy.
  • Laura G. Levine-Mandell Memorial Scholarship: For third-year DPT students showing outstanding clinical proficiency.

For more information on these scholarships, visit the Scholarships and Awards page.

• External Scholarships: Organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) provide scholarships for physical therapy students.

Students are encouraged to explore all available funding options and consult the university's financial aid office for personalized assistance.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland School of Medicine offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program:

1. Federal Financial Aid:

• Federal Direct Loans:
  • Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available for eligible students.
• Graduate PLUS Loans:
  • Provides additional funding for education-related expenses.

2. Scholarships and Awards:

• Pekar-Abell Scholarship:
  • Awarded to third-year DPT students with a demonstrated passion for pediatric physical therapy.
• Laura G. Levine-Mandell Memorial Scholarship:
  • Recognizes third-year DPT students with outstanding clinical proficiency and leadership qualities.
• UMSOM Alumni Association Scholarships:
  • Supports students based on academic merit and financial need.

3. State and Institutional Funding:

• Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG):
  • For Maryland residents who commit to working in underserved areas after graduation.

4. External Scholarships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Scholarships:
  • Includes opportunities like the Minority Scholarship Award and various research grants.
• Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) Scholarships:
  • Supports DPT students pursuing research-focused careers.

5. Part-Time Work Opportunities:

• Students can work on-campus or in the local community to help cover living expenses.

For more information on scholarships and funding options, visit the Scholarships and Awards page or consult the university's financial aid office for personalized guidance.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or anticipate graduating before enrolling in the DPT program. Degrees should be from institutions listed in the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. All majors are accepted; no preference is given to science over non-science majors.

2. Academic Performance:

• Minimum GPA: A program-specific prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0 is required.

3. Prerequisite Coursework:

• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Grades of C- or below are not acceptable. Applicants may apply while enrolled in these courses but must finish them before starting the DPT program.

  University of Maryland

  Required Courses:

  • Human Anatomy with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • Human Physiology with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • General Chemistry I with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • General Chemistry II with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • General Physics I with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • General Physics II with Lab: 4 semester credit hours.
  • Statistics: 3 semester credit hours.
  • Introduction to Psychology: 3 semester credit hours.

  Note: For courses taken in Spring and Summer 2020, Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades are acceptable if the institution did not offer a letter grade option. Proof may be required.

4. Standardized Tests:

• GRE: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission.

• TOEFL: Non-native English speakers or those who have lived in the U.S. for less than five years must submit TOEFL scores. Minimum scores: 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based). Scores are valid for two years.

5. Letters of Recommendation:

• Three recommendations are required:

  • One from a U.S.-licensed physical therapist observed by the applicant.
  • One from an academic source (college or university faculty member who instructed the applicant).
  • One from a professional or community source.

  Note: Recommendations from family members are not accepted.

6. Clinical Observation:

• A minimum of 50 hours observing physical therapy practice is required at the time of matriculation. Exposure to diverse clinical settings and patient populations is encouraged.

7. CPR Certification:

• Applicants must have current CPR certification covering infant, child, and adult resuscitation. Certifications must be valid upon program entry and maintained throughout enrollment. Online-only courses are not accepted; hybrid courses with in-person skills practice are acceptable.

8. Application Process:

• Application Service: Submit applications through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
• Deadline: All materials must be submitted by November 1st. Early submission is recommended to allow for thorough review.

9. Interview:

• Qualified applicants will be invited to a group interview as part of the selection process.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as the process is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum criteria to strengthen their applications.

For detailed information, please visit the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, follow these steps:

1. Application Platform:

• Submit your application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
  • Visit PTCAS to start your application.

2. Application Timeline:

• Application Opens: Early July
• Application Deadline: November 1st
  • Early submission is encouraged to allow sufficient time for review.

3. Prerequisite Coursework:

• All required courses must be completed before enrollment:
  • Human Anatomy with Lab (4 credits)
  • Human Physiology with Lab (4 credits)
  • General Chemistry I & II with Labs (8 credits)
  • General Physics I & II with Labs (8 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• Grades of C or higher are required; C- grades are not accepted.

4. Required Documents:

• Official Transcripts:
  • Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • International transcripts require a course-by-course evaluation by WES or ECE.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Three letters required:
    • One from a licensed physical therapist.
    • One from an academic instructor.
    • One from a professional or community source.
• Observation Hours:
  • Minimum of 50 hours observing physical therapy in diverse clinical settings.
• Resume/CV:
  • Include educational background, work experience, and volunteer activities.
• CPR Certification:
  • Must include adult, child, and infant CPR; hybrid (online/in-person) certifications are accepted.

5. Test Requirements:

• The GRE is NOT required for this program.
• TOEFL: Required for non-native English speakers or those who have lived in the U.S. for less than 5 years.
  • Minimum scores: 213 (computer-based), 80 (internet-based).

6. Application Fee:

• Pay the required PTCAS application fee.

7. Interview Process:

• Selected applicants are invited for a group interview, which assesses communication skills, professionalism, and knowledge of the field.

8. Notification of Admission:

• Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with final decisions communicated by early spring.

For more details on the application process, visit the DPT Admissions page.