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Hardin-Simmons University Department of Physical Therapy
1325 Pine Street Abilene TX 79601 United States
+1 325.670.5860
ptoffice@hsutx.edu https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/graduate-programs/doctorate-physical-therapy/

"This page is intended for college transfer students and graduates ONLY. High school students MUST contact the institution directly for information about the guaranteed freshman-entry program. Do not apply using PTCAS."

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Program Description
Located in Abilene, Texas and founded in 1891 by a dedicated group of ministers, ranchers, and merchants, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) continues its commitment to developing the minds and nurturing the spiritual lives of its students through its mission to provide “an education enlightened by faith.” The Department of Physical Therapy at HSU was founded in 1995 and became the first private school in the great state of Texas to offer the entry-level Physical Therapy program and the first program in the state to transition to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The mission of the Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy program is "to prepare individuals who demonstrate excellence in the practice of physical therapy and are enlightened by Christian faith and values." The core value statement of the program is "exemplifying excellence and integrity through lifelong learning, service, and faith." These values are expected to be displayed in the classroom, clinic, and community and modeled by a faculty who are actively engaged in clinical research, practice, and professional service.

In the classroom, students receive an outstanding, personalized education guided by experienced and talented teaching faculty who mentor students both professionally and spiritually. All of the full-time faculty are licensed physical therapists. Qualified students must be motivated, dedicated, self-driven learners. In August 2018, the DPT program moved to a new 22,000 square foot facility with spacious classrooms, well-furnished laboratories and advanced technologies. The environment creates a collegial atmosphere where leaders are crafted who strive for distinction in the classroom, clinic, and community. The fast-paced 28 month curriculum includes 37 weeks of full-time clinical rotations in a variety of settings, as well as completion of a directed research project. Additionally, as the ONLY entry-level PT program in the country to work with the international organization of "Joni & Friends" (joniandfriends.org) students spend time in the first year summer semester immersed in hands-on experiences as Short Term Missionaries (STM's). At “Family Retreat,” held in Navasota, Texas, students are matched with a child/young adult with a chronic disability (and his/her family) and spend recreational time assisting, instructing and loving the individual. Students also have the opportunity to travel internationally (optional) as part of the "Wheels for the World" and Connect2Ministries program. During “Wheels for the World,” students and faculty customize wheelchairs for individuals with no previous means of mobility. Physical therapy treatments and patient education are provided to the families. The blessings of the Lord are shared.

Integrated clinical experiences begin the first week of the program in the PT Department’s Campus Clinic, the Abilene community Medical Mission (serving uninsured and underserved neighbors), or other medical facilities in the local area. Our individualized approach to clinical placements allows HSU-PT to match each student’s interests and needs with experienced clinical faculty at more than 500 health care facilities across the country. Students meet individually with the Director of Clinical Education to map out their personal clinical goals and to select sites based on housing availability or the opportunity to advance clinical skills. At the end of the first year, students complete a 3 week clinical rotation. The terminal clinical experiences are offered at the completion of on-campus didactic work and include an 8 week rotation in each of the following three areas: acute care, neuro/rehab and outpatient physical therapy. The culminating 10 week experience is an elective of the student's choice.

Multiple opportunities exist for students to participate in community service events, sponsored continuing education courses, and an annual mission trip (Wheels for the World), where their faith is put into action. As a result, our students leave with more than a degree – they also build an impressive resume! The HSU-PT program’s outcomes include graduation rates, licensure pass rates, and employment rates which consistently exceed the national average while maintaining tuition costs below many other private schools in the country. Come join us for an exemplary education that is built on integrity, ethics, excellence, and the prayerful support of our Christian community.
General
Program offers a guaranteed freshman admission pathway?
Yes
Dual Degrees
Will the professional (entry-level) PT program offer a satellite or branch campus to applicants during the upcoming admissions cycle?
No
Institution's Religious Affiliation
Baptist
Admission Interviews
Program conducts interviews as part of the admissions process?
Yes
Additional information about interviews

Attendance at the HSU PT Preview day and interviews are required. The tentative interview dates for 2022-2023 are on the following Fridays: September 23, 2022; November 11, 2022; January 20, 2023.

Deposits
Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?
Yes
Total cumulative deposit
$1200
Additional Information about Deposit 
A non-refundable seat deposit of $1200 is applied to the first semester tuition. The deposit is paid after a seat offer to secure the seat of the applicant.
Deposit Refundable?
No
Additional Information about Refunds 
A non-refundable seat deposit of $1200 is applied to the first semester tuition. The deposit is paid after a seat offer to secure the seat of the applicant.
Deposits collected on a rolling basis after offer of admission made?
Yes
Incoming Class Profile
Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class
40
Size of Most Recent Entering Class
40
% of students from IN-STATE
80%
% of students from OUT-OF-STATE
20%
Sex
% Male
25%
% Female 
75%
Race/Ethnicity
% Hispanic 
15%
% American Indian/Alaskan Native
2.5%
% African-American/Black (Non-Hispanic)
2.5%
% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
2.5%
% White (Not of Hispanic Origin) 
77.5%
Additional information about the class profile 
Tuition for out-of-state students is the same as for in-state students.
Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Status
Program housed at a Minority-Serving Institution No