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Howard University Department of Physical Therapy
Website

https://cnahs.howard.edu/programs/physical-therapy/graduate-physical-therapy

Department of Physical Therapy 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW Towers Bldg, 6th floor Washington DC 20060 United States
Phone+1 202.806.7615
Phone 2 +1 202.806.7614
Email dptadmissions@howard.edu
Private
CAPTE Accredited
Program Description
Howard University is an urban campus located in the heart of Washington, DC. The campus includes a hospital and has close access to public transportation (i.e., airport, bus, subway, train). Housing is available both on and off campus. Consistent with the mission of Howard University, the mission of the program is: "to recruit and prepare promising African Americans and underserved minority populations with leadership potential to become compassionate, and competent physical therapists, with expertise in clinical decision making, problem solving and research. The program is committed to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who promote critical thinking, self inquiry, active learning, community service, cultural sensitivity, and ethical behavior in their students and contribute to the practice and enhancement of the profession on national and international levels."

The program consists of 109 credit hours of post-baccalaureate work that is completed in two and a half years. Students begin the program in May, and graduate in December of their third year. The professional program is developmental and begins with foundational courses in semester 1, and culminates in integrated didactic and clinical experiences in semester 7. The program is designed around the four pillars of the APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice: 1) Cardiopulmonary, 2) Integumentary, 3) Musculoskeletal, and 4) Neuromuscular. Strong emphasis is also placed on communication, diverse communities, ethics, law and practice management.

Students begin their clinical experiences through observation and by taking foundational summer online courses with concentration on basic physical therapy concepts of development, movement and physical therapy management. They also begin to delve into clinical medicine and a basic understanding of pathology. During the second semester, students continue to build on their skills regarding physical therapy concepts through clinical experiences and observations, while also focusing on enhancing skills and understanding of musculoskeletal and neurological anatomy. Students complete monthly observation/participation experiences in environments representing diverse practice areas and also complete a community-based health promotion project during the third semester. Additional musculoskeletal and neuromuscular clinical experiences are introduced in the fourth semester, when students complete an 8-week full-time clinical experience. The fifth semester allows advanced learning and clinical exposure in each of the four pillars. While weekly rotations in diverse practice environments highlight experiences in the 6th semester. Additionally, students participate in clinical experiences related to spinal dysfunction. The seventh semester includes two 7-week or one 14-week full-time clinical experience. In the final semester, students participate in a 12-week specialty rotation that allows them to experience a specialized area of interest. Other clinical exposures include observation of wellness practice and mentorship through a practice management experience.

The program has seven full-time faculty members, and numerous adjunct and associate faculty members. Each of the core faculty members hold a doctoral degree (1 EdD, 1 DrPH, 2 PhD, 1 DSc), and five also have DPT degrees. Three of the full-time faculty members are board certified specialists in Geriatrics or Orthopedics. Over the past four years, the faculty has averaged approximately 6-8 publications in peer-reviewed journals. The faculty-to-student ratio is currently 1:8.1
General
Program offers a guaranteed freshman admission pathway?
No
Dual Degrees
Will the professional (entry-level) PT program offer a satellite or branch campus to applicants during the upcoming admissions cycle?
No
Admission Interviews
Program conducts interviews as part of the admissions process?
Yes
Deposits
Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?
Yes
Total cumulative deposit
$300
Additional Information about Deposit 
A one time $300.00 enrollment fee is required for each student once the letter of intent is returned to the school.  Students will have to pay this fee online prior to beginning summer courses.  Students previously enrolled at Howard will not have to pay an additional enrollment fee
Deposit Refundable?
No
Due Date of First Required Deposit
05/01/2022
Incoming Class Profile
Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class
16
Size of Most Recent Entering Class
16
% of IN-STATE applicants accepted
25%
% of OUT-OF-STATE (non-resident) U.S. applicants accepted
75%
Sex
% Male
25%
% Female 
75%
Race/Ethnicity
% Hispanic 
6.25%
% Asian
6.25%
% African-American/Black (Non-Hispanic)
81.25%
% Two or More Races 
6.25%
Minority-Serving Institution
Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
Contacts