University of Central Arkansas Department of Physical Therapy
University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Ave., PTC Suite 300 Conway, AR 72035 Conway AR 72035 United States
1970 1 to 25

"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

The highly ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) provides students the opportunity to:

1) gain the knowledge and skills to practice physical therapy without the need for referral from another practitioner,

2) develop professional traits and leadership skills that will provide the student with a successful start in the profession

3) study with nationally and internationally know leaders in the field using the latest in evidence-based research .

Admission to the program occurs following completion of a baccalaureate degree (in any field) including 37 hours of prerequisite course work. The program is nine consecutive semesters in length (124 hours) and includes 39 weeks of clinical internship. Clinical internships are available across the U.S. in a variety of locations. During the program, students are provided with opportunities for elective work in specialty areas such as advanced gross anatomy, advanced spinal cord injury, aquatics, cervical spine, lumbar spine, sports physical therapy, and women's health. Program costs are lower than the national average, and in-state tuition is offered to students who are residents of states contiguous to Arkansas (Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas).  Other out of state students are eligible to apply for in-state tuition if satisfying the on campus housing requirement.

UCA is also home to a PhD program in Physical Therapy. Students with a strong interest in research or teaching may apply to the DPT/PhD program following the first semester of the DPT program. UCA's DPT program is physically located on a beautiful college campus of 11,000 students in the vibrant city of Conway, which is located at the foothills of the Ozark mountains just 22 miles from Little Rock. The Department of Physical Therapy is housed in a 40,000 square foot building completely devoted to physical therapy.  Shared facilities include a 4000 square foot gross anatomy laboratory for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs.  The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences has programs in nursing, communication sciences and disorders, dietetics, psychology, and exercise and sport science, and provides interprofessional training experiences for students in a new, state of the art Interprofessional Teaching Center.

All full-time physical therapy faculty members are doctorally prepared and have extensive experience in the field. During the program, students will learn from faculty who are American Board of Physical Therapy certified in neurology, pediatrics, sports, and pelvic health. The department also is home to a Residency program in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

General
Program offers a guaranteed freshman admission pathway?
Yes
Dual Degrees
Dual-degree programs offered in conjunction with the PT degree
Combined DPT/PhD is possible after first semester of DPT program.
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
None
Admission Interviews
Program conducts interviews as part of the admissions process?
Yes
Additional information about interviews

In-person interviews are scheduled during early December.  This one day event gives candidates an opportunity to meet UCA DPT students and faculty in addition to seeing all that our campus has to offer.

Deposits
Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?
Yes
Total cumulative deposit
$$300
Additional Information about Deposit
DPT deposit applies towards the first semester tuition if the student matriculates.  If applicant declines the offer after paying the $300 deposit, the money is non-refundable.
Deposit Refundable?
No
Deposits collected on a rolling basis after offer of admission made?
No
Due Date of First Required Deposit
01/13/2023
Cost
Total Cost of Education for In-State Students
$43647
Total Cost of Education for out of State Students
$70894
Incoming Class Profile
Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class
60
Size of Most Recent Entering Class
60
% of students from IN-STATE
70%
% of students from OUT-OF-STATE
30%
Sex
% Male
40%
% Female 
60%
Race/Ethnicity
% Hispanic 
3%
% Asian
4%
% African-American/Black (Non-Hispanic)
5%
% White (Not of Hispanic Origin) 
84%
Additional information about the class profile
Competitive admission
Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Status
Program housed at a Minority-Serving Institution No
Info
Founded1970
Employees1 to 25
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