Duke DPT Flipbook

DISCOVER

the Duke difference

O U R M I S S I O N is to develop the next generation of the
profession’s leaders, committed to health equity and expertly
prepared to integrate the best-available evidence in the
patient-centered management of function and quality of life
within a dynamic health system.

Do you
have
what it
takes?

Duke DPT Students
are Leaders
They are members of the
American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) and many
attend and present at national
and state conferences and hold
student leadership positions in
professional organizations.

Duke DPT Students are Diverse
They come from nearly every U.S. state
and other countries, from a wide
range of colleges, majors, ethnicities/
races, cultures, ages,
backgrounds, and
experiences.

Prerequisites

• Anatomy, Physiology,
Statistics (3 semester
credits each)

• Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, Psychology (6
semester credits each)

• For details on prerequisites
and other admission
requirements, visit
dpt.duhs.duke.edu/Admissions

Why choose Duke for your
Physical Therapy training?

Through excellence in education, clinical practice, and research, the
Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program ranks among the top
programs in the nation. For over 75 years, Duke has provided a solid
educational foundation in both the art and science of physical
therapy that prepares our graduates for success and leadership in
this exciting and fulfilling profession.

98% Program graduation rate

100% Post-graduation employment rate

At Duke, you will find:

AN EVIDENCE-BASED, PROGRESSIVE CURRICULUM
The program emphasizes a team-based approach to learning,
both in the classroom and in a range of clinical settings.

EXTENSIVE, INTERDISCIPLINARY
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
This is made possible by the program’s integrated role within the
School of Medicine and Duke University Medical Center, one of
the world’s premier medical centers and research institutions.

A PREMIER FACULTY comprised of leaders in the profession
who are committed to teaching and are actively engaged in basic
science research and clinical studies to share physical therapy
practice and health care on the national and international stage.

STUDENT INTEREST DRIVEN CURRICULUM that offers a
unique opportunity in the second phase of the curriculum to
explore specific areas of practice. Students have the opportunity
to take nine Advanced Practice Courses which meet their
individual interests and career development needs.

TEAM-BASED LEARNING
Under the guidance of faculty, Duke DPT students will work
closely with classmates and support one another throughout the
program to learn how to thrive in today’s health care
environment.

STUDENT TEAM EXPERIENCE IN PRACTICE (STEPs®)
Duke DPT students are in clinical environments almost as often
as they are in the classroom through programs like STEPs® and a
series of third-year full-time clinical experiences.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT
OF PRACTICE (CAMP)
In this hands-on class, students will be mentored by DPT
program faculty in small groups with community members who
have a variety of diagnoses causing movement dysfunction or
pain.

Duke DPT is a three-year,
full-time program

PHASE 1 FOUNDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
PHASE 2
PHASE 3 Rigorous combination of courses, labs,
research, and hands-on clinical training which
provides the content and experience needed
to practice therapy and research.

STUDENT CENTERED ADVANCEMENT

Advanced Practice Courses (APCs) that allow
deeper exploration of various specialities in
physical therapy and research.

CLINICAL EDUCATION

36-weeks of full-time clinical experiences
in a variety of health care settings and
specialities to explore different aspects of the
profession.

There’s more to
Duke than academics

ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Duke DPT students take part in service and social activities
that range from playing Duke intramural sports,
volunteering/community service, to building lifelong
friendships through social gatherings, and outings to local
events and attractions.

PREMIUM LOCATION
Duke University is located in the rapidly growing city of
Durham, NC–a medical mecca with a rising reputation as
one of the country’s best places to live. With a temperate
climate, a warm and welcoming spirit, and a bounty of
options for outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment, and
great dining–and with the beach and the mountains each
just a few hours’ drive away–you are sure to find lots of
great ways to enjoy your downtime, and new friends to
enjoy it with you.

Discover the Duke difference!

PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Doctor of Physical Therapy Division
311 Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710

MAILING ADDRESS

Doctor of Physical Therapy Division
DUMC 104002
Durham, NC 27710

CONTACT INFORMATION

919.668.5206
[email protected]
DPT. DUHS.DUKE.EDU

FACEBOOK facebook.com/DukeDPT/
TWITTER twitter.com/Duke_DPT
INSTAGRAM instagram.com/dukedpt/

Duke University
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Summer
Discovery
Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Summer Discovery Program is designed
to expose undergraduate students to the profession of physical therapy and
to the Duke DPT experience. This is an intensive week that will immerse
participants completely in the profession of physical therapy. At the end of this
week, participants will have gained exposure to multiple areas in the profession
and have the information needed to be more competitive and to more
effectively matriculate into doctor of physical therapy programs. The program
is open to all applicants; however, it is our hope to encourage applicants who
are from groups underrepresented within the profession of physical therapy,
disadvantaged/first generation to attend college, or students interested in
serving underrepresented populations.

ELIGIBILITY

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS WILL
• Have a strong interest in the profession of physical therapy
• Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate 3.0 Science GPA
• Be a current collegiate undergraduate student at the time of application

Participants will interact with the top faculty in the profession
of physical therapy; will have interdisciplinary opportunities;
receive mentorship from students, faculty, physical therapists,

and admission specialists; as well as opportunities to take
advantage of Duke’s one-of-a-kind program.

OBJECTIVES

Participation in the Summer Discovery Program will provide
• Engaged, structured exposure to:

» Physical therapy as a profession, including career tracks and specialties
» Duke DPT course content and learning opportunities
» The physical therapy application process
• Meaningful interaction with current students, faculty, alumni, clinicians,

and staff
• Mentorship as as it’s related to the DPT program, applying and matriculation

process
• Continued mentorship after the conclusion of the program
• Opportunities to build their professional physical therapy network

before they even matriculate into a physical therapy program

“It was just
eye opening
to come
to a university like this with so many
resources and so many faculty,
students, and staff willing to offer that
mentorship...Through the lectures,
student interaction, and faculty
engagement I feel like this program has
cleared my path for me.”
Lance Bennett

More Information

on the Summer Discovery Program, deadlines, and application details
can be found here. Applications will open in the Spring of 2021.

dpt.duhs.duke.edu/application-requirements/duke-dpt-summer-discovery-program

CURRICULUM SCHEMATIC

August September October November December January February March April May June July Aug

Fall 17 weeks Spring 20 weeks Summer 16 weeks

Orientation Structure and Function of Human Body Human Body Human Brain Older Adult Foundational Cardiopulm MSK
Movement Science Neuro
Y Movement Science STEPs® 1 Found Integ EBP STEPs® 2 Pain Science STEPs® 3 PT Prof Practice 3
Intro to Pt Exam Adaptive Technolgies
1 Introduction to the Patient Examination 3 Ex Rx in the HC System 1 1
Continuum CDHD 2
PT Professional Practice 2
CDHD 1 CDHD 1 CDHD 2
PT Professional Practice I PT Professional Practice I
PT Professional Practice 2

Summer (cont'd) Fall 11 weeks Spring 13 weeks Summer 9 weeks

Y MSK Foundational Pediatrics Comp Exam APC 1 APC 2 3 APC 3 APC 4 APC 5 APC 6 Comp Practical
21 Neuro Mgmt Of The Complex Pt HOD / W.Coat
STEPs® 4 3 2A 1 1
CAMP 1A
CAMP 1B CAMP 2A CAMP 2B
PT Prof Practice 4
PT Prof Practice 3 PT Prof Practice 5 3A CDHD 3A CDHD 3B
PT Prof Practice 5 PT Prof Practice 6

Summer (2) 12 weeks Fall 12 weeks Spring 18 weeks

Y1 2 Terminal Clinical Experience 3 4 Graduation
3 Terminal Clinical Experience 1 Terminal Clinical Experience 2

DUKE DPT PREREQUISITE OVERVIEW

• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better
• Pass/Fail courses will not be accepted

• Each prerequisite course must fulfill the 3 semester or 5 quarter credit requirement
• Anatomy and Physiology courses must be taken within 5 years of application

o Evolutionary and comparative anatomy courses will NOT be accepted
• Labs are not required, but are recommended
• AP/IB credits will be accepted IF they were accepted by your undergraduate institution
• Community college courses are accepted; however, our Admissions Committee prefers for prerequisite courses to be completed at a 4-year

institution (especially science course, i.e. Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics).

Area of Semester/Quarter Course Course Description Comments
Study Credit Hours Topic
Anatomy 3/5 Human or Recommended courses focus on the Anatomy courses taken in sequence (e.g. A&P I and II usually
Vertebrate musculoskeletal system and its neural control: offered by a biology department) or anatomy courses taken
Physiology 3/5 Anatomy separately (usually offered by an exercise science,
- Muscle origins kinesiology, or other allied health department) will be
Biological 6/9 Human or - Muscle insertions accepted.
Science Vertebrate - Muscle actions Physiology courses taken in sequence (e.g. A&P I and II
Physiology - Innervation patterns usually offered by a biology department) or physiology
Courses based on human cadaver dissections courses taken separately (usually offered by an exercise
General or or prosected human preparations are science, kinesiology, or other allied health department) will
Upper Level recommended. be accepted.
Biology Recommended courses focus on: This prerequisite can be fulfilled by:
- Striated muscle 1. Taking 2 general biology courses (BIO I/II)
- Cardiac muscle 2. Taking 2 upper level biology courses
- Cardiovascular Regulation 3. Taking 1 general biology course and 1 upper level course.
- Respiration & Gas Exchange All courses must be taken within a Biology Department (with
- Hormonal Control the exception of exercise physiology).
- Thermoregulation
- Acid-Base Homeostasis
A general biology course and/or an upper
level courses such as embryology, histology,
immunology, microbiology, molecular,
genetics, cell, exercise physiology (if not used
to fulfill physiology prerequisite), etc. will be
accepted.

Updated 3/15/2019 Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program 1

Area of Semester/Quarter Course Course Description Comments
Study Credit Hours Topic An general chemistry course and/or an upper This prerequisite can be fulfilled by:
Chemistry 6/9 General or level courses such biochemistry, inorganic, or 1. Taking 2 general chemistry courses (CHEM I/II)
Upper Level organic will be accepted. 2. Taking 2 upper level chemistry courses
Physics Chemistry 3. Taking 1 general chemistry course and 1 upper level
Recommended courses focus on: chemistry course
Statistics 6/9 General - Light, Heat, Electricity, Mechanics, All courses must be taken within a Chemistry Department.
Physics Sound, etc. This prerequisite can be fulfilled by taking a Physics I and
Psychology Physics II course sequence. Courses must be taken within a
3/5 Statistics A biomechanics course can be used to replace Physics Department.
the Physics II course.
6/9 General or Recommended courses include: biostatistics, Calculus and non-calculus based statistics courses will be
Upper Level business statistics, psychology statistics, accepted.
Psychology general statistics, biometry, quantitative
analysis, research methods/design, or This prerequisite can be fulfilled by:
hypothesis testing. 1. Taking 2 general psychology courses
Recommended courses include: general, 2. Taking 2 upper level psychology courses
abnormal, child, developmental, biological, 3. Taking general and upper level psychology courses.
social, sports, etc. These courses should be taken within a Psychology
Department; however, sports psychology will be accepted.

* Please note: Information in the ‘Comment’ section is based on the semester system. If your institution uses the quarter system please make the necessary
adjustments (ex: instead of just taking BIO I/II, if under quarter system you may need BIO I/II/III to fulfill prerequisite credit requirement).

Updated 3/15/2019 Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program 2

Our Admissions Committee advises applicants to expose themselves to as much about the profession of physical
therapy as possible, via observing/shadowing licensed physical therapist, engaged conversation with these physical
therapists, research opportunities, summer emersion experiences, etc. This will help applicants to speak
knowledgeably about the profession in their essays and short answer questions.

We simply advise applicants to take their time with their application ensuring that each section of the application is
completed to the best of their abilities. Applicants need to make sure they are submitting the proper/required
information for Duke’s program and do their best to let the Admissions Committee know about their passion and
commitment to the profession of PT. Our Admissions Committee does a holistic review, which means multiple factors
are considered when making admissions decisions (academics, GPA, Letters of Recommendation, essay/short answer
questions, extracurricular activities, work experience, leadership abilities, motivation for PT, etc.).

The most important advice is to start preparing early!

1) Letters of Recommendation: Determine who you want to write your recommendation letters and go ahead and let
them know a specific date you need their letter completed and uploaded so there will not be any delays when
processing your application. You want to make sure you are submitting very strong letters of recommendation from
individuals who can speak to your academic/clinical abilities and your personal attributes that make you perfect for
this profession.

2) Essay/Short Answer Questions: Make sure you take your time, write strong, insightful essays and short-answer
questions. Make sure you have multiple people proofread. Also, you should make sure you actually answer what is being
asked. Often applicants write answers that do not address the prompt. It is important that you answer the question and not
try to include extra information you would like the committee to consider. If there is information you would like to share that
is not included in the questions, there is a separate section on the application where you can put this information.

3) Extracurricular Activities/Work Experience: We look at what skills (leadership, time management, research,
diversity & inclusion, teaching, mentoring, etc.) that you have gained from these experiences and how you applied
these skills to the program. Make sure to highlight your abilities and experiences. Activities and Experiences that we
considered but not required:

A. Military
B. Founder/Co-Founder of club/organization. Did you hold a role? (President, Vice President,

Secretary, Treasure, Chair, etc.)
C. Patient Care (it can be outside of Physical Therapy)
D. Research (Research Assistant, subject, participant, published articles, etc.)
E. College Varsity Athletic/BandMember
F. Athletic Training Certificate or other certifications
G. Residence Advisor
H. Fulltime/Part-time Employment
I. Community Service – Did you show a commitment of >40 hours or more?
J. Teacher, teacher assistant, lab instructor
K. Professional conference – Did you attend a national or local conference? Did you present a

research poster?
L. Mentor, tutor

4) Explain Areas of Concern: If you feel that you have any deficits in your application or if there is an area that you
are not as confident about, take the time to explain why and tell how you plan to overcome or how you have
already overcome this (i.e. if your GPA is not where you want it to be, explain why and tell why it is not a true
reflection of your abilities, etc.). There is a section on the application for this information. Avoid putting this
information in your answers to the essays and short answer questions.

5) Academics: You want your academic profile to be as strong as possible. We base our decision on more than just
academics, but you want to be able to show the Admissions Committee that you can

handle the work that will be given to you. This is a graduate level program with a challenging curriculum, so
you want to show the committee that you are prepared and have a solid foundation to face the curriculum
and be successful.

6.) *Observation hours: We look for variety of settings – 2 or more (inpatient, outpatient, and specialized).
Also we look for a diversified patient population that you are serving at these settings.
7.) GPA: The Duke DPT program does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, applicants with a
GPA of 3.2 and above are most successful. We are a heavily science base program. We will review your
cumulative, science, and prerequisite GPA.
8.) *GRE: The DPT program does not have a minimum GRE score requirement. Do not wait to submit your
application because you are going to retake the GRE to see if your score improves.
9.). *Prerequisites: All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Grades earned
during the COVID 19 pandemic as a “Pass” will be accepted.
10.) Covid 19: There is an optional question in PTCAS directly asking about how COVID 19 has impacted you
as an applicant. Although this question is optional, we strongly recommend you answer the question if
Covid 19 has had a significant impact on you. Things you could share, but are not limited to: Did you have to
finish coursework online? Did your university require you an option to take a Pass/Fail grade? Were you
unable to complete observation hours as a result of Covid 19?

We advise applicants to look at the application like a resume, so you definitely want to put your best foot
forward. If you have a specific questions or concerns, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

*For the 2021-2022 application cycle candidates are expected to have some observation hours but not required
to have 100. Candidates should report any verified completed hours at the time of application. If observation
hours are completed once the application is submitted, candidates should update the PT Observation Hours in
PTCAS.

Exceptions will be made for grades earned during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Pass” grades on an official
transcript will be accepted for courses taken in 2020 and Winter/Spring semesters in 2021.

At this point we are not going to waive the GRE testing requirement. ETS has made accommodations for folks
who need to take the GRE in the midst of the pandemic and the travel/gathering restrictions. They have a new
At Home Testing capacity. You can read about it on their website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/the-
americas/

WHY DUKE DPT – ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT DUKE DPT

The Duke DPT program is a program that provides students with a top-notch
physical therapy education while exposing them to as many aspects of the
profession as possible to encourage them to be active members of the profession
of PT. We encourage and assist students in achieving their goals while here at
Duke DPT as well as give them the best foundation to not only be a great PT,
but to become a leader within the profession of PT if they so desire.

1) Curriculum: The curriculum is divided into 3 phases. The first phase
lasts for the first 1.5 years. This phase consists of foundational
coursework like anatomy and movement science and practice
management courses such as MSK, Neuro, Pediatrics, Cardiopulmonary,
& Complex Care. The second phase of the curriculum occurs in the 2nd
year and consists of Advanced Practice Courses (APCs). APCs function
like electives and give students the opportunity to explore certain areas
of physical therapy more deeply. They are offered in a wide variety of
practice areas including: Orthopedics, Sports, Neuro, Pediatrics,
Geriatrics, Pelvic Health, Complex Care, Vestibular, Research, Global
Health, Teaching, and Leadership. There is also an option to design an
independent study. Students select 9 electives to take in their 2nd year.
The 3rd phase occurs in the third year and consists of the Terminal
Clinical Experiences (TCEs).

2) Clinical Experiences: Our students spend about 50% of their time in
the classroom and about 50% of their time in the clinic. Our curriculum
is arranged to provide our students with as much time in the clinic as
possible to practically apply what they have learned. Through our STEPs
(Student Team Experience in Practice) program, students start in the
clinic the first semester of their first year and they have a clinical
experience every semester (2 inpatient and 2 outpatient), so as a student
you have the opportunity to immediately and consistently apply what you
are learning throughout the program. STEPs experiences take place
within the Triangle region. Students spend 1-2 weeks in the clinic for
each STEPs experience and do not have classes during that time and are
instead working the full-time schedule of their clinical instructor. In the
third year, there are 3 terminal clinical experiences. Each is 12-weeks
long. Duke has connections to clinical sites all throughout the country
and in a variety of practice settings and with a variety of patient
populations.

3) Global Health: The DPT program is grounded in producing clinicians
that serve, learn and give. This is exemplified in the Global Studies
program where students establish relationships and develop creative
practice models in the field. Through our Advanced Practice Courses
(APCs), students can apply to participate in a Stroke Camp in Jamaica.

4) Faculty: Our faculty members are specialists in multiple areas of PT
including manual therapy, MSK/ortho, pediatrics, neurology, pelvic
health, sports, cardio-pulmonary, etc. Our faculty members are some of
the best in this profession. They are extremely committed to the
profession and to educating the next generation, this gives our students
an opportunity to really become who they want to be in the profession.
Our students have the opportunity to work with faculty members directly
on their current research as well. Our faculty members are so dedicated
to seeing our students succeed and always have an open-door policy.
Just walking down the hallway there are always students in faculty
offices or meeting with faculty in the conference rooms, etc. They really
do all they can to ensure that are students are successful in PT and in
life.

5) Research: Students have several ways in which to get involved in
research. One way is they can take the research series in the Advance
Practice Courses which allows students to work directly with faculty
members on their current research projects. Another way is they can
seek out opportunities to work with faculty on specific research projects.
We also have a direct connection with a major medical center, which
allows students to seek out opportunities with PT’s in the clinics.

6) Professional development/Community Involvement: Many of our
students are members of the APTA and many hold positions within the
APTA. Our students also not only attend, but present posters, etc. at
major PT annual conferences like CSM and the NCPTA. We provide our
students with multiple networking opportunities and our direct
connection with a major medical center provides a lot of opportunities
that students might not find elsewhere. Duke DPT students are
extremely involved in the Duke and Durham Communities, participating
in various volunteer organizations, inter-professional organizations,
student interest groups, intramural activities, etc.

7) Location: Durham, NC is a great place for young professionals. It is
termed the “City of Medicine” as it is the home of multiple hospital
systems, clinics, and Research Triangle Park. Durham is a city with a lot
of culture, outdoor activities, delightful restaurants, etc. and the cost of
living is very reasonable. As far as location goes, Durham is in the heart
of the state, but it’s only 2 hours from the beaches of NC and about 3
hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

8) Team-Based Learning: A significant and unique aspect of Duke DPT’s
program is the Team-Based Learning (TBL) curriculum. Students are
placed in teams of ~6 students at the beginning of the program and work
closely with this team throughout their experience. This includes taking
quizzes, problem solving, working on cases, and practicing in lab
together. Working in the TBL format helps to make classroom time more
of an active learning process rather than entirely passive, this enhances
engagement with the material and fosters collaboration within the
program. Additionally, there are so many great skills that you can learn

from working on a team that will be transferrable to a career in physical
therapy.
9) Pass/Fail Grading System: Duke DPT follows a pass/fail grading
system with an 80 or above counting as a pass. Students will receive
grades on quizzes, exams, and practicals in each class but as long as
their overall grade in the course is above an 80, that constitutes a “pass”
and “P” will be on their transcript.
10) Admission Tips: Spend time fostering strong relationships with
those who will be writing your letters of recommendation. Try to obtain
observation hours in a variety of settings. Be engaged in your school
and/or your community and include all activities that you are involved in
on your application, even if you do not think they pertain specifically to
physical therapy. Focus on making your essays unique and always ask
someone to proofread them.
Apply early! Our application process is highly competitive and we often
see applicants with excellent qualifications. Keep in mind we are a rolling
admissions program. That means as soon as the window opens for
applications to be submitted, we begin reviewing, interviewing and
making offers. We recommend applying when the application opens in
July.
11) Student Body Characteristics: The student body at Duke DPT is
made up of passionate and engaged individuals. Students come from all
over the country and even the world. Students are from all different
backgrounds and have different undergraduate majors, some students
come directly from undergrad while others are choosing to go back to
school. This creates an environment rich with different life experiences,
which is really quite special.