For admission information contact:
Julie Armstrong-Binnix, Recruiter
Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502.452.8364 jarmstrong-binnix@bellarmine.edu
Prerequisite Courses (or Equivalents). Bellarmine courses in parentheses.
2 semesters of anatomy and physiology with lab (BIOL 108 & 109)
1 semester of general biology with lab (BIOL 130)
1 semester of advanced physiology such as vertebrate physiology, mammalian physiology, exercise physiology or pathophysiology (BIOL 300 or BIOL 314)
2 semesters of college chemistry with lab (CHEM 103 & 104)
2 semesters of college physics with lab (PHYS 205 & 206)
1 semester of psychology (PSYC 103 or 104)
1 semester of statistics (MATH 205)
The Purpose The Physical Therapy Program prepares the student for licensure and practice in the field of physical therapy. Candidates for licensure must hold a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution. Students can be admitted to the professional program after completing a bachelor’s degree in a major of choice and the program prerequisites. Qualified Bellarmine undergraduate students may be admitted to the professional program after completing all university general education requirements (except IDC 401) and the program prerequisites. The Program awards the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree upon completion of the professional curriculum.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who provide service to individuals of all ages with physical impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes.
Admission Requirements Highly qualified Bellarmine University undergraduate students may be admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program after completing all prerequisite and general education courses (except IDC. 401) and a minimum of 90 semester hours. Transfer applicants to the professional program must hold a baccalaureate degree and have completed all program prerequisite courses. Admission to the program is selective and highly competitive. Students attending Bellarmine as undergraduates are preferentially admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Qualified applicants to the program must have:
a minimum prerequisite point average of 2.75/4.00
a minimum overall (cumulative) undergraduate grade point average of 2.50/4.00
completed seven of the ten prerequisite courses prior to January 1 of the admission year
completed all program prerequisites prior to entering the professional curriculum
a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisites courses
25 clock hours of documented work or volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting
the physical ability to perform tasks required of a physical therapist
Note: the GRE is not required for application to the Program. Letters of reference or recommendation are not required for application to the Program.
Physical therapists
Examine and evaluate individuals with movement related problems
Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction to enhance physical and functional abilities
Promote physical function and wellness to provide optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health
Prevent the onset of symptoms and the progression of movement related problems
Treatment by physical therapists includes exercise, joint and soft tissue mobilization and manipulation, cardiovascular endurance training, the therapeutic application of heat, cold and electricity and neuromuscular re-education and activities of daily living training.
Physical Therapists find careers in settings ranging from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to private practices, home health agencies, pediatric facilities and nursing homes.
