• Freshman Focus (IDC 100)
• English Composition (ENGL 101)
• Literature (one course ENGL 200-210)
• Western Civilization (HIST 116 or 117)
• Fine or Performing Arts (3 credits)
• Introdution to Philosophy (PHIL 160)
• Ethics (PHIL 301)
• Ultimate Questions (THEO 200)
• an upper division Theology course
  (THEO 300 or above)
• Introductory Psychology (PSYC 103)
• Interdisciplinary Core (IDC 101, 200, 301 & 401

• Statistics (MATH 205)
• General Biology (BIOL 130)
• Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 108)
• Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 109)
• Advanced Physiology (BIOL 300 or 314)
• College Chemistry I (CHEM 103)
• College Chemistry II (CHEM 104)
• College Physics I (PHYS 205)
• College Physics II (PHYS 206)

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

The program application and $25 application fee must be submitted to Bellarmine University and postmarked by December 1 of the year prior to admission. The priority application deadline is October 15.  The program utilizes a rolling admissions process beginning with applications received prior to the October 15 priority deadline.

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.