Physical Therapy Affiliation Programs

3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program with Widener University

The Cooperative 3+3 Program with Widener University allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabethtown College and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Widener University. During the program, students spend three years at Etown fulfilling general education Core, Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum, and Biology or Exercise Science major requirements. Afterward, they spend three more years at Widener University if accepted. Eligible students can apply to Widener University's 3+3 DPT program in their junior year, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. Upon completion of four years (three at Etown and one at Widener), and earning at least 125 credits, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or Exercise Science from Elizabethtown College. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is awarded by Widener University after fulfilling the remaining clinical experience. To be eligible for Widener University's DPT program, students must earn a "B" grade (no lower than a "B-") in all required prerequisite coursework and maintain a 3.3 overall GPA at Elizabethtown College. Core requirements should be completed during the three years at Elizabethtown before starting courses at Widener University. Students interested in this program should consult with the Elizabethtown College Health Professions Advising Committee at hpac@etown.edu for additional requirements before planning their first-year fall class schedule.

4+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program with Thomas Jefferson University

Elizabethtown College has an interview agreement with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) for preferred admission to their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. To qualify for an interview, students must fulfill the following criteria: (1) Be a full-time student at Elizabethtown College since matriculation, (2) Be a senior student, (3) Be a first-time applicant to the Interview Program, (4) Meet the minimum admissions criteria of the program for the application year and (5) maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses, pre-requisite courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0 by the end of their junior year of college. All prerequisite coursework requirements must be completed with a grade of "C+" or higher (a "C" is not accepted). Students can apply for an interview and preferred admission with Thomas Jefferson University after their third year at Elizabethtown College, provided they meet the program's entrance requirements. Students interested in this program should consult with the Elizabethtown College Health Professions Advising Committee at hpac@etown.edu.

4+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy with Messiah University

The Cooperative Bachelor's + 3 DPT program enables students to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) after completing Elizabethtown College's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Eligible students who complete the prerequisite requirements are eligible to apply to Messiah University's DPT program as early as the spring of their Junior year at Elizabethtown College. The DPT at Messiah University is awarded after all course and clinical experience requirements are met. To be eligible, students must earn a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 3.5 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.5. The requirements to complete the B.S. in Exercise Science at Elizabethtown College includes all of Messiah University’s MSAT program prerequisites; however, students interested in this program should consult with Elizabethtown College’s Exercise Science Program Director for additional information well before they plan to apply.

Physical Therapy Suggested Coursework

Minimum Requirement	Etown Recommended	Typical Semester Taken
Biology (12 hours including anatomy and physiology)	BIO 111 BIO 201 BIO 202	Fall, First Year Fall, Third Year Spring, Third Year
English (8 hours)	ENG 100 2nd ENG Course	Fall/Spring, First Year Prior to end of third year
Chemistry (8 hours)	CH 105 CH 113*	Fall, First Year Spring, First Year
Physics (8 hours)	PHYS 101 PHYS 102	Fall, Third Year Spring, Third Year
Mathematics (4 hours)	MA 251	Fall, second year or later
Psychology (8 hours)	PSY 105 PSY 221 or PSY 225	Fall, first year or later Spring, first year or later

* Pre-requisite exists. Consult most recent Etown College Catalog for details.

Note: To find school-specific requirements for each U.S. physical therapy school see a physical therapy school's website.