Is preference given to ECU graduates?
No. We give preference to residents of North Carolina but not to any one institution.
What is the job market for PT’s and starting salary?
The market remains good but has slowed in response to legislative actions effecting Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement secondary to the balanced budget act. Several of these legislative actions have recently reversed and it is anticipated that the market will improve. The health care industry has changed considerably in the past several years and no one can predict the future. Physical Therapy is a highly respected profession and provides services that are essential to effective health care. Successful PT’s are adaptive and are willing to adjust to the changes and demands of an evolving health care system.
How many positions are available and how many applicants apply?
We admit 30 students annually and generally have an applicant pool of around 125. Preference is given to NC residents and we usually admit 20% from Out-of State.
What GPA and GRE scores must I have to be admitted?
We normally tell students they should be in the B+ range to be competitive. The admission process incorporates 1) overall GPA; 2) prerequisite GPA; and 3) GRE score. Each of these areas is weighted equally. Thereby, the applicant could remain in the competitive range if they were low in one area i.e. overall GPA and up in the other two. Historically, applicants with GRE scores below 900 are not competitive.
What are the expenses and is there special financial assistance for PT students?
The expenses include the standard tuition and fees for full time graduate students, books, and living accommodations while on campus and travel and living accommodations during clinical affiliations. We inform the applicants to expect $2000 to $2500 for books and approximately $2000 for expenses related to clinical education. Other expenses include CPR certification, vaccines, and student liability insurance and student professional membership fees. The department has several small scholarships and loan funds and larger loans and scholarships are available from the School of Allied Health Sciences and the Financial Aid Office, ECU.
Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
No. There are required prerequisite courses, which are mostly in the sciences, but we do not give preference to specific undergraduate majors. We advise students to choose a major in an area of their interest and one, which they will be academically successful.
Will a specific Biology course from another institution satisfy a specified Biology prerequisite biology course requirement?
Most of the time this information cannot be provided via e-mail or phone. We advise students to submit a written request including course catalog descriptions to the Director of Admissions, Department of Physical Therapy. Usually, we accept most biology courses if it meets the general requirements of being a science major level course at the institution where it was taken and is in the animal / human life sciences. We routinely do not accept survey level courses in anatomy and physiology unless it can satisfy the science major requirement. Students who complete prerequisites at community and technical colleges should be sure that those courses are transferable to a four year institution and meet the general guideline of being a science major level course.
Is there a waiting list?
No. We do not maintain a waiting list. Every year is treated as a new year and a new applicant pool. Students may choose to submit the same applicant.
If accepted can I postpone admission?
No. There have been circumstances when a student who started the program had to withdraw for medical and/or other unavoidable and significant personal reasons and was allowed to re-enter the program the following year. Students who accept a position in the program are expected to start the program the same year.
What is the licensing exam pass rate?
Our graduates perform at a level consistently above the national level for accredited graduate PT programs. The first time pass rate is usually in the high 80% to low 90%.
What are the clinical education requirements and can I choose the location?
Currently there are 32 weeks of clinical education experiences throughout the program. Students participate in the selection process and a lottery system is used when more than one student selects a site. The Director of Clinical Education has the final say in determining where a student goes for an affiliation.
Will I be trained in a PT specialty area such as pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, cardiopulmonary or wound care?
Our program is designed to prepare the graduate as a generalist and capable to practice in any of the areas common to physical therapy. By nature of specialty certifications, research, clinical focus and national reputations, the faculty represent most of the special areas in PT and offer excellent learning opportunities in pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, prosthetics, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and wound management. Students may select specialty electives and clinical experiences that would focus on a specialty area of interest.
What opportunities are there for continued education beyond the professional entry level?
There are an increasing number of master and doctoral degree opportunities in PT and related sciences. The APTA can be contacted for a listing of post-professional degree programs.
