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Physical Therapy in Downers Grove
Click here to apply online at PTCAS
Admission Requirements
International Students
Prerequisite Courses
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadline
Interview / Selection Process
Matriculation Process
Articulation Agreement
Reapplication Process
Dual Acceptance Program
Related Links
Physical Therapy Admission
The College of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Program considers for admission those students who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the health care community. To select these candidates, a competitive admissions framework has been established. Within this competitive admissions framework, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available.
The Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program uses the Centralized Application Service for Physical Therapy Schools (PTCAS) for students applying to the Program. All applicants to the Physical Therapy Program are required to submit their applications to PTCAS (http://www.ptcas.org) with all required materials by December 15, 2009. Please refer to the PTCAS web site for instructions on submission of PTCAS application materials.
The Physical Therapy program operates on a rolling admissions basis in which completed applications are reviewed throughout the admissions cycle to determine applicant eligibility for interviews. Interviews are typically conducted during the winter and spring. Admission decisions are generally made within one month of the interview.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Physical Therapy Program must submit the following documented evidence
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Completion of prerequisite courses totaling 44 semester/64 quarter credits as listed below from regionally accredited colleges or universities
- Grades of C or better (grades of C- are NOT acceptable)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores using the Midwestern University institution code of 1769
- The test must have been taken no earlier than January 1, 2005.
- For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.gre.org
- Completion of a first aid course within the past three years
- Current certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers (enrolled PT students must also maintain CPR certification at the BLS level)
- Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
- Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
- Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
- Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
- Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
An international student must satisfy all of the requirements for admission to the college or program that apply to a student who has completed all of his/her prerequisite coursework in the U.S. at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, an international student must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by satisfying both of the following requirements:
1. The international student has completed a minimum of two full time semesters or three full time quarters of instruction at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution in the United States. Completed coursework must include a minimum of 50% of the prerequisite science coursework for the college or program of interest, 6 semester hours of non-remedial English composition, and 3 semester hours of public speaking/speech.
2. The international student must submit official TOEFL scores. A minimum passing score is 550 (paper version, maximum score 677) or 100 (internet version, maximum score 120). The TOEFL scores must be from an exam taken within two years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the college or program.
If the international student wishes to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed at a college or university outside of the United States, he/she must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation of this coursework. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:
1. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org, e-mail: info@ece.org)
2. Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338
3. World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org, email: info@wes.org)
Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the course(s), the college or program will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.
International Applicant Packet
Prerequisite Courses
| Science Courses | Sem Hrs | Qtr Hrs |
| Biology with lab | 4 | 6 |
| Vertebrate Anatomy with lab | 2 | 3 |
| Physiology with lab | 2 | 3 |
| General Chemistry with lab | 4 | 6 |
| General Physics with lab | 8 | 12 |
| General Courses | Sem Hrs | Qtr Hrs |
| Math: college algebra or above | 3 | 4 |
| Statistics: including inferential statistics | 3 | 4 |
| English: must include at least one composition course (oral communication/public speaking recommended |
9 | 13 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences: including at least one psychology course | 9 | 13 |
Technical Standards for Admission
A A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: I) observation; II) communication; III) motor; IV) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and V) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.
II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.
III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks (for example, the physical therapy program requires a candidate to be able to move at least 50 pounds vertically and horizontally).
IV. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities; and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships.
Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the academic dean (and program director), will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College(/Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College(/Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.
Application Process and Deadline
1. PTCAS Application
Applicants Applicants are required to submit their applications to PTCAS at http://www.ptcas.org by December 15, 2009. Please refer to the PTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. The PTCAS application should be available for applicants beginning during the summer months. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their PTCAS application early in the cycle. Midwestern University operates on a rolling admissions basis where applications are reviewed throughout the admissions cycle.
2. Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from professionals to PTCAS (http://www.ptcas.org). The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from PTCAS. It is preferred that one letter is written by a science professor who has actually taught the student or a prehealth advisory committee. The second letter can be written by any one of the following: prehealth advisory committee, prehealth advisor, college professor, or health care professional (preferably a Physical Therapist) who knows the applicant well. The applicant should refer to the PTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
3. GRE Scores
Applicants are required to submit official GRE general test scores directly to Midwestern University. The MWU institutional code for submitting scores is 1769. Only test scores earned during the previous five years (no earlier than January 2005) and sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) will be accepted.
4. Completed Applications
The Office of Admissions will send letters verifying receipt of PTCAS applications with all required materials to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75. The letters will also include instructions on checking the status of the required application materials online. All applicants must also submit official GRE general test scores to Midwestern University to complete their applications. Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and ensuring the submission of all required documents. Only applicants who submit completed applications with all required application materials will be considered for potential entrance into the Program.
Please Note: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or email address. All application withdrawal requests must be made in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to:
Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: 630/971-6086
e-mail: admissil@midwestern.edu
Interview / Selection Process
When applicants are considered eligible for interviews after review of their completed admissions files, they are notified of available interview dates and invited by the Office of Admissions to schedule an on-campus interview.
A typical interview day involves participation in the following activities, which are coordinated by the Office of Admissions: an interview with at least one interviewer, lunch with current Midwestern University students, a campus tour, and an opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor and the financial aid office.
During interview sessions, the interviewer questions applicants about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Program. The interviewer rates prospective students on a standardized evaluation form. These evaluations are included in the applicant files provided to the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee. The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee meets periodically to review the files of applicants who have been interviewed. The Committee reviews the full application files for interviewed applicants and then formulates and submits recommendations to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of admissions decisions.
Matriculation Process
The matriculation process begins after applicants receive notification of their acceptance into the Physical Therapy Program of the College. Students must return a signed matriculation agreement and deposit to the Office of Admissions by the deadline date. The student must also:
- Submit deposit monies by the date designated in their matriculation agreements. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's tuition.
- Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the College. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College.
- Submit proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio (opv), diphtheria, and hepatitis B.
- Provide evidence of testing for tuberculosis within the last 12 months. A titer verifying immunity to the previously mentioned diseases may be required.
- Submit proof of medical and disability insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice.
- Submit proof of Illinois residency if requested by MWU.
- International students must provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending College of Health Sciences.
- Provide documentation that any additional coursework or service requirements stipulated by the Admissions Committee of the Program have been completed.
- Meet the Technical Standards for the Program.
- Submit additional documents as required by the Office of Admissions.
- Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.
- Complete a physical exam and submit form.
- Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement
Students who either fail to satisfy the above matriculation requirements or omits or falsifies information required on official admissions documents automatically forfeit their seats in the Program. Any individuals accepted for admission to the Physical Therapy Program of the College of Health Sciences who do not comply with stated time lines for submission of all required materials will not receive further notification from College of Health Sciences regarding forfeiture of their seats.
Articulation Agreement
Students enrolled in a Midwestern University program are guaranteed an admission interview with another Midwestern University program if the student:
1. is currently in good standing in the academic program in which the student is enrolled and does not have any pending misconduct charges against him/her;
2. meets all admission requirements for the professional program of interest;
3. after a minimum of two full time quarters of study, achieves a minimum Midwestern University grade point average, derived from all courses completed at Midwestern, that is equal to or greater than 3.0; AND
4. achieves a score on the professional entrance exam (if required) that is not less than one standard deviation below the mean score for students that matriculated into the professional degree program in the previous year.
A guaranteed interview does not guarantee admission into the professional program.
Reapplication Process
Students who receive either denial or end-of-cycle letters may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, individuals contemplating reapplication should seek the advice of an admissions counselor.
To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit new applications and proceed through the standard application process.
Related Information
Dual Acceptance Program ::: College of St. Francis
The Physical Therapy Program has a dual acceptance agreement with the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN. Students may inquire about the agreement through the Office of Admissions at the University of Saint Francis or Midwestern University.
Related Links
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Educational Testing Service
