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Admission / Apply

Physical Therapy in Downers Grove

Admission Requirements
International Students
Prerequisite Courses
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadline
Interview / Selection Process
Matriculation Process
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 healthcare 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, 2011. Please refer to the PTCAS website 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) are required in each course
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, 2007.
- For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre.
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 healthcare 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

International applicants must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.

Applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the US or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411 or visit www.ece.org
World Education Services (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100 or visit www.wes.org
Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338 or visit www.jsilny.com

International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.

For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.

International Applicant Packet

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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 (should include inferential statistics)	3	4
English--must include at least one composition course (oral communication/public speaking recommended	9	13
Social and Behavioral Sciences (at least one course in psychology)	9	13

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Technical Standards for Admission

A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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 and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

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 CHS 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.

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Application Process and Deadline

1. PTCAS Application

Applicants are required to submit their applications to PTCAS at http://www.ptcas.org by December 15, 2011. 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 healthcare 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 1, 2007) 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

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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 a representative from 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.

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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 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. A titer verifying immunity to the previously mentioned diseases may be required.
Provide evidence of testing for tuberculosis within the last 12 months.
Submit proof of medical 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. Students are required to carry low-cost disability insurance that is offered through the University.
If an international student, provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending CHS.
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 omit or falsify 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.

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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.

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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.

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