Accelerated 3 + 3 Pathway to DPT Studies

Accelerated BS in Biology and DPT Program Highlights

• Streamlined admissions process - We guarantee early admission to the DPT program as long as you meet the program’s benchmarks.

• Fast-track your career - By beginning your professional studies in your eighth semester, you can earn your DPT degree in six years instead of the standard seven.

• Gain valuable experience - Start completing observation hours as early as your first semester, finishing all 60-100 hours of the prerequisite requirements throughout the undergraduate phase of the 3+3 pathway.

• Effective National Physical Therapy Examination preparation - In 2022, FranU’s ultimate pass rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination was 97%.

Six-Year 3+3 DPT Curriculum

The accelerated 3+3 Pathway to DPT program consists of 122 undergraduate credits, 20 of which are in professional courses and 102 graduate credit hours. The undergraduate curriculum covers the prerequisites for graduate studies in physical therapy, incorporating courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology and other relevant topics. Students also take electives in the humanities, social sciences and ethics/philosophy.

The graduate curriculum equips students with the specialized knowledge to diagnose, treat and evaluate patients. These include, but are not limited to, courses in human movement, orthopedic physical therapy, neurologic physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy, rehabilitation and physical therapy interventions.

Students also apply their skills and acquire real-world experience through 60-100 hours of clinical practicums. By the time they graduate, students are equipped to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination and rise to the challenges of their profession.

Admissions Requirements

FranU students in the 3+3 Pathway to DPT can apply for guaranteed admission to the early admissions pathway to the program if they meet certain benchmarks:

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• GRE 295 or higher

To apply to FranU as an undergraduate, you must meet the following requirements:

• TOPS Core Curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA computed on core courses only if you are a high school senior or graduate;

  • OR an acceptable HiSET exam score of 60 or higher.

  • OR a General Education Development (GED) test score of 500 or higher.

Learn more about how to apply and application materials by visiting the Undergraduate Admissions Requirements page.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Not only housed at one of the country’s most affordable Catholic four-year colleges, FranU’s accelerated DPT program also reduces the amount of time to earn the necessary degrees for your career aspirations.

In addition to grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance, we offer scholarships like the Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Sisters Graduate Scholarship, supported by the Louisiana State Board of Regents and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Use our Net Price Calculator Tool to estimate the amount of financial aid you may receive, and visit the Office of Financial Aid page to learn more about your funding options.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Careers

Physical therapy is a meaningful and rewarding career for students interested in a patient-centered profession. On any given day, physical therapists may find themselves assessing medical conditions, creating a treatment plan, applying hands-on therapeutic techniques, consulting with a team of healthcare providers and monitoring and tracking their patients’ progress.

As an in-demand profession with a tremendous amount of opportunities, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that you can expect employment for physical therapists to grow by 15% in the next decade. Physical Therapists (PTs) can also look forward to excellent salary potential, with the median wage at $97,720 in 2022.

Accreditation

Regional Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

CAPTE Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085. Reach CAPTE via telephone at 703-706-3245; email at accreditation@apta.org; or through the website. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call (225) 214-6965 or email dpt@franu.edu.

Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.