Physical Therapy

Lana Svien, P.T., Ph.D., Chairperson
Department of Physical Therapy
Lee Med, Room 302
Phone: 605-677-5000
Fax: 605-677-6745
E-mail: pt@usd.edu
Website: www.usd.edu/pt

Click on any of the following programs for information:

Physical Therapy (DPT)
Transitional Physical Therapy (t-DPT)

Departmental Faculty

Professor:

Richard Ekstrom, P.T., D.Sc., Rocky Mountain University. Specialization: Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Joy Karges, P.T., Ed.D., The University of South Dakota. Specialization: Clinical Education, Lymphedema Issues

Lana Svien, Chairperson, P.T., Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center. Specialization: Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Associate Professor:

Patrick Hauer, P.T., Ed.D., The University of South Dakota. Specialization: Differential Diagnosis, Gait, Orthotics, and Prosthetics.

Roy Osborn, P.T., D.P.T., M.S., O.C.S., University of Nebraska Medical Center. Specialization: Knee and Shoulder Problems.

Assistant Professor:

Justin Beebe, P.T., Ph.D., Washington University. Specialization: Motor control of upper extremity

Patti Berg, PT, MPT, MA, NCS, University of Iowa. Specialization: Pediatric Neurologic Physical Therapy, Motor Control and Motor Learning

Patrick Cross, P.T., D.P.T., Creighton University. Specialization: Rural Health, Business Management

Becca Jordre, P.T., D.P.T., Duke University, Specialization: Rural/General Practice, Spine, Women’s Health, Geriatrics

Degrees:

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Program Description

The University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department offers a graduate level program for individuals seeking entry-level professional education. Physical Therapy is concerned with the prevention of disability and the restoration of function following disease, injury, or loss of function. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients reach their maximum performance potentials while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Physical therapy, the science of healing and art of caring, involves evaluation, treatment planning, performance of tests and measures, client education, consultative services, and supervision of support personnel.

The American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits The University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department. The mission of The University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department is to provide professional education which will enable the graduate to enter a variety of settings. Graduates are encouraged to serve individuals living in rural settings who otherwise may not have access to physical therapy services. The professional development of the program graduate emphasizes participation in life-long learning and leadership involvement in the community at large.

Admission Requirements

Specific prerequisite courses are required. The prerequisite course work needed is (this sample is based upon The University of South Dakota curriculum):

Biology (for science majors) 8 semester credit hours (2 courses with lab)
Chemistry (for science majors) 8 semester credit hours (2 courses with lab)
Physics 8 semester credit hours (2 courses with lab)
Statistics 3 semester credit hours
General Psychology 3 semester credit hours
Developmental Psychology 3 semester credit hours
Abnormal Psychology 3 semester credit hours
Human Anatomy* 3 semester credit hours
Human Physiology* 3 semester credit hours (1 course with lab)

*Or a combined Human Anatomy/Physiology course with a minimum of 6 credit hours with lab taken over 2 semesters.

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale.
Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better (includes only pre-requisite coursework)
The GRE General test is required.
Completion of personal statements.
Physical Therapy Observation and/or experience (minimum of 50 hours).
Personal interview with the USD Physical Therapy Department by invitation.
Additional requirements exist for international students.

Application Deadline

Applications for admission are available through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) a service of the American Physical Therapy Association. PTCAS will allow applicants to use a single Web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple physical therapist education programs. Please visit http://www.ptcas.org for application instructions. Early Admission deadline is in September and General Admission deadline is in December in the year prior to the fall entrance. Please contact the Department of Physical Therapy for verification of current requirements.
Completion of the USD Graduate School application and payment of $35 application fee is required.

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (tDPT)

Lana Svien, P.T., Ph.D., Chairperson
Department of Physical Therapy
Lee Med, Room 302
(605) 677-5000
E-mail: pt@usd.edu
Website: www.usd.edu/pt

Program Description

The transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree (t-DPT) at The University of South Dakota is the first online doctoral program in the South Dakota Regental System. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree is conferred upon completion of a structured 5 semester, 25 credit hour, online post-professional program. The program was designed to parallel the American Physical Therapy Association’s Preferred Curricular Model for the Transitional Clinical Doctoral Program and Learner, as well as their Transitional Clinical Doctorate Competencies Document.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (t-DPT), applicants must meet the following requirements:

Possess a current U.S. license to practice physical therapy (in good standing).
Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7

Meet one of the following:

Hold a Certificate in Physical Therapy plus a Bachelor’s degree in select field plus 20 years of experience in the field of PT
Or
Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy plus 10 years experience in the field of PT
Or
Possess a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy plus two years of experience in the field of PT

Application

Complete the graduate application and supplemental materials found at: www.usd.edu/grad/how-to-apply.cfm.
Send a non-refundable application fee of $35 made payable to: The University of South Dakota.

Applicants must submit the following:

Copy of current Physical Therapy License
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning
Resume/CV demonstrating the previously listed admission requirements and any relevant information in the following categories: continuing education since graduation, professional memberships, service activities, awards granted, leadership positions, publications/presentations, and physical therapy work history
Statement of Purpose