Physical Therapy, B.S./D.P.T. (New York Medical College)

Qualifications for Early Acceptance Programs

• GPA 3.3 and above, no grades below C
• 3 recommendation letters—letters must come from Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee, a faculty member, a physical therapist
• Current certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Physical Therapy Experience—Greater than 50 hours of volunteer experience in two or more physical therapy clinics

Additional Information:

Processes for Early Acceptance Programs for Current Students Who Qualify for Admission

Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee will monitor the academic progress of qualified students, making sure they are meeting all requirements. Students who fall below a 3.3 GPA will be granted a one semester probation period in order to return the GPA to 3.3 or higher. If a student does not succeed in meeting this requirement, the student will then be removed from the program. Students who satisfy all requirements will be reviewed by Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee who will notify the chair of the Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Science and Practice, NYMC. The Committee and the Chair will counsel the student during the undergraduate years to ensure that all admission requirements are completed. The Committee will formally recommend to the NYMC Admission office that the student be considered for early acceptance, and will submit the student’s application. The student will visit the School of Health Science and Practice prior to the end of the junior year for a tour/orientation of the Department of Physical Therapy and for a formal interview. Contingent upon a favorable decision from NYMC Admissions Committee, the student will be given provisional acceptance. In order to confirm a place in the class, the student must submit a deposit at the beginning of the senior year, which will then be applied towards the first year of graduate study at NYMC. Formal acceptance is contingent upon the student’s completion of all remaining undergraduate course work at a level comparable to their earlier course work and the submission of a final transcript indicating degree completion and date.

Admission Criteria

The final decision as to whether an applicant is accepted into NYMC rests with their Admissions Committee. This decision will be based on careful consideration of the recommendation of Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee, the applicant’s application materials, and the interview. Specific qualifications fall into the following two areas:

Academic Readiness

• The student must have a strong academic foundation in prerequisite coursework and in his/her major area of study.
• The student must have a plan in place to successfully complete all necessary coursework prior to beginning graduate study.
• One of three required recommendation letters must be from a college professor who can attest to the applicant’s academic competency for graduate study in physical therapy.
• Graduate Record Examination scores—students recommended for early acceptance by Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee will not be required to submit test scores from the GRE. The merits of the student’s academic performance and the recommendations of Adelphi’s Pre-Professional Advisory Committee will suffice.
• Additional factors that provide evidence of academic readiness include:
  • Special academic experiences or challenges (i.e., a particularly difficult major or elective courses, extra experience in research labs, study abroad, etc.)
  • Above average skill in writing, as demonstrated by the written personal statement and by grades in writing-intensive courses
  • Awareness of what problem-based learning requires and evidence of having the qualities necessary to succeed in a problem-based curriculum (i.e., self-directed, disciplined, good problem-solving abilities, willingness and ability to work in groups)

Professional Readiness

• The student must be able to clearly express his/her reasons for wanting to become a physical therapist, and explain how his/her decision is based on a sound appraisal of his/her own personal characteristics.
• The student must provide evidence of at least 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in physical therapy. It is preferred that these hours be fulfilled in two or more clinical sites that serve different types of patients.
• One of three required recommendation letters must be from a physical therapist with whom the student has worked in a volunteer or paid capacity. The therapist must be able to attest to the student’s personal and professional attributes and competency for study and future practice in physical therapy.
• The student must be able to provide evidence of leadership, a strong work ethic, and a caring personality. These are demonstrated through the written personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the interview.
• The student must provide evidence of the attributes of maturity, responsibility, and service to others through life experiences and achievements. Requirements must be satisfied before entering the Early Acceptance Program with NYMC School of Health Science and Practice. Students may be granted an Adelphi diploma after completion of their first year at NYMC.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Pre-Professional Advising and Fellowships at (516) 877-3140 or the Department of Biology at (516) 877-4200, the Department of Exercise Science, Health Studies, Physical Education and Sport Management at (516) 877-4260.