Health Science to Doctor of Physical Therapy — 3+3 year program, Bachelor's , Doctorate
Overview
Become a physical therapist in six years with the DeSales University 3+3 accelerated program!
In our program, you will start your freshman year as a Health Science major. Then, upon meeting the academic requirements, you are guaranteed entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in year four.
Why study at DeSales? Our curriculum will prepare you for the rigors of a career in physical therapy-whether you choose to work in a private facility, hospital, or rehabilitation center. Your courses will take place in our new gross anatomy laboratory, medical simulation center, and standardized patient care suites. If you're looking for a dynamic program that will allow you to get your DPT in as little as six years, choose DeSales!
What makes our DPT program so special?
- First year cadaver anatomy
3-course series in cadaver anatomy taught by regions of the body across the entire first year of the program, and directly integrated with our courses in kinesiology, pathophysiology, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal physical therapy - State-of-the-art simulation center and service-learning community outreach experiences
Didactic coursework is integrated with practical case-based application in our 4-course Clinical Reasoning series - Innovative and fresh teaching approaches
Our diversely talented and passionate faculty team delivers a highly integrated curriculum within a student-centered, learning environment - Generous community partners
Share their contemporary physical therapy practice settings for meaningful clinical education experiences - “Intellectual collisions” between DPT, physician assistant and nursing students
The Gambet Center for Business and Healthcare Education provides excellent opportunities for interprofessional interactions to better prepare you for the complex healthcare environment of today and tomorrow - Salesian philosophy and Christian Humanism
The DeSales program is centered on the values of respect for the individual, of gentleness and humility, and of treating each other with dignity and honesty
To really get the sense of what makes DeSales special, please come for a visit. Because part of the magic here is in our people and our helpful attitudes. Let us show you around while we discuss how you can strengthen your career.
Arrange a visit
Admissions Requirements
At DeSales, we not only look at your past academic achievement but also your potential for future growth to determine your admission.
We find that students who have demonstrated significant achievement within a demanding curriculum are best suited for academic life at DeSales. Quality of academic performance plays a critical role in the admissions decision making process. This helps indicate a student's potential for academic growth going forward. We welcome applications from all qualified students regardless of race, religion, sex, national, or ethnic origin.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
- Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program
All materials can be mailed to:
DeSales University Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA
* SAT scores are highly recommended for students applying for the Nursing and Health Science programs. Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program.
Additional recommendations
High School Academics - Remember, there is no single preferred high school academic program, but a college preparatory course of study is highly recommended. Here's an example:
- Four years of English
- Three or four years of college preparatory mathematics
- A minimum of two years of modern, foreign, or classical language
- At least two laboratory science courses
Visiting DeSales - A personal, on-campus interview is strongly recommended, but is not required. We encourage you to visit so that you'll have a chance to learn more about DeSales, and we'll have the opportunity to learn more about you, too.
Learn more about Undergraduate Admissions & Aid
When to Apply
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system, which means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
The application deadline for the Health Science program is December 15 of your senior year.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
Program Specific Requirements
Please note: the Health Science (3+3 DPT) Program requires a two step admissions process which includes academic acceptance to the University followed by an interview with the Health Science program for qualified applicants.
Standardized Test Scores
- If applying test optional, a 3.7 cumulative, unweighted GPA is required.
- If a student chooses to apply using test scores, a 1270 SAT or 26 ACT score is required to qualify for the Health Science interview process. If applying with test scores, they will be used to determine eligibility for the interview.
Curriculum
Coursework in the program includes meeting the requirements for the undergraduate Health Science program during your first three years.
In your fourth year, you will begin taking graduate level coursework.
Academic Catalogs
Graduation Requirements
View the graduation requirements and example schedule for this programFaculty
Facilities
The Area's Only Gross Anatomy Lab
Complete with cadavers, our Gross Anatomy Laboratory enhances the training of our students, giving them a real understanding of the human body. Most DPT programs only have cadaver labs if they are associated with medical schools. However, because DeSales has the only cadaver lab in the region, we offer opportunities for shared use in partnership with area hospitals.
DPT Lab in Chappuis Hall
Most of the Physical Therapy classes at DeSales will take place in dedicated physical therapy classroom, skills, and research laboratory facilities in Chappuis Hall. Our facilities are outfitted with new, contemporary equipment currently used in physical therapy practice settings.
DeSales Simulation Lab
The Health Care Simulation Lab features state-of-the-art technology, including mannequin simulators, audio/video technology, integrated simulation management, and skills-evaluation software. The advanced capabilities of the sim lab greatly improve the learning experience by providing life-like situations in a low-risk setting. This gives our students the confidence they need to provide high-quality patient care when they eventually perform procedures on actual patients.
The Gambet Center
Our newest academic building has some of the most exciting and cutting-edge technology available in healthcare education. The Center is also a showcase of green architecture featuring environmentally advanced design consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Video: Tour the Gambet CenterTuition & Fees
DeSales can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
Cost of attendance for undergrads for 2023-2024
Resident Students
Direct Costs Tuition - $43,000Room and Board - $13,800
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $58,800 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,820
Personal Expenses - $3,892
Total cost for resident students: $64,512
Commuter Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $43,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $45,000 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,820
Personal Expenses - $3,892
Transportation Costs - $1,724
Living Expenses - $2,076
Total cost for commuter students: $54,512
Off-Campus*
Direct Costs
Tuition - $43,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $45,000 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,820
Personal Expenses - $3,892
Transportation Costs - $1,724
Living Expenses - $8,304
Total cost for off-campus students: $60,740
*First-year students are required to reside on campus or commute from home.
Parking Fee - $100
Dual Degree Undergraduate-to-Graduate Programs
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate-to-graduate degree program — for example a 5-year, 3+2, 3+3, program — the undergraduate tuition and fees apply only to the undergraduate portion of the program. As you progress into the graduate phase of your program, graduate tuition and fees apply. Please see your respective graduate program for more information.
The financial aid process may appear overwhelming at first glance, but don't worry, we'll help you through it.
Accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships upon receipt of a completed application and are awarded regardless of financial need. Funds for scholarships are limited, so we do encourage students to apply early.
Our comprehensive financial aid packages carefully explain the types and amounts of assistance —including federal, state, and institutional — that you may be eligible for to help cover education related expenses.
Total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses.
You can estimate your total cost of attendance with our Net Price Calculator
DeSales Community Wellness and Physical Therapy Clinic
A student-run, no-cost pro bono clinic that provides a full range of screening, evaluation and therapy services to our local community.
Clinic hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 3 - 7 pm. Pre-registration is required.
Nationally Accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at DeSales University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 610-282-1100 extension 1898 or email dpt@desales.edu.
Office of Financial Aid - Here to Help
We'll guide you to make the best choices to fund your education at DeSales University. We can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
DeSales Financial Aid Office
610.282.1100, ext. 1287
Fax: 610.282.0131
finaid@desales.edu
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
DPT Goals & Outcomes
Our graduates boast an exceptionally high pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination.
