To Our Prospective Students

Thank you for your interest in the University of South Florida's School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences and for taking some time to visit our Website!  As an integral part of the USF College of Medicine and USF Health system, the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences can offer you a top-notch classroom and clinical experience in your entry-level preparation as a physical therapy practitioner.

Our innovative, integrated, interprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum, which places physical therapy students alongside medical students in foundational basic and clinical science courses, is one of the many reasons students are choosing to come to Tampa for their professional education.

Today, qualified students aspiring to careers as physical therapists have many choices as to where they may attend school. As you review the information on our Website, please note the following strengths of the USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.  They set us apart.

• A distinctive School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences that is part of a College of Medicine.  Together with the College of Nursing and College of  Public Health, we are part of a vibrant USF Health organization
• USF has been continuously accredited by CAPTE  to offer entry-level physical therapy education since the graduation of our first class in 2001`
• Three-year comprehensive curriculum  with extensive clinical education
• Key "Foundations of Doctoring" courses during Year 1 with lectures delivered via Video Streaming and archived for student review
• Opportunity for Accelerated Admissions to the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences through the USF Honors Program for highly qualified high school graduates
• Opportunities for pursuing a dual degree in Public Health (DPT/MPH option)
• Opportunities for pursuing specialty clinical electives and/or mentored research experience
• Opportunities for participation in pro bono clinic and service learning outreach
•   A modern environment with state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching laboratories. 
• Instruction is conducted in a wireless environment through a variety of adult learner model
• Student use of laptop computers to access didactic course, clinical experience and reference materials in electronic "real-time"
• A comfortable student lounge and spacious locker rooms
• Availability of additional study rooms for small group gatherings, large conference rooms for group presentations, and a School library for impromptu use
•  Readily accessible faculty and administrative offices
• Co-location of the USF Physical Therapy Center for clinical experiences
•  An exceptional pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination, the examination required for licensure and practice as a physical therapist.  Starting with the charter class of 2001, USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences graduates have consistently scored at or above state and national averages on the NPTE.

An interprofessional education is built on more than bricks and mortar. The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences boasts an impressive and broadly experienced cadre of faculty who are engaged in teaching as well as scholarly and creative activities contributing to our discipline's body of knowledge. As part of USF Health, our Doctor of Physical Therapy students receive instruction from physicians, nurses, public health professionals and basic science experts. Teaching and learning together form the basis for future successful collaborative practice so necessary in today’s healthcare environment.

As the first public institution in the state of Florida to receive authority to award the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, we invite you to consider our curriculum, our facilities, our faculty, and our location when you make this important choice.

Sincerely,

William S. Quillen

William S. Quillen, PT, PhD, FACSM
Associate Dean

Professor and Director
School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

USF College of Medicine