Program Information

The Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate program prepares undergraduate students for subsequent graduate study in Physical Therapy.  Students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in biological, physical, and social sciences while also acquiring a breadth of knowledge in the Humanities through the General Education program.  In addition, students complete a Minor course of study in an area of their choosing for the purposes of developing depth in an enriching and complimentary discipline.

The program in physical therapy is a six and one-half year course of study in which students earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.  At the end of the third year of studies, students who satisfy all pre-requisite requirements enter the first year of doctoral work while completing remaining undergraduate credits.  After four years, the student earns a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy while continuing with doctoral coursework.  Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam and apply for state licensure.

Graduate level coursework includes content in anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities.  The curriculum is subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest quality.

The doctoral program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a clinically based understanding of administration, research, and evidence-based practice. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

Admission to the Program
Candidates applying for admission to the physical therapy program are required to have a strong background in the sciences and mathematics along with exposure to physical therapy practice in a healthcare setting. December 1 is the admissions deadline for all admissions materials for physical therapy applicants. Further details about the application procedure are available from the Admissions Office. Students already enrolled at Springfield College may apply to physical therapy as undergraduates via an application and review by the department.  Admission is dependent upon application quality and available space in the program. Applicants from other colleges and universities are considered for admission into the graduate program on a space-available basis only; such applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and satisfied all program prerequisites.

To view a major program sequence to assist with course planning, click here.

Degree Information

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy Track 
                Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

(a minimum of 120 credit hours at the undergraduate level to complete the B.S.)
(a minimum of 99 credit hours at the graduate level to complete the D.P.T.)
 Requirements are subject to change.

Contact Information

For more information about the physical therapy program, contact Julia Chevan, DPT, PhD, MPH, Chair of the Physical Therapy Department at (413) 748-3590 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Curricular Requirements

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. 

For specific requirements, see the General Education Program - Traditional Undergraduate Students (40 - 46 credits)  section.

II. Major Requirements - Pre Physical Therapy

Program Standards

Students are required to follow the policies and procedures of the Department of Physical Therapy found in the Pre-Physical Therapy Student Handbook. Students are admitted to the Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy program as first-year students. To advance into the final three and a half years of graduate/professional study, students must:

1. Have a cumulative gpa of 3.000 or better
2. Have successfully completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better all courses of the major and have a gpa for these courses of 3.300 or greater.  Coursework of the major entails: BIOL 121/123, CHEM 121/123, BIOL 122/124, CHEM 122/124, BIOL 250/252, BIOL 251/253, PHYS 210, PHYS 211, MATH 125 or MATH 131 or MATH 140, MATH 215 or PSYC 211 or HSRS 325, AEXS 313, PSYC 101 or PSYC 135, PHTH 310, PHTH 480, PHTH 482.
3. Complete a 15-18 credit minor course of study
4. Complete a minimum of 106 hours of coursework

The academic records of the students are reviewed by the Physical Therapy Review and Evaluation Committee at the end of the third year to determine if the students have satisfied the requirements to advance into the professional graduate studies in Physical Therapy. This is not a secondary application process, as students in the Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy program who have satisfied all requirements advance into the professional program without re-application.

Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards

Each student admitted to the program is required to meet the Technical Standards and Essential Functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. Program essential functions include participation in classroom, laboratory, and clinical functions, as well as performance of professional functions such as examination, treatment, and education of individuals in a timely and safe manner. Minimum academic standards and technical standards necessary for completion of the program essential functions must be met for continuation in and graduation from the program. Technical standards define the individual physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and social attributes or outcomes necessary to complete the program essential functions. Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards are available on the department web site and in the DPT Student Handbook.

Additional information regarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, including unique program policies and standards, may be found in the DPT Student Handbook.