Academic Standards For The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Students accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must adhere to the standards and policies set forth by the College, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and the profession throughout their academic tenure. Students must comply with the Program standards by attaining an overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout the Program, a grade of 80% or better in all course work as well as a grade of C or better in all lab practical exams is required. Absence of the first instructional weekend or more than one class session (usually equivalent to 1/8 of the total contact hours) in any professional course will result in a failing grade.
A failure of a course is unacceptable, and may result in dismissal from the program. If a student is dismissed from the program, they have the option to re-enter into the program at a logical point in the Professional Sequence that directly addresses the learning issue.
A student is subject to dismissal from the program if unable to maintain these standards.
If a student's overall GPA falls below 3.0, the student is immediately placed on academic probation. The remediation during academic probation consists of an Action Plan, mutually established by the student and faculty and/or Program Director, to identify the concerns, pertinent strategies with a timeline, and the expectations of the student and faculty. A student on academic probation must attain the required overall 3.0 GPA or above by the end of the two subsequent trimesters. If the student is unable to attain the minimum overall GPA of 3.0 by the end of the two subsequent trimesters, the substandard GPA warrants dismissal. The student has the option to appeal the dismissal. Should an individual complete only the first two trimesters of the articulated Biology/Physical Therapy professional sequence, the student earns a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Pre-Med track) at the end of the second trimester, contingent upon successful completion of the required courses for the Bachelor's degree. In addition, all students are expected to abide by Dominican College's policies and procedures.
