Graduates are eligible to sit for the licensure examination in the state in which they plan to practice. The professional course work leading to the Master of Physical Therapy degree is generally completed over three years of study. Students entering Rockhurst as freshmen may pursue a six-year program leading to the completion of a baccalaureate degree at the end of the fourth year and completion of the master's degree at the end of the sixth year. The Physical Therapy Education Program accommodates multiple points of entry for undergraduate students. For the Rockhurst student, these include freshman pre-admission, Physical Therapy Scholars, and entry during the final year of undergraduate coursework.
Opportunities also exist for the transfer and post-baccalaureate student.
Exceptional students may be given a freshman pre-admission guarantee into the professional program. These positions are awarded on a competitive basis, based on a combination of ACT or SAT scores, high school grades and class rank, recommendations, and a personal interview with a member of the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee Rockhurst students with outstanding academic work may apply for advanced admission status under the Physical Therapy Scholars Program at the beginning of their junior year. Undergraduate students at other institutions can apply during the spring of their senior year to enter the program following completion of their degree from an accredited college or university. Post-baccalaureate students are considered for entry into the program on a competitive basis. For students with a prior undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, the professional master's degree program is generally completed in three years.