Physical therapy track in Physiology Ph.D. program
Admission requirements summary
Physical therapy track in Physiology Ph.D. program
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| Degree: Ph.D. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall |
Deadline dates: Applications received prior to Jan 7 given priority consideration |
Test requirements: B.S., M.S. or D.P.T. in Physical Therapy Contact Physical Therapy or Physiology and Biophysics for specific admission requirements |
The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and the Department of Physiology and Biophysics of the School of Medicine, together with the Department of Physical Therapy of the School of Allied Health Professions offers Ph.D. programs in anatomy and neurobiology and physiology with physical therapy tracks. The goals of the doctoral programs are to train students in research and educational skills in preparation for students to function as physical therapy faculty members. Application is made to either the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology or the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Acceptance into either of the programs requires approval by the admission committees of the cooperating departments. Graduates receive either the Ph.D. in Anatomy and Neurobiology or the Ph.D. in Physiology.
Applications for the program should be submitted to the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal – School of Medicine-PhD selected from the drop-down menu of programs on the VCU online application form.
Students in the physical therapy track of the anatomy and neurobiology doctoral program take required courses within the departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology and Physical Therapy. Students in the physical therapy track of the physiology program take required courses within the departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Physical Therapy. (Other courses may be required by the students dissertation committee.) In both programs, the student plans and conducts a research study generally under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physical Therapy; however, the dissertation adviser may be from either of the two primary departments. In addition, the student is required to assist in teaching three courses.
In addition to the requirements listed above, admission to either of the programs requires:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduation from an accredited program in physical therapy (or equivalent, if trained outside the United States).
- Demonstrated clinical experience in physical therapy.
Applicants to the physical therapy track of the physiology program also are encouraged to have completed at least one course in organic chemistry. Applicants should refer to the departmental Web site for more information or contact:
Dr. Sheryl Finucane, Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Physical Therapy
School of Allied Health Professions
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 980224
Richmond, VA 23298-0224
Phone: (804) 828-0234
For additional information about the collaborating departments, refer to their Web sites:
- Department of Physical Therapy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics