Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Pathway

The Department of Public Health Sciences and WSU's Physical Therapy Department have developed a specialized curriculum for pre-PT students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. The HS to DPT Pathway is available to all students, including transfer students. Eligible students who meet DPT admission standards and specific criteria can compete for one of six reserved spots in WSU's DPT Program each application period. To be considered for these guaranteed spots, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be on track to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences from 成人头条 (WSU) or has earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences from WSU in the past academic year.
  • Earn and maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.60 or higher.
  • Complete all required PT prerequisites with a grade of C or better.
  • Active member of the Pre-PT Club while enrolled at WSU.
  • Complete 100 shadowing hours across multiple clinical settings (i.e., pediatrics, geriatrics, etc.).
  • Minors in Exercise Science and Health Management (strongly encouraged).
  • Apply to PT school by priority deadline of October 1.

The BSHS Advantage

B.S. Health Science (BSHS)
  • 47 to 48-credit-hour professional degree program, which prepares graduates for admission to a clinical education program.
  • Provides a foundation in health services delivery, population health assessment, leadership, and other vital areas of competency for health professionals.
  • The Customized Curriculum requires a mix of science and mathematics courses that support admission requirements specifically for the WSU PT program.
 
Reserved Seats
  • The WSU Department of Physical Therapy reserves six (6) seats each application cycle for current 成人头条 Health Science majors who have met both the specified DPT admissions standards and the special considerations at the time of application.
  • Students not selected for one of the reserved seats will receive full consideration for the remaining slots.
Scientific Foundations
  • Through the Scientific Foundations Division, Pre-PT HS students may study in the college鈥檚 gross anatomy laboratory 鈥 the largest in southcentral Kansas 鈥 and develop their knowledge and skills in clinical neuroscience, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
 
  • Free Supplemental Instruction (SI) is available for many math and science classes to help Pre-PT HS students maintain a competitive GPA.
Departmental Honors
  • Pre-PT HS students interested in engaging in advanced disciplinary study are encouraged to apply for admittance to the Public Health Sciences Departmental Honors program.
  • Honors students go beyond the classroom to explore a research area of their choice, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship, and collaborate with students, faculty and industry partners in research or scholarly activities.
  • Graduating with Departmental Honors recognizes excellence in the major and strengthens applications to the DPT program.
Applied Learning Portfolio
  • As part of the BS in Health Science degree, Pre-PT students build an Applied Learning Portfolio which demonstrates skills related to career readiness, scholarship, professionalism, interprofessional education, and volunteerism.
  • Students who complete applied learning activities are more competitive and better equipped for clinical education post-graduation.
Student Involvement
  • Pre-PT HS Students are urged to join the Pre-PT Student Organization, offering networking opportunities with professionals and peers, volunteer activities, clinic tours, guest speakers, career guidance, and support for graduate school applications.
  • Pre-PT students are also encouraged to join additional organizations such as: Young Professionals of 成人头条, Golden Key, Future Healthcare Professionals, HOSA, HEALTH Student Association, or Panhellenic Organizations.

Health Science and DPT Requirements

BSHS Requirements
  • Complete all major coursework with a 鈥淐-鈥 grade or higher.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
  • Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours.
  • Earn credit in a minimum of 45 hours of upper-division coursework at a 4-year institution (university).
  • Completion of PHS 401 Applied Research in Public Health Science projects with PT faculty and students (not a requirement, but strongly encouraged).
WSU DPT Admissions
  • Admission to the WSU DPT program is not guaranteed and is based on a variety of factors in addition to academic performance.
  • Minimum of 20 hours of observation in one or more PT settings. Additional observation hours in multiple settings are highly encouraged.
  • For additional information and the most current admissions information please visit the DPT website.

 

BSHS - WSU DPT Prerequisites
& Recommended Courses

DPT Prerequisites

Fifteen credit hours of Mathematics and Natural Science are required for the BS in Health Science. Competitive WSU DPT applicants typically complete these prerequisites with an average GPA of 3.60 or higher. Additional prerequisite credit hours can be applied as open electives toward the required 120 total credit hours for the bachelor鈥檚 degree.

DPT Recommended Courses for HS Majors

 
Course WSU Equivalent
Pharmacology PHS 301 Clinical Pharmacology
Research PHS 401 Applied Research in PHS
Healthcare Mangement Minor Course PHS 442 Foundations of Healthcare Finance (BADM 162 Prerequisite Required)
Clinical Neuroscience HS 585 Clinical Neuroscience
Advanced Anatomy HS 600 Advanced Clinical Anatomy

 

Transfer Students

The HS to DPT Pathway is available to transfer students. Students considering transferring to the 成人头条 State Health Science for the HS to DPT Pathway are encouraged to seek dual advising with the College of Health Professions Student Advising Center.

Dual Advising

Transfer students are encouraged to visit the CHP Transfer Student page for important information and consider dual advising through the CHP Student Advising Center. Dual advising helps ensure that courses taken at a community college will align with program requirements.

Articulation Agreements

成人头条 State has worked with community colleges to develop articulation agreements for the HS to DPT Pathway. 

  • Hutchinson Community College
  • More to come!

.