Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (PPDPT)

The Physical Therapy Program at the University of North Georgia (��ϲʿ��) offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PPDPT) degree for both US and foreign-trained physical therapists (FTPTs). This program is an extension of the entry-level DPT at ��ϲʿ�� which, in addition to degree augmentation, provides the participants with a unique opportunity to learn advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills in specialty areas.

This program also provides this opportunity for the FTPTs to fulfill most content deficiencies for credential evaluations required for Physical Therapy Licensure Examination. However, eligibility for taking the licensure examination in the United States depends on for each state and is the responsibility of the applicant to fulfill.

The courses in the PPDPT program are offered in both in-class and real-time online format. The practical and didactic courses in this program are designed to enhance participant’s level of practice and competency in managing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Through this program, students are expected to master performance of advanced manual techniques, acquire profound clinical reasoning skills, and become experts in their area of specialty.

Apply

The intent of the PPDPT program is not to qualify individuals to secure licensure in the US. Participants will have the chance to remediate some of the deficiencies seen during educational credential evaluations. However, it will not guarantee that a FEPT will be able to meet all the requirements for licensure in the US.

Quick Facts About the PPDPT Program

Dahlonega Campus
Program completed in one year
Cohort format

New students admitted fall semester
Program is taught in English

Program Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline (Degree Seeking)

March 1

Fall Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

August 1

Spring Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

December 1

Summer Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

May 1

The online didactic and onsite practical courses of PPDPT are designed to deliver an exceptional education and enhance participant’s level of practice and competency in managing variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Through this program students are expected to master performance of advanced manual techniques; to acquire profound clinical reasoning skills and to become experts in their area of specialty. Students will have this opportunity to transfer the practical courses in the PPDPT program toward optional certification programs in Dry Needling, Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Applications Available September 1

How to Apply to the PPDPT Program

Degree Seeking International Applicants
An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. In order for these students to study in the United States, they must obtain an F-1 visa. International applicants must enroll for at least nine hours per semester, excluding summer semester, and may only enroll in up to three hours of online (distance education) coursework per semester. International applicants must be accepted as degree-seeking.

Requirements

Application and Application Fee

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

One-time, non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Official Transcripts indicating a baccalaureate or master's from an accredited entry-level physical therapy (PT) program with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

International transcripts must have a degree evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. ()or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of or members.

Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's bachelor's or master's degree earned is equivalent to a degree earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) and include a cumulative grade point average.

Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions.

Applicants who achieved a physical therapy degree at the graduate level, you do not need to provide a NACES evaluated transcript for coursework or degrees completed at the undergraduate level, however, you are required to submit an unofficial, English translated transcript of your undergraduate coursework.

Proof of a valid license to practice physical therapy in the country of origin. For example, a document indicating membership in a Physical Therapy Association or a Medical Council in country of origin.

Proof of at least one year of work experience in physical therapy. For example, a document or letter from your employer indicating work experience as a Physical Therapist in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

Three recommendations relative to the applicant's ethics and proficiency in physical therapy practice. Recommendations may be submitted as part of the online application.

Immunization Form

��ϲʿ�� requires immunizations of all students attending courses on any ��ϲʿ�� campus or campus managed facility.

Download the ��ϲʿ�� certificate of immunization and have it completed by a health care provider.

Titer test is available through your physician or local health department and may be submitted to confirm the required immunities.

Additional International Requirements

Financial Affidavit and bank statements

Proof of English Proficiency

Visa Documents

Health Insurance

Students accepted in the Post Professional DPT program are required to have health insurance.

Visit for additional information.

Non-Degree
A professional physical therapist who has a minimum BSc in physical therapy interested in taking graduate courses in physical therapy to complete deficiencies for the PT board exam, but not interested in pursuing a graduate degree, may apply as a non-degree graduate student.

International students requiring an F-1 visa to enter or stay in the US must be enrolled in a degree seeking program and are not eligible to apply as non-degree students.

Requirements

Application and Application Fee

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

One-time, non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Official Transcripts indicating a baccalaureate or master's from an accredited entry-level physical therapy (PT) program with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

International transcripts must have a degree evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the (NACES).

Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's bachelor's or master's degree earned is equivalent to a degree earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) and include a cumulative grade point average.

Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions.

Applicants who achieved a physical therapy degree at the graduate level, will not need to provide a NACES evaluated transcript for coursework or degrees completed at the undergraduate level.

Proof of a valid license to practice physical therapy in the country of origin. For example, a document indicating membership in a Physical Therapy Association or a Medical Council in country of origin.

Non-degree students:

may register for no more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit.

A non-degree student who earns a grade of C or lower will be subject to a program review to determine the student's eligibility to enroll in coursework for the subsequent semester.

may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.

are not eligible for federal financial aid.

must submit a new application to Graduate Admissions and meet all program admission requirements if the student later decides to pursue a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at ��ϲʿ��.

Step 1Application and Application Fee

Step 2Official Transcripts

Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence

Step 4Health Insurance

Submit the for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

Non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Include a check or money order payable to ��ϲʿ�� when submitting a paper application.

Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

Submit one set of transcripts from each institution confirming bachelor's or master’s degree.

Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.

Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.

Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.

Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.

International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of or members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. Applicants who have received degrees outside of the United States may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants will be notified if a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required. If required, scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date. Required minimum scores are, TOEFL internet based - 79, TOEFL computer based test - 213, TOEFL paper based test - 550, IELTS - 6.5.

Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at ��ϲʿ��. You do not need to order official transcripts from ��ϲʿ��.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to ��ϲʿ�� seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

Learn More

Students accepted in the DPT program are required to have health insurance.

Visit for additional information.

Transient
Post professional Physical Therapy students who have a minimum BSc in physical therapy and are currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) as a graduate student in good standing may apply to ��ϲʿ�� as a transient student.

Permission to take courses does not indicate or imply subsequent admission into the program.

Students must receive pre-approval from the ppDPT department head before enrolling in courses.

Requests will be considered on a space-available basis.

Admission is for one semester only.

Students who wish to return as a transient student for a subsequent semester must reapply through Graduate Admissions.

Students may be required to submit an official transcript from the home institution in order to verify adequate prerequisite knowledge/skills.

Requirements

Application and Application Fee

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

One-time, non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Official Transcripts indicating a baccalaureate or master's from an accredited entry-level physical therapy (PT) program with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

International transcripts must have a degree evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the (NACES).

Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's bachelor's or master's degree earned is equivalent to a degree earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) of higher education in the United States and include a cumulative grade point average.

Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions.

Applicants who achieved a physical therapy degree at the graduate level, will not need to provide a NACES evaluated transcript for coursework or degrees completed at the undergraduate level.

Transient permission letter

Submit a letter of good standing or transient permission form documenting that the student is not on academic probation or suspension or on disciplinary suspension at his/her home institution.

The letter or form should indicate the course(s) the student is being allowed to take at ��ϲʿ��.

Proof of a valid license to practice physical therapy in the country of origin. For example, a document indicating membership in a Physical Therapy Association or a Medical Council in country of origin.

Step 1Application and Application Fee

Step 2Official Transcripts

Step 3Transient Permission

Step 4Verification of Lawful Presence

Step 5Health Insurance

Submit the for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

Non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Include a check or money order payable to ��ϲʿ�� when submitting a paper application.

Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

Submit one set of transcripts from each institution confirming bachelor's or master’s degree.

Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.

Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.

Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.

Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.

International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of or members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the ) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. Applicants who have received degrees outside of the United States may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants will be notified if a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required. If required, scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date. Required minimum scores are, TOEFL internet based - 79, TOEFL computer based test - 213, TOEFL paper based test - 550, IELTS - 6.5.

Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at ��ϲʿ��. You do not need to order official transcripts from ��ϲʿ��.

Submit a letter of good standing or transient permission form documenting that the student is not on academic probation or suspension or on disciplinary suspension at his/her home institution.

Note: The letter or form should indicate the course(s) the student is being allowed to take at ��ϲʿ��.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to ��ϲʿ�� seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

Learn More

Students accepted in the DPT program are required to have health insurance.

Visit for additional information.

Appeal of Graduate Admission

A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

Learn More About the PPDPT Program

Mode of Delivery

The PPDPT program is a ONE Year program which is offered through 3 semesters. This program, taught in English, provides a hybrid method of classroom and real-time online courses. Select didactic and practical clinical courses will be taught at ��ϲʿ�� campus. Other basic science courses with no laboratory requirements will be taught through real-time online webinars.

Course Planning Guide

Fall Semester
Course	Delivery	Credit Hours
Musculoskeletal I – Extremity Disorders & Sports Injuries	On Campus	5
Advanced Neurological Rehab Course	On Campus	2
Biostatistics & Research Methods	Online	3
Evidence-Based Practice	Online	3
Primary Care Skills – Primary Care and Physical Examination for Physical Therapists	On Campus	3
Clinical Pharmacology for Physical Therapists	Online	3

Spring Semester
Course	Delivery	Credit Hours
Musculoskeletal II – Spine & Pelvis Dysfunction	On Campus	5
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Incontinence	On Campus	3
Special Topic Elective: Alternative & Complementary Medicine in Physical Therapy	On Campus	3
Research Project	Online	3
Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Values for Physical Therapists	Online	3
Physical Therapy in Pediatric Orthopedics	Online	2

Summer Semester
Course	Delivery	Credit Hours
Differential Diagnosis & Clinical Reasoning for Physical Therapists	Online	3
Advance Physical Therapy for Peripheral Vestibular Disorders, Cervicogenic Dizziness & Cervicogenic Headache	On Campus	3

Occupational Outlook

Work Environment
Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.

How to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists entering the profession need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Pay
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930 in April 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy will come from the aging baby boomers, who are not only staying active later in life, but are more susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, , 2018-2019 Edition

The PPDPT program offers courses at an accelerated rate. This is beyond the typical full-time course load.

Candidates accepted to the program may be eligible for a student assistantship pending available funding. Contact Eunse Park, MS, Ph.D. for information about student assistantships.

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:

Physical Therapy Department
pt@ung.edu
706-864-1863

For questions about the application process, contact:
Graduate Admissions
grads@ung.edu
706-864-1543

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Physical Therapy (PPDPT)

Quick Facts About the PPDPT Program

Program Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline (Degree Seeking)

Fall Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

Spring Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

Summer Deadline (Non-Degree/Transient)

How to Apply to the PPDPT Program

Requirements

Requirements

Requirements

Learn More About the PPDPT Program

Questions?

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