What is the best college in Michigan to go to for a degree in Physical Therapy?

Question

I am going to college in the fall of 2007. I want to study physical therapy and Athelitic training. I don't know what college to go to. I wanted to go to MSU, but they don't offer that program there... I need some advice...

What about Grand Valley State University????
I heard that it was a good school.

Answer 1

1) Andrews University
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This three-year entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program provides quality doctoral-level education within a Christian orientation of service to mankind. The curriculum prepares students both academically and clinically to practice across the full spectrum of physical therapy services. The faculty of the program is exceptionally well prepared to teach in their area of expertise and is committed to helping students reach their maximum potential. Faculty members also serve as mentors to students for clinical practice, research and professional service to the community. Students are encouraged to help each other succeed through student-to-student peer coaching. Students learn the art of caring while developing the skills required to perform a physical therapy examination and evaluation, establish a differential diagnosis, and provide direct physical therapy intervention for their clients as independent practitioners. Graduates receive two degrees: a Bachelor of Health Science after completion of their first year and the Doctor of Physical Therapy upon completion of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exam in the state of their choice. Andrews also offers two postprofessional doctoral degrees, the transitional DPT and the DScPT.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
The clinical education component of the curriculum comprises 40 weeks of full-time clinical training spaced throughout the 3-year professional program. The university is affiliated with approximately 300 clinical education centers located predominately in the United States but also includes countries such as Canada, Australia and Japan.

FACULTY:
There are 9 full-time core faculty members along with approximately 15 associate faculty. All but one of the core faculty hold post professional doctoral degrees, or are currently completing one. Four faculty members hold American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). All core faculty are actively engaged in research and regularly publish or present their findings at state or national conferences. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:8.

ENROLLMENT:
Andrews University is a Christian university with an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students participating in associate to doctoral level programs. Physical therapy courses are intentionally kept small to facilitate better teacher-student interaction, therefore enrollment in the entry-level DPT program is limited to 36 students per year.

ADMISSION:
The Department of Physical Therapy has a modified rolling admissions process. All admissions materials postmarked by December 1 will receive first consideration for acceptance and a discount on the confirmation deposit. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. Admission to the DPT program requires just three years of college coursework which includes 92 semester credits of science and general education courses with at least 15 upper division credits from three or more content areas; a minimum GPA of 3.0 in both science and overall prerequisites; and 80 hours of clinical observation. Persons holding a bachelor's degree or higher may also apply. Graduate Record Exam scores must be submitted prior to enrollment in the professional program. Applications are accepted when a minimum of four or more prerequisite science courses and a minimum of 64 semester credits have been completed. Eligible applicants are invited for a personal interview. Each new class begins fall semester. For an Information/Application Packet contact the Physical Therapy Admissions Office at 800/827-2878 (menu option 0) or [e-mail]. Information and application materials may also be downloaded through Acrobat Reader at www.andrews.edu/PHTH.

OUTCOMES:
On average, only one student per year has left the program because they did not meet academic or clinical standards. 99% of graduates pass the state licensure exam and 100% of those who seek employment are employed within six months after graduation. (3-year average)

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
Tuition for the 2004-05 academic year is approximately $22,500. Andrews University is a private Christian university; therefore state residency is not required. Scholarships, loans and graduate assistantships are available to qualified physical therapy students and the majority of the students receive financial aid. Financial aid personnel are committed to assisting students and welcome early requests for securing needed educational funds. For further information, contact Student Financial Services at 800/253-2874 Ext.3221 or the physical therapy department at 800/827-2878.

STUDENT LIFE:
Berrien Springs is a rural community located 2 hours east of Chicago or 30 minutes north of the University of Notre Dame. A commercial airport and Amtrak train station is located in South Bend, Indiana, 25 minutes away. The Andrews University campus and surrounding communities offer work and recreational opportunities. The sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, major shopping malls, sporting arenas and a large variety of restaurants and entertainment are available within 30 minutes. Dormitories and apartments are located on and around the Berrien Springs campus. There is no charge for parking and parking is easily accessible at all campus locations.

2) Central Michigan University
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Graduate Program in Physical Therapy is housed in the Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation within the College of Health Professions. The curriculum spans 3 years, with three clinical experiences. The program curriculum and the instructional strategies used by faculty are designed to promote the intellectual, professional, and personal development of knowledgeable, reflective, caring, competent and ethical practitioners. In addition, the program is designed to foster the development of physical therapy professionals who are dedicated to lifelong learning. The faculty seeks to develop individuals who will contribute to individuals in need and society through both their professional activities and personal commitments. The curriculum incorporates many innovative educational concepts in both the didactic and clinical portions of the curriculum. There are eight full-time faculty, four half-time faculty, and six adjunct faculty members.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
A 6-week clinical experience occurs during the summer at the completion of the first year of the curriculum. The third year consists of two 14-week clinical experiences. Throughout the entire curriculum students may complete experiences in orthopedics, rehabilitation, acute care, geriatrics, industrial medicine/work hardening, sports medicine, aquatherapy, and trauma. Clinical experience sites are located in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

FACULTY:
There are eight full-time and six part-time faculty members. Of the full-time faculty 50% hold postprofessional doctoral degrees, two are certified as clinical specialists, and five are engaged in clinical practice. Over the past 3 years, the faculty has averaged six publications in peer-reviewed journals. The faculty to student ratio is 1:17.5.

ENROLLMENT:
Central Michigan University (CMU) has a total enrollment of 26,000 students. The physical therapy program has an enrollment of 144 students, with each class composed of 48 students drawn from a pool of approximately 250 applicants each May.

ADMISSION:
Students must have completed or be in the final stages of completing an undergraduate (BA or BS) degree. Students must complete the following pre-professional prerequisites prior to matriculation in the professional program: 12 semester credit hours in biology or health science (including anatomy w/lab and physiology w/lab, and genetics); 9 semester creditsin psychology (including developmental psychology); 8 semester credit hours in each: chemistry (inorganic w/lab, organic or biochemistry w/lab), and physics (w/lab); and 3 semester credit hours of statistics, and a course in math sufficient for completion of chosen physics sequence. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0, with each prerequisite course completed at a minimum grade of 2.0. The class most recently admitted had an average cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.5. Two formal recommendations, one from a licensed physical therapist, are required. Students must have devoted a minimum of 50 hours to exploring physical therapy as a career. Extra consideration is given to students who have been involved in extra-curricular, athletics and community service activities (volunteer work). The application deadline is December 1, with interviews held in January. Candidates are notified in February. 38% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).. 38% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program. (3-year average).

OUTCOMES:
96% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
Physical therapy tuition for the 2002-03 academic year is $226.60 per credit hour for in-state students and $383 per credit hour for out-of-state students. In addition there are $377.50 in fees per semester. The average tuition for graduate students in the fall and spring semesters is 16 credits. The average course load for summer semester is six credits. Total tuition for the three years is approximately $22,000. No special funds are available to physical therapy students. Applicants may apply for a CMU graduate fellowship which can offset a substantial portion of their tuition. The majority of students receive some financial aid. Contact Scholarships and Financial Aid at 517/ 774-3674.

STUDENT LIFE:
Mt Pleasant is the home of Central Michigan University and its 18,000 on campus students. It is located in the heart of Michigan, equidistant from Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east. The main campus has 45 main buildings on an expansive campus with one of the top campus recreation centers in the country. Michigan University is a comprehensive regional university with a variety of educational opportunities and is also a NCAA Division I institution with membership in the Mid American Conference. In addition, an important element in the local culture is the contribution of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe.

3) Grand Valley State University
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Graduate Program in physical therapy is 2 years, 9 months in length and leads to a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. As part of the program, students complete a thesis or project. Eleven full-time faculty manage the professional portion along with adjunct and clinical faculty. Students are accepted for fall admission and are expected to carry a full course load. Graduation takes place in April of each year.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
Students will complete a 4-week full-time clinical experience in orthopedics during the first year and 6 weeks in neuro-rehabilitation during the second year. Eighteen weeks of full-time clinical experiences, divided into rotations of 9 weeks, are completed throughout Michigan and the United States in the fall semester of the third year. Students must complete at least one clinical experience in an in-patient setting and one in a community-based setting. Options for a final rotation specialty are available.

FACULTY:
There are 11 full-time, one half-time and 18 adjunct faculty members. Of the full-time faculty, 45% hold post-professional doctoral degrees, five are certified as clinical specialists, and seven are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty to student ratio is 1:11.

ENROLLMENT:
Grand Valley State University has a total enrollment of approximately 20,000 students. The physical therapy program accepts up to 60 students each year out of an applicant pool of approximately 110 students.

ADMISSION:
Applications are available throughout the year, with a January 15 receipt deadline for priority consideration. Rolling admission decisions continue through August 15 th. Interviews are conducted as early as February, with notice of admission within a month. Students must have a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite course work and a 3.0 in their most recent 60 credits of course work. Two recommendations, one from a licensed physical therapist, 50 hours of observational experience and an interview are required also. The grade point average of the last five classes was approximately 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. Students who matriculate at Grand Valley State as freshmen are accepted after completing their junior year. Transfer students and students with BS degrees should confer with a physical therapy faculty advisor. Prerequisites include one course in each of the following: introductory biology with lab; general chemistry; organic chemistry; introductory biochemistry; human anatomy with lab; human physiology with lab; human pathophysiology; research design; college algebra, OR trigonometry OR calculus; statistics; introductory psychology; life-span developmental psychology; and introductory sociology OR social problems. Two courses in college physics with lab are required. First year students begin in the fall semester. Students will complete abbreviated summer sessions in the first and second professional years. Clinical experiences occur in all 3 years of the professional program. Master’s research projects are completed in the second and third year. Degrees are conferred in April of the third professional year. 61% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).

OUTCOMES:
96% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
For the 2003-04 academic year, the average cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board for the undergraduate resident was $12,000. Graduate tuition is $242 per credit hour for residents and $525 per credit hour for nonresidents. For specific information contact Grand Valley State University Admissions at 800/748-0246. These costs are estimates for 2004-05 as well. More than 70% of the university students are receiving some type of financial aid. Physical therapy students have opportunities for special scholarships during their second and third year. For specific information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 616/331-3234.

STUDENT LIFE:
Dormitories and living centers provide housing for approximately 2,500 freshmen and 500 upper-class students. Most students obtain off-campus housing, which is conveniently located and reasonably priced. Grand Valley State University provides an environment with a diverse culture and rich campus life. Student activities include fraternities, sororities, clubs, performing arts, student government, communications, and intramural recreation. Intercollegiate athletics include baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, swimming, tennis, track, softball, volleyball and coed cheerleading. Grand Valley State University is an 897-acre campus located in a picturesque rural setting, 12 miles west of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Valley State campus is only a 30-minute drive from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The Grand Rapids metropolitan area is the fastest growing region in Michigan, offering multiple cultural, entertainment and sporting activities. Three major medical and several academic institutions serve the greater Grand Rapids region.

4) Oakland University
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Program in Physical Therapy offers a 3.5-year professional DPT program that prepares graduates for practice as a competent physical therapist. Graduates will be prepared to provide physical therapy services in a variety of settings, understand the process of research and its application to practice, and to demonstrate effective self-evaluation and communication skills.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
The clinical component of the program includes one 4-week clinical experience of 160 hours at the end of the first professional year, one 8-week clinical experience of 320 hours during the second professional year (PYII), and 24 weeks clinical experience (960 hours) at the end of the third professional year (PYIII). Students gain clinical experience in a variety of settings throughout Michigan and the U.S.

FACULTY:
There are ten full-time and 19 part-time faculty members. Of the full-time faculty five hold post-professional doctoral degrees, four are in the process of completing their doctoral degrees and four are certified as clinical specialists. Five faculty are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty actively participates in scholarship, service and professional activities. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12.

ENROLLMENT:
Oakland University is a comprehensive, state-assisted institution of approximately 17,000 students that offers a diverse set of academic programs from baccalaureate to doctoral levels. The doctorate physical therapy program accepts 32 students each year.

ADMISSION:
Admission into the physical therapy program occurs in the fall. Students must enter the program with a baccalaureate degree. Applications are available the preceding June and are due no later than January 15th of the year of enrollment. Applications for early decision should be submitted by October 15. Admission requirements include a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), two letters of reference and the GRE. The following minimum prerequisites are: one course in Biology with lab, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, and Statistics, two courses in Physics with one lab, Chemistry with one lab, Math through Pre-calculus and Psychology including an Introductory and Developmental course.

OUTCOMES:
98% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). 98% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average); 100% of the graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average)

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
The estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 2004 –2005 academic year is approximately $13, 500 for in-state students and $ $24,000 for out-of -state students. There is a course fee of $42.50 per credit. Books are estimated at $1,000 per year. Institutional, state, and federal aid are available on a competitive basis. For information, contact Financial Aid, 120 North Foundation Hall, at 248 370-2550.

STUDENT LIFE:
Oakland University was founded in 1957 when the late Alfred G and Matilda R Wilson donated their 1,500-acre estate and two million dollars to Michigan State University to begin a new college in Oakland County. The natural beauty of the campus, much of it still wooded and undeveloped, is enhanced by comprehensive recreational facilities and modern buildings that house the university's many academic and public service programs as well as some 1,500 residential students. Adjacent to the campus is the Oakland Technology Park, a research park where private-sector companies work with higher education.

5) University of Michigan - Flint
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The University offers a three-year professional preparation program. The Professional Doctor of Physical (DPT) program prepares graduates educated in all areas of current physical therapy practice to enter the field as competent general physical therapy practitioners. Graduates are prepared to assume the roles to practice within the contemporary parameters of physical therapy practice, prepared to assume roles consistent with various practice patterns throughout the United States, provided with skills and knowledge to adapt to future practice patterns, and encouraged to be lifelong learners including but not limited to the use of current technology in the learning process. The graduates are prepared for discharging their duties and responsibilities to the recipients of their services in a manner which promotes optimal health and function for the recipients, and enhances the profession of physical therapy, and the public health and welfare of the patient/client served.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
Clinical education is an important aspect of the program. Initial exposure to clinical practice occurs in the first semester of the program. Clinical education is integrated throughout the educational program. Following satisfactory completion of all didactic courses, students engage in three, 8-week full time clinical rotations throughout Michigan and the United States. Students must complete at least one clinical rotation in an in-patient or acute care setting. Options for a specialty rotation are available.

FACULTY:
There are nine full-time faculty members. Four of the full-time faculty hold post-professional doctoral degrees, two are in the process of completing their doctoral degree. Three faculty are certified as clinical specialists and are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty are actively engaged in scholarship including funded projects and contribute to the profession through numerous state, national, and international presentations.

ENROLLMENT:
Sixty-three hundred students representing diversity in backgrounds, gender, and age are enrolled. The physical therapy program admits 36 full-time and two part-time students yearly.

ADMISSION:
Students may seek admission to the professional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program upon completion of all prerequisite courses. For admission commencing 2006, all candidates must provide evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree and have completed the prerequisites for admission. In the meantime, applicants who hold an earned baccalaureate degree and who have met all prerequisites or applicants who have met all prerequisites and who have completed work toward a major with both lower and upper division courses will be given preference for admission. Application deadline for early admission is November 20th. Eligible applicants will have an overall prerequisite and science prerequisite GPA of 3.0. Application deadline for standard admission is February 15th. Eligible applications will have an overall prerequisite and science prerequisite GPA of 2.5. Applications are accepted from qualified University of Michigan Flint (UM-Flint) and transfer students. UM-Flint also offers a part-time course of study that, if completed, will fulfill requirements for the professional DPT. The part-time program is specifically designed to accommodate students who are unable or who otherwise choose not to attend the university on a full-time basis. Prerequisites include: Basic Statistics (PSY 301) OR General Statistics (SOC 215) OR Biostatistics (BIO 301); General Chemistry for Health Sciences (CHM 150); Chemistry Laboratory for Health Sciences (CHM 151); Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (CHM. 220); Introductory Biochemistry (CHM 350); Organismal Biology (BIO 111); Principles of Biology (BIO 113); Cell Biology (BIO 326); Mammalian Physiology (BIO 432) OR Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO 167 and 168); 2 courses in psychology; 1 course in sociology; Pre-calculus Mathematics (MATH 120); College Physics I (PHY 143); College Physics II (PHY 145); Using a Computer System I (CSC 121) AND Word Processing (CSC 123). Please be advised that prerequisites are being changed for those students applying in 2006. Please check our web page for the listing.

OUTCOMES:
89% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 99% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average); 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
Tuition and fees for the 2004-05 academic year are $12,414.50 for in-state students and $13,673.50 for out-of-state students. Students also pay a $35.00/per credit hour fee for physical therapy courses. Seventy-five percent of the students receive financial aid. Scholarships are available to physical therapy students. For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 810/762-3444.

STUDENT LIFE:
All students live off campus where there is an ample supply of rentals in a wide price range. For further information about off-campus living, please visit the following web site: http://141.216.10.242/stlife/housing. The campus has an active intramural sports program and a variety of service and special interest clubs. Because all students must have transportation, parking is readily accessible. The University of Michigan-Flint is part of the University of Michigan system, thus, students have access to all UM-Flint resources as well as many of those of the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses. The campus is readily accessible by I-75 and the Bishop International Airport as well as major metropolitan cities and all season recreation and sports venues.

6) Wayne State University
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Each new class starts the professional program in September and graduates in December after three and one half professional years (10 semesters). The professional program consists of a one-year undergraduate phase and a two and one-half-year graduate school phase. A Bachelor of Health Sciences degree is available after the first professional year is completed. Students are eligible for the DPT degree after completion of the remaining seven graduate level terms. Clinical education and didactic courses are integrated during the first three years. Students have at least 4 weeks off each summer. Students should expect to spend 18-29 hours in class each week for didactic course work and 40 hours per week during full-time clinical education courses. There are 40 weeks of full time clinical experiences throughout the program including 28 weeks following the completion of all didactic courses. A thesis is not required but students must complete a group research project. The program has 6 full-time faculty, 4 part-time faculty, and numerous guest instructors from the Medical School, the Department of Health Care Sciences and the physical therapy and healthcare communities.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
In addition to numerous half-day clinical experiences integrated with didactic course work, the first-year professional students participate in a clinical applications course integrated two ½-days per week during the Spring Term. A second clinical applications course integrates clinical experiences with didactic courses two ½-days per week during the Fall Term of the second year. At the conclusion of the second professional year, students participate in three 4-week clinical experiences. Following the completion of the didactic program, each student participates in two 14-week clinical experiences. The vast majority of clinical experiences are within the tri-county metropolitan Detroit area. Students are required to participate in a variety of clinical settings. Additional opportunities are available across the state and in other parts of the US and Canada.

FACULTY:
There are six full-time and four part-time faculty members as well as numerous adjunct and cooperating faculty. 5 core faculty members hold post-professional doctoral degrees, one is completing the dissertation phase of PhD study, one has a clinical doctorate and one is completing a clinical doctorate degree. Two faculty are certified clinical specialists. All faculty are actively engaged in scholarly activity and averaged one publications per year in peer-reviewed journals. The current faculty to student ratio is 1:9.94

ENROLLMENT:
The university is primarily a commuter school with an enrollment of approximately 34,000 students of diverse culture, gender, and age. The physical therapy program accepts 32 students per year. Approximately 20% are transfer students and 10% are Canadian residents

ADMISSION:
Students must possess an overall and science grade point average of 3.00 to be eligible to apply for admission to the physical therapy program. Prerequisite courses are very specific and include biology, chemistry, physics, math, psychology and liberal arts to ensure a depth and breadth of educational preparation. A minimum of 90 credit hours of pre-requisite work is required for enrollment in the physical therapy program. Current first aid and CPR certification is required. Access the program website for specific program prerequisites. Application deadline is January 15 of each year for admission the following Fall Term.

OUTCOMES:
87% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average), 100% are employed (3-year average) and have an 83% first-time pass rate on the national licensure exam (Michigan 3-year average was 81% and national 3-year average was 80%) with an ultimate pass rate of 100%.

TUITION, FEES AND FINANCIAL AID:
For the 2005-06 academic year, tuition and fees are estimated to be $16,158 for in-state students and $32,936 for out-of-state students. There is no additional fee/credit assessed. The estimated tuition and fees for 3.5 years of the professional program is $49,500 for in-state students and $100,800 for out-of-state students. The University has a Good Neighbor Policy for residents of Ontario, Canada and of Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Williams counties in Ohio. Students residing in these areas pay in-state tuition fees. Students spend approximately $250 per term for books. Financial aid is available for students who qualify through the university's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid as well as endowed scholarships and a fellowship through the Physical Therapy Program

STUDENT LIFE:
The Wayne State University Campus is located centrally in a dynamic multi-cultural metropolitan area. Although a large percentage of the undergraduate students commute to the campus, a variety of on and off-campus living arrangements are available. The University has built three residence halls during the past four years. One resident hall has designated floors exclusively for graduate students. Students can participate in a multitude of cultural, entertainment, and athletic opportunities.

Answer 2

University of Michigan

Answer 3

Hands down, the best school in Michigan for anything medicine related is U of M. In fact, the University of Michigan is one of the top-rated schools of medicine in the country. They have an excellent program that you should look into, if that is what you are looking for.

Answer 4

The University of Michigan has one of the best medical schools in the country. Its expensive and hard to get into but well worth it!

Answer 5

I would guess U of M. That is the medical school of the state. It wasn't my major, but that's my guess....good luck!