Doctor of Physical Therapy – Admissions

Documentation of immunizations and, in some cases, proof of immunity are necessary for participation in clinical education experiences. Insufficient immunity determined by titer (a blood test used to measure the level of immunity to the disease process) will require re-immunization before clinical placement. If a student cannot provide proof of this information, they may have limited opportunity for placement in clinical education experiences, which may result in the inability to complete the necessary requirements for degree completion. Requirements are subject to change based on clinical facility and/or CDC/OSHA requirements. Detailed information regarding immunization requirements is discussed at DPT Orientation and is listed in the DPT Student and Clinical Education Handbooks.

The following immunizations are required:

1. Annual influenza vaccination.
2. Childhood vaccinations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chicken pox), OPV (polio), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), TDAP.
3. Hepatitis B vaccinations.
4. COVID-19 vaccination according to CDC standards.
5. Negative TB test *prior to clinical education experiences.* Testing must occur before DPTH 628 starts and must remain active throughout Program matriculation. Students who cannot complete PPD testing are required to provide negative chest x-ray results showing no active TB disease.

Students must have an annual physical documented on the Program’s Medical History for Clinical Education Experiences form, which is required before each clinical education experience or series of experiences starts. Athletic and work/pre-employment physicals are unacceptable forms of health assessment for clinical education.

Students must maintain personal health insurance coverage throughout the Program. Students upload proof of coverage (front and back copies of their insurance cards) annually with other required clinical education paperwork.

Students must possess CPR certification before beginning their first clinical education experience. Students must have proof of active status of the CPR certification through

The last day of the final clinical education experience. Students are responsible for all costs associated with CPR training or card replacement. CPR training must include adult, child, and infant resuscitation. American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer is recommended.

Obtaining Criminal Background Checks (CBC) and drug screens are intended to protect the public. All professional phase students will complete a baseline National CBC. International students may be required to complete additional background checks beyond what the Program requires for their visa application. Students may be required to complete additional background checks/fingerprinting/drug screens at the request of assigned clinical sites and are responsible for the cost of such unless conducted by the clinical site. Students who complete a school system pediatric experience must follow the state’s Department of Education (PDE) guidelines. Only the student ad DCE/ADCE will have access to the student’s background and drug screen records, and the DCE accesses this data to provide a Verification letter to the clinical site where a student is assigned.

• The DCE/ADCE will evaluate a positive background or drug screen results individually; the clinical site will make the final decision as to the student’s acceptability for the scheduled clinical education experience. If the clinical site cancels the clinical placement, the Program does not guarantee placement or replacement to allow the student to remain in the cohort sequence of courses/clinical education experiences. If replacement is successful and the student must complete additional background checks and drug screens, the student is responsible for all costs associated with additional reports.
• Students with a prescribed medication that will result in a positive drug screen result should discuss the appropriate actions with the DCE/ADCE prior to conducting the drug screen.
• Students convicted of any felony offense may be refused by clinical sites and encounter significant difficulty or inability to reschedule clinical placement thereby inhibiting completion of curricular requirements, failing to graduate. Likewise, a clear or acceptable background check does not guarantee successful completion of the curricular/Program requirements, graduation, or licensure.