Navigating the UCF Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level clinical practice. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential requirements for admission and successful completion of the program.

Application Essentials

Supplemental Application

A crucial step in the application process is completing the University of Central Florida graduate (supplemental) application by November 1. A supplemental application fee is required. Failure to submit this application will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed for admission. It's important to note that supplemental materials such as GRE scores, transcripts, and reference letters should not be sent directly to the university.

GRE Scores

Applicants MUST send official GRE scores to the UCF DPT code 3871 to be reviewed as part of their application. Scores sent to the UCF institutional code will NOT be accepted. Official GRE scores must be received by PTCAS no later than the program deadline of 10/15/2024 to be accepted. If the applicant has taken the GRE more than once, the highest test score for each individual component of the exam will be accepted.

Observation Hours

A minimum of 25 hours observing a licensed physical therapist in-person is required, and can be completed in any setting (a variety of settings is highly encouraged, but not required). While exceeding the minimum number of 25 required hours does not impact a candidate's application, the minimum must be met for the application to be considered complete.

Cover Letter and Resume

A cover letter and resume are required ONLY for applicants who are invited for an on campus interview with faculty.

Essential Functions for DPT Students

Students enrolled in the University of Central Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy program must perform certain essential functions in order to participate in and complete program requirements to obtain the DPT Degree. The practice of physical therapy includes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with physical disabilities, movement dysfunction, and pain. The demands of physical therapy practice require that the student is able to perform certain essential functions. Physical therapists must be prepared to conduct components of clinical practice in a timely manner. These components include performance of a relevant patient examination, evaluation of the results of the examination, synthesis of data to establish an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care, implementation of interventions and utilization of re-examination to assess patient outcomes. Physical therapists must also possess the skills necessary to determine when referral of the patient/client to another health care professional is appropriate. The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredits professional physical therapy programs and requires that graduates of these programs are able to deliver entry-level clinical services. Graduates of entry-level programs are required to possess a broad base of knowledge and skills requisite for the practice of physical therapy. All applicants are required to complete these essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation refers to ways in which the university can assist students with disabilities to accomplish tasks. For example, provide support services to significantly decrease or eliminate physical and educational barriers caused by disability. Prospective DPT students who can complete these tasks with or without reasonable accommodation are not required to disclose their disability prior to an admission decision. Prospective DPT students who cannot complete these tasks with or without reasonable accommodation are ineligible for consideration for admission. If admitted, a student with a disability, who requires reasonable accommodation must register with UCF Student Accessibility Services.

Intellectual Skills

The demands of physical therapy practice require the student to perform certain essential functions. Intellectual skills include the ability to recall and comprehend large amounts of information and to apply this information to the patient’s complex problems. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and appropriate clinical decision making with ability to differentiate relevant vs.

Communication Skills

Effective communication skills enable the physical therapist to obtain appropriate information from patients and to effectively explain treatment procedures to patients and other professionals.

Observation Skills

Observation is one of the key tools that a physical therapist possesses. These skills are essential in order for the PT to gather data regarding the patient and the patient’s condition.

Physical Abilities and Stamina

The practice of physical therapy requires that the practitioner possess the ability to perform basic evaluation and therapy procedures that require specific physical skills and stamina. A therapist must also use vision and somatic sensation in the evaluation and treatment of patients.

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Attendance and Physical Requirements

Students are expected to attend classes 30 or more hours per week during each academic semester. They must also be able to climb stairs and negotiate uneven terrain with good balance.

Prerequisite Coursework

The program recommends all prerequisite courses be completed at time of application.

Anatomy & Physiology

Requirement 8 hours total, including labs.

Option 1: 1 semester of 4 credits Physiology w/lab & 1 semester of 4 credits Anatomy w/lab.
Option 2: 2 semesters (8 credits total) Anatomy/Physiology combined courses with labs.

A&P: COMBINED Course (eg.

Biology / Biological Science

Requirement two courses, 6 credits total.

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Chemistry

Requirement two courses, 8 credits total.

Physics

Requirement two courses, 8 credits total.

Psychology

Requirement 1 course, 3 credits.

UCF and Orlando Health Women’s Health Residency Program

The University of Central Florida (UCF) and Orlando Health (OH) Women’s Health Residency Program enables physical therapists to advance their knowledge and develop their clinical skills in the area of women’s health physical therapy. Established in 2024, the program offers an innovative design split between a specialty women’s hospital acute care setting and outpatient rehabilitation services. The mission of the UCF and OH Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency is to prepare residents for advanced clinical practice of their specialty field of physical therapy as a clinical specialist committed to optimizing patient care in the current healthcare environment and improving the quality of life of individuals in the community.

Residency Experience

The resident will be enrolled for a total of two credit hours per semester. The resident is expected to complete a women’s health-based research capstone project at the end of the residency program. The resident will work with a research advisor and a women’s health content expert throughout the residency. The resident will have a special opportunity to participate in teaching basic and advanced women’s health physical therapy courses in the UCF Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Each semester, the residents are required to participate in professional service, community engagement and service-learning opportunities that involve different activities involving women’s health clients and support groups in the greater Orlando area.

Residency Admissions

A Residency Admissions Committee will select residents based on the recognized criteria. An interview with the Residency Admissions Committee is required for all candidates.

Residency Faculty

Our residency faculty include expert physical therapists who hold advanced certifications such as: Board Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist, Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy, and Certificate of achievement in Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy.

Dr. Davidson is a clinical faculty for the UCF-Orlando Health Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program and Program Director for the Women’s Health Physical Therapy residency program. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2007 and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at University of Florida in 2010. She received her board certification in neurologic physical therapy in 2015. Her subspecialties include stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. Christine is a certified clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association. She currently works at Orlando Health in the Ambulatory & Post Acute Services division where she oversees all ambulatory specialty rehabilitation as a senior director of operations.
Dr. Deshommes is a Board-Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and has earned a certification in pregnancy and postpartum athleticism. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University and graduated from the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program at Brooks Rehabilitation.
Dr. Lima is the rehab clinical specialist for pelvic health at Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute Outpatient Center. She earned the Certificate of Achievement in Obstetric Physical Therapy from the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University.
Dr. Northrop is the Program Coordinator for the UCF-Orlando Health Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program. She is a Board-Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College and graduated from the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program at Brooks Rehabilitation. She currently practices in acute care as the rehab clinical specialist for women’s rehabilitation at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and has previous experience in outpatient pelvic and obstetric physical therapy. She is on the faculty for the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She spent two terms on the CAPP-OB Committee, during which they received the President’s Award from the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She has also served on the CPG Knowledge Transfer Sub-Committee and the Women’s Health Specialization Academy of Content Experts. She has been recognized with the Distinguished Mentor Award from the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Carey Rothschild is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Central Florida. She received her Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Florida in 1999. She went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005 from Boston University. She is board-certified in both Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy and holds a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy. Her 25+ years of clinical practice has been in the areas of orthopedics and sports medicine. Her research interests include management of running injuries, conditions of the female athlete, pain education, and menopause. She currently serves on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In 2022, she was awarded the James A.

Current Residents

Ashleigh Ditmyer is a resident of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Orlando Health (OH) Pelvic and Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program. Ditmyer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Central Florida. During her DPT program, she served on the executive board and gained clinical research experience in orthopedic physical therapy, with research presented at the Combined Sections Meeting and the Florida Physical Therapy Association conference. Ditmyer completed multiple clinical rotations with a focused emphasis on women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation, which helped solidify her clinical interests in pelvic health across the lifespan.
Bransyl Boston is from Middleburg, Florida and completed her undergraduate education at the University of South Florida, where she earned a B.S. in Health Sciences. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Her decision to specialize in women’s health stems from a passion for serving an underserved population in healthcare, particularly women of color, and addressing the need for education and empowerment in this space. She is passionate about helping women better understand their bodies, confidently navigate their healthcare journeys, and receive tailored care that meets their unique needs. Through the residency program, she has gained experience providing post-operative and acute care, working with women in the ICU, and treating a diverse outpatient population with diagnoses including pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and pregnancy and postpartum-related conditions.

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