Graduate Programs of Study

(845) 398-4800, extension 6049 or fax: (845) 398-4892

The program is fully accredited by CAPTE. (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education)  
CAPTE, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314;  
phone (703) 684-2782.  

The role of the physical therapist is an exciting and challenging one. Using therapeutic intervention, the professional helps to improve the quality and satisfaction of the lives of diverse clients throughout the life span. Clientele may include children with disabilities, victims of trauma, and seniors with generalized weaknesses. Working with pa-tients, caregivers, and other health care professionals, physical therapists promote the achievement of their patients’ goals by fostering their recovery. The focus of therapy may consist of programs to in-crease strength, to relieve pain, and to assist one to achieve optimal function in the environment.  

Physical therapists also serve as teachers, providing important instruction in a wide array of areas, including on-going rehabilitation in the activities of daily living, prenatal and post-natal programs, and overall fitness and health promotion. Physical therapists can work in a variety of fields, such as rehabilitation, community health, industry, sports, private practice, neonatal intensive care, school, research, education, and administration.  

Entry-level physical therapy program 

The entry-level physical therapy program is an accredited full-time weekend program dedicated to preparing motivated graduates to become skilled, ethical and respectful doctors of physical therapy with  a commitment to evidence-based practice, lifelong learning and service. Through a strong science foundation and a challenging yet sup-portive environment, congruent with the mission of Dominican University New York, graduates are prepared to deliver the highest standards of practice and leadership to meet the ever-changing societal needs related to movement, function and health.  

The Program’s goal is to graduate autonomous physical therapists who are able to provide professional services by addressing the needs of the "whole" client in an ever-changing health care environment, in addition to serving as teachers, consultants, researchers, and administrators.  

Dominican University New York offers a Physical Therapy Program leading to

1. two degrees, Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Pre-Med) and Doctor of Physical Therapy, for the traditional or transfer student in a combined 3 + 3 (over 10 trimesters). Refer to entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Professional Sequence.
2. a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for the student who has already earned a baccalaureate degree

Completion of the Doctoral portion of the Physical Therapy degree requires each student to complete 99 credits in ten trimesters over 3.3 years.    

The professional courses are scheduled on a trimester system — sum-mer, fall, winter/spring. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program meets eight weekends per trimester. Each instructional weekend includes all-day Friday, all-day Saturday, and all-day Sunday.  On occasion, students may be asked to come in during the week to fulfill academic requirements (e.g. Field trips to hospitals, proficiency checkouts, Capstone testing, etc.). There are various learning experiences (e.g. open labs, proficiency checkouts, student-driven group work, student/faculty meetings, etc.) during the instructional week-end. It is mandatory that students are regularly available during that day. The four full-time clinical affiliations, totaling 36 weeks, are scheduled during the regular work days of the facility. During the full-time clinical affiliations, weekend classes are scheduled to pro-mote learning and integration of physical therapy skills. Working is not permitted while performing a clinical affiliation due to the high demand of a full-time clinical affiliation and coursework. The non-traditional format schedule allows a student to continue part-time employment, to maintain family responsibilities, and to pursue other interests. Students are cautioned, however, that long work hours are incompatible with success in the Program, which requires extensive study time, and that the Program cannot consider competing work obligations as a substitute for the maintenance of academic standards. In particular, an absence for more than 1/8 of the total contact hours in any professional course, for any reason, will result in a failing grade. Absence of the first day of class will also result in a failing grade. Acceptance to the program is contingent that the accepted student attends the new student orientation.    

Admission to the Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy  

To apply to the program, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in any field. The baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to the start of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.   

The following prerequisites must be completed prior to admission to the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. 

Prerequisite courses are offered by Dominican University New York in a traditional semester-based weekday schedule. Although the pre-requisite courses may be taken at other accredited colleges or univer-sities, preference for admission to the Physical Therapy Program is given to the most qualified applicants who have taken 30 or more credits at Dominican.   

The overall grade point average, as well as in the prerequisites grade point average must be at least a (3.0), with no course grade lower than a C. However, depending on the applicant pool, it is common that the overall and prerequisite grade point minimum of the ac-cepted DPT students is higher than the 3.0 (e.g., the average of the incoming students have been 3.2-3.4 GPA). A 3.0 GPA. is also re-quired for the last 60 credits of the student’s most recent coursework as a whole.  

Applicants whose native language is not English must obtain a mini-mum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language 
(T.O.E.F.L.) or 213 on the computer-based T.O.E.F.L. (C.B.T.).  

All candidates must apply online utilizing the APTA's Centralized Application Service (www.ptcas.org).  

Admission to Bachelor of Arts in Biology  (Pre-Med)/Doctor of Physical Therapy 

Dominican University New York traditional students and transfer stu-dents have the option to satisfy some of the requirements of the Bache-lor of Arts in Biology (Pre-Med track) while fulfilling the prerequisites of the Physical Therapy Program in the first three years of their aca-demic career. During Year Three, the student will make application to the Physical Therapy Program. The Biology degree must be completed with no grade lower than a C (2.0 GPA) in required science and math courses, and with the minimum average of 3.0 in all coursework. If the student is accepted, Year Four will consist of the final requirements of the baccalaureate program in Biology integrated with the first year of the Physical Therapy Program, following the weekend format.  

Students in this program will still need to meet all admission require-ments and formally apply to the Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Ther-apy Program as outlined in Entry-Level Admission Section.    

Upon successful completion of the biology requirements and the Physical Therapy curriculum, the student will be awarded the dual degree B.A./DPT (a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Doctor in Physical Therapy, respectively). Should an individual successfully complete the first two trimesters of the articulated Biology/Physical Therapy professional sequence, but not the remainder of the Physical Therapy Program, and if all other requirements for the Bachelor’s degree have been met, the student earns a Bachelor of Arts in Biol-ogy.  

Clinical Experience Admissions Requirement: 
In addition to the prerequisite courses, all applicants must document a total of 60 hours (100 hours is recommended) of voluntary or work experience in settings where a licensed physical therapist is employed. These hours must be completed in diverse healthcare settings providing exposure to therapeutic intervention across the life span.   

Deferment of Admissions to the Entry-Level Program: 
If an applicant is accepted into the program, but is unable to fulfill the requirements (e.g. submit deposits, attend orientation) to begin the program for that admission year, the applicant will be unable to defer their admission to a later date.  The applicant must reapply for the following year.    

Off-Site Requirements  

The Clinical Experience is a significant and critical component of the professional physical therapy curriculum. Students observe and are mentored by expert clinicians working in their respective specialized clinical settings. These experiences are concurrent with weekend classes.  

The physical therapy curriculum provides the student with four full-time clinical affiliations throughout the ten trimesters of study for a total of thirty-six weeks. During these four blocks of clinical practice, each student will have experiences with patients/clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings that en-compass a range of conditions from acute to chronic. The student’s clinical experiences will provide them with the entry-level knowledge and skills they need in the general practice of physical therapy.  

Capstone and Final Requirements  

To demonstrate ongoing competency and integration of the required minimal skills at specific points in the professional sequence, all stu-dents must pass the written and clinical lab practical capstone exami-nations that cover all material in the courses and learning experiences prior to the scheduled examination. Typically, the alternate week-ends are used for the capstone examinations. The first capstone written and clinical lab practical examinations are administered at the end of Year I Trimester 3. The second capstone written and lab practical examinations are administered at the end of Trimester 5 to demon-strate mastery of required minimal skills. The third capstone written is administered as part of the Professional Development class at the end of Year IV Trimester 10, at the end of all required course work of the professional sequence. Students are expected to achieve all  required CPI criteria to successfully complete all clinical affiliations.   

A student must pass both the written and lab practical capstone examinations in order continue in the Program. Only one retake of the Capstone Written and Lab Practical Examinations is permitted. Students who do not pass the capstone exams are subject to dismissal from the program.  

Procedures  

Advisement:

All students enrolled in the Physical Therapy Program are assigned a faculty advisor. Additionally, course coordinators/instructors will provide advisement related to specific course objectives, content and requirements, and professional development. The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is responsible for advisement related to  
the Clinical Education Sequence and Clinical Experiences such as Clinical Experience I, II, III and IV. The Research Coordinator will also provide advisement concerning student research projects developed during the last two years of the professional sequence. Faculty will inform students of their office hours during course orientations, in the course outlines, and /or student advisement.  

When necessary, an Action Plan is used to develop appropriate strategies for students who either are not at the expected levels of Professional Behavior or where there is a marked discrepancy between the student’s self-assessment and faculty observations. Action Plans will be discussed and monitored during faculty meetings. An Action Plan may also be used as a written avenue to reach a learning goal or identified achievement (not remediation). The student will meet with the course coordinator/instructor or advisor to devise an Action Plan which will state the expectation to be accomplished within a specified time. The student is responsible for maintaining communication with the faculty advisor/course coordinator/ instructor regarding his/her ability or inability to master the objective.  

Residency:

The DPT Professional Sequence must be completed within 4.6 years (14 trimesters) to complete the program.   

Health:

All required health forms are to be completed and updated regularly and after any student health incident requiring medical attention. Evi-dence should be submitted at the beginning of each academic year in the Clinical Education sequence courses (Summer Trimester) and maintained electronically via the certifiedbackground.com.  
The Dominican University New York Physical Therapy Program faculty have developed a set of “essential functions.” “Essential function” refers to all nonacademic criteria used for admission and participation in a program. Essential functions are applied to all students and evolve with physical therapy practice. They are created so that students and practitioners can perform their job responsibilities in a safe and effective manner at a high standard. They are not established to discriminate against a person with a disability. The ability of a student to perform these essential functions, therefore, is a factor that will affect his or her acceptance to, progression in, and successful completion of the program. The extensive list of the essential functions may be requested from the PT program.   

Leave of Absence:

A student may request a leave of absence from the Program, which, when granted, permits the student to return the following academic year without applying for readmission. The student must first request permission from the Program Director and provide supporting documents for their request. To be official, this request must be submitted in writing to the Registrar once approval from the Program Director has been attained.  

Students who have been away from the University for more than one year must reapply and restart the program from the beginning.  

Withdrawal:

Except in unusual circumstances, a student who wishes to withdraw from a course without academic penalty may only do so within a prescribed time frame; the symbol "W" will be entered on the transcript when the approved withdrawal occurs before two-thirds of the sched-uled sessions of the course or prior to the start of the 6th weekend of the trimester. The course instructor and the Program Director must be informed prior to the student’s intended withdrawal. See the section above regarding requesting a leave of absence before submitting a with-drawal request to ensure that a student’s seat in the program is held.  

Insurance:

While enrolled in the DPT Program, students are required to maintain currency in the following: individual professional liability insurance (with the coverage of at least one million dollars per occurrence/three million aggregate), APTA student membership, and CPR and First Aid certification.   

The program holds national accreditation approval through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE):  

CCNE  
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530 
Washington, DC, 20036-1120  
Phone: (202) 887-6791

The Division of Nursing offers a Master of Science degree, Family Nurse Practitioner. The graduate program builds on the philosophy and organizing framework of Dominican's undergraduate nursing program. The Division emphasizes the pursuit of truth and academic excellence. The program is designed around an evolving body of knowledge that encompasses life processes of unitary human beings in their environment. Emphasis is placed on integration of practice and theory across diverse settings where primary care is delivered.  

Students complete the 42-credit program in four academic semesters and two summer sessions. Lecture courses are offered in an evening format. Students must complete all course requirements within a 5 year timeframe. Students who have completed graduate courses, with a B or better, that fulfill some of the master's requirements may transfer up to 6 graduate credits into the program.  

At the end of the program students will:

1. integrate principles of systems theory, natural, biological, physical, and social sciences in advanced nursing practice;
2. analyze client responses to therapeutic interventions;
3. synthesize the nursing process in a manner inclusive of biopsychosocial phenomena and cultural and ethnic variations;
4. synthesize primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention to promote optimal wellness;
5. integrate nursing research methods to improve advanced practice nursing; and,
6. demonstrate dependent, independent, and interdependent professional behaviors in advanced practice nursing.

Admissions  

Students are admitted to Dominican University New York through the Office of Graduate Admissions on a competitive basis.  

A candidate will:

• Be a graduate of a fully accredited, license-qualifying baccalaureate degree nursing program  
• Hold a license to practice registered professional nursing in New York State and/or be eligible to hold same
• Have a minimum of one year of professional experience as a licensed registered nurse
• Have earned a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 with a B grade in each undergraduate nursing course and a B average in all natural science coursework
• Submit evidence on official transcripts of: (a) baccalaureate health assessment course; (b) introductory nursing research course; (c) introductory statistical methods course
• Write a personal essay including statement of career goals
• Submit three letters of recommendation on official stationery, at least one of which testifies to the student's clinical skills
• Submit a complete and current health record, malpractice insurance and such other documents as are required by the Division of Nursing
• Submit a complete application with non-refundable application fee.

Transfer credits:  

Students who have completed graduate courses with a grade of B or better that fulfill the requirements of some of the courses may transfer up to six (6) credits. Courses eligible for transfer must have been taken at an accredited master-degree-granting institution. The determination of course transfer will be made by the program Director on the basis of transcript evaluation.   

Deferment:

Any student accepted into the program who wishes to defer enrollment must write a letter to the program Director requesting permission to defer. Permission will be granted for one year beginning at the time of request. Filing the request in a timely fashion a place for the following year's class.

Academic Requirements and Standards

Students accepted into the Master of Science Nurse Practitioner pro-gram must adhere to the standards and policies set forth by the University and the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Students are responsible for and required to sign the Student Handbook Appendix F form found in the Family Nurse Practitioner Handbook.  

In order to maintain continuous enrollment in the program, all graduate students must achieve a "B" in all clinical courses and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 to continue in the sequence and graduate from the program.   

A student who does not achieve a "B" in a clinical course may, with the approval of the instructor and the Program Director,  repeat the course. A student may only repeat one course once during their progression through the program.

Honors: 

Sigma Theta Tau International 
Sigma's mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, and nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achieve-ments in nursing who meet the eligibility criteria, are invited to join. Sigma has more than 135,000 active members residing in more than 90 countries.   

Students who have completed 12 credits, ¼ of the nursing curriculum, have at least a 3.5 cumulative nursing average, and meet the expectations of academic integrity, may be invited to apply for membership to the Zeta Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.  

Off-Site Requirements  

Students complete 150 clinical hours in each of three clinical courses and 300 clinical hours in Integrated Advanced Practice (total of 750 clinical hours). Precepted clinical experiences are individually arranged by students. Students must complete their clinical hours in an approved clinical site with an approved preceptor. Students should be prepared to travel to a clinical site. Students must also be prepared to work around the availability of the clinical site and preceptor. Particular days and times for clinicals cannot be guaranteed. Students will work with the Clinical Coordinator in a timely manner to have preceptors and sites approved as well as contracts signed.  Students working fulltime during the program should understand that time and priority must be devoted to clinicals.   

A variety of health care settings serve as clinical sites. Students gain experience in primary care, illness care, urgent care, long term care facilities, and community health centers. Hospitals, emergency rooms and specialty groups can be used in the final semester of the program.

Capstone and Final Requirements

Students complete 750 hours of clinical practice with a final written project to satisfy degree requirements. For their written Capstone project, students may continue with a proposal begun in the research course or choose another evidence-based topic pertinent to their practice, which will lay the foundation 
for future scholarly work.  

Faculty will act as facilitator in assisting students to complete the written project. Since advanced practice nurses are expected to engage in evidence-based practice, be expert clinicians, and  participate in research, faculty will scrutinize the quality and exactness of the written project.  Graduate faculty hope to engage students intellectually and stimulate desire for life-long learning.

Procedures

Students are advised to refer to the Dominican University New York Student Handbook and the Family Nurse Practitioner Student Hand-book for additional information.

Advisement:

Once a student is accepted into the Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner Program he/she is assigned an advisor. Graduate students should make an appointment to register for courses, to discuss drop/add procedures, and for counseling on progression in the program. Please contact the Program Director whose office is located in the Prusmack Center, Second Floor, Room 210.

All graduate students must show evidence of an annual physical examination with up-to-date immunizations, a PPD or chest x-ray, and/or titers as required by regulatory agencies.  

Leave of Absence:

Once enrolled a student may request a leave of absence from the program/University, which, when granted, permits the student to maintain matriculation status although not in attendance and to resume study without applying for readmission. Leave of absence status is ordinarily granted for no more than two semesters. To be official, this request must be submitted in writing to the Pro-gram Director at least one month prior to the semester for which the leave is sought, unless extenuating circumstances prevail.

Withdrawal:

To be official, any withdrawal from a course must be submitted in writing, with authorization by the Program Director, to the Registrar. Students may drop a course within one calendar week after the official opening if the academic term by filing "Drop/Add forms with the Program Director.

Insurance:

All graduate students must hold Student Nurse Practitioner malpractice insurance coverage before entering their first clinical rotation. Information regarding coverage is available in the Office of the Program Director in the Prusmack Center.

The Dominican University New York (DUNY) Occupational Therapy Program offers either a Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BS/MS) degree for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) who have an Associate of Applied Science degree, or a Master of Science (MS) degree for individuals with a previously earned bachelor's degree or higher. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Evaluation (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, through the 2030-2031 academic year. ACOTE can be contacted by phone at (301) 652-6611 ext. 1184 or by email at accred@aota.org. 

Program graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination for occupational therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Successful completion of the exam results in the designation of Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). All states require licensure for practice, which includes passing the NBCOT exam. A felony conviction may restrict a graduate's eligibility to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or obtain state licensure. 

Students enter the program with a solid background in liberal arts and sciences. After completing all prerequisites, the entry-level master's curriculum consists of seven sequential trimesters of academic study, followed by two 12-week full-time clinical fieldwork placements. Level II fieldwork must be completed within 18 months after finishing academic work. 

Dominican University New York's OT Program educates adult learners to be entry-level practitioners. The program adheres to Dominican educational traditions, emphasizing educational excellence, leadership, and service. It focuses on a student-centered environment that promotes lifelong learning through the pursuit of truth and compassionate involvement with the community. It places critical emphasis on integrity, ethical engagement, and self-awareness and reflection. DUNY's OT program addresses the demand for professional education in a non-traditional format through a combination of didactic, experiential, and self-directed learning. Students develop skills in critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and a client-centered, holistic approach to practice. 

FORMATS AVAILABLE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Weekend Format - open to all qualified applicants 
The weekend format schedules students for primarily on-campus sessions six times per trimester--Friday evenings, along with full-day Saturday and Sunday sessions--typically every 2 to 3 weeks. Some courses include experiential learning activities that require weekday attendance at an off-campus clinical site. There are significant requirements for students to complete between scheduled class sessions. The professional program schedule consists of seven consecutive, sequential trimesters, including summers, followed by two full-time 12-week clinical experiences called Level II Fieldwork (refer to the section showing the curriculum sequence).

NOTE: Currently, the weekend format is the only approved option for COTAs who hold only the AAS degree. 

One-Weekday-Per-Week Format (Mondays) - for those possessing a bachelor's degree or higher and DUNY Undergraduate Students or Alumni
This format requires in-person attendance one day per week, on Mondays, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for 12 weeks each trimester. The professional program schedule consists of seven consecutive, sequential trimesters, including summers, followed by two full-time 12-week clinical experiences called Level II Fieldwork (refer to the section showing the curriculum sequence). While the schedule is designed for Mondays, specific courses may require attending a clinical learning experience off-campus on a different day. 

One-Weekday-Per-Week (in partnership with The New Seminary) - Wednesdays
Similar to the Monday format, this distinctive format and student group is in the process of being taught out and is not accepting any applications. This format will officially sunset as of August 2027.

There is no switching to a different format once begun, except in extraordinary circumstances and only with the approval of the faculty and Program Director.

ADMISSIONS STANDARDS
Candidates seeking admission to all formats must meet the following standards:

1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 across all postsecondary coursework
2. Minimum GPA of 3.0 across all prerequisites; no prerequisite may be repeated more than once.
3. All prerequisites MUST be completed by May 1st of the admission year without exception

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) without a bachelor's degree:

1. In addition to the aforementioned academic standards, COTAs without a bachelor's degree must submit verification of both their National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as a COTA and at least one full year of full-time equivalent work experience as a COTA.
2. Must complete the approved abbreviated Dominican Curriculum (general education) requirements before applying to the DUNY OT program via OTCAS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Non-DUNY student candidates with a bachelor's degree (including COTAs with an earned bachelor's degree):

1. Candidates with, at minimum, an earned bachelor's degree, who have completed all indicated prerequisites and meet the general admission standards, are eligible to apply via the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
2. There is no preferred or required type of degree. Occupational therapy welcomes and is enriched by practitioners who have studied in diverse areas of knowledge and skill.

DUNY undergraduates and alumni:
Current Undergraduates - Health Sciences and Social Sciences degree pathways

Health Sciences - Pre-OT Track and General Track

1. Students in Health Sciences must meet the minimum GPA standards, the same as any other applicant.
2. It is advised that students in Health Sciences with an interest in applying to the DUNY OT program reach out to the OT program before the start of their junior year. This is important to help them understand precisely where they stand in academic eligibility and readiness to apply.
3. All prerequisites must be completed by the start of the two final prerequisites in early May at the end of the senior year. The degree must be conferred before the start of the Fall professional curriculum, which starts in early September.

Social Sciences - Psychology Emphasis Pre-OT Pathway - 2 options: 
Accelerated Pathway - 3 years in Social Sciences before starting the Master's OT program 

1. Students seeking this pathway must have entered DUNY as a Freshman, no later than the second semester of the Freshman year, OR transferred no more than 30 credits from other colleges/universities.
2. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for this pathway.
3. Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the remaining semesters.
4. It is advised that students in Social Sciences with an interest in applying to the DUNY OT program reach out to eh OT program before the end of their sophomore year. This is important ot help them understand precisely wherer they stand in academic eligibility and readiness to apply.
5. All degree requirements for the BA in Social Sciences, except for the DC minor capstone course and the undergraduate OT prerequisites, with the minimum grades, must be completed before beginning the final two OT prerequisites in early May at the end of the junior year.
6. Failure to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, or complete the SS degree requirements on time will result in ineligibility to remain on the accelerated pathway.
7. Qualified accelerated students apply to the OT program in the Fall of the junior year.

Four-year Traditional Pathway
Students on track to complete all university degree and OT prerequisite requirements by the end of the spring term of their senior year, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 prerequisite GPA, are eligible to apply to the OT Program in the Fall of senior year. 

Other DUNY Undergraduate Degrees

1. DUNY Students completing any undergraduate BA or BS degree who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and will have completed all OT prerequisites by graduation, are eligible in the fall semester of the senior year.

DUNY Alumni

1. DUNY Alumni with an earned BA or BS with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completed OT prerequisites with appropriate grades and within any designated time limits, may apply before March 15. 

PREREQUISITES
The following courses requires a minimum grade of B-:

• Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 CR) **
• Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 CR) **
• Neuroscience - with or without lab (3-4 CR) - must be biology-based to include the entire human nervous system
• General Physics with lab (4 CR) - must include motion, light, sound, force, heat, electricity, and magnetism - does not need to be a pre-calculus-based course; college algebra-based is acceptable
  • Potentially acceptable alternatives to General Physics - as noted on transcripts from other institutions as part of an earned degree - Kinesiology or Biomechanics - must be at least 4 credits for consideration

        ** A&P I and II must have been completed within 7 years of applying to the OT program; if either course is older than 7 years, the course must be retaken

The following courses require a minimum grade of C:

• Intro to Statistics (3 CR) or Psychological Statistics
• Lifespan Human Development (3 CR) - must include the ENTIRE human lifespan from before birth to end-of-life
• Abnormal Psychology (3 CR)
• Introduction to Sociology (3 CR) or an Introductory Anthropology course (3 CR)

        NOTE: Applicants may only repeat a prerequisite once to earn the minimum required grade.

If any course taken at another institution has a name different from the above prerequisite list, it is strongly recommended that the applicant contact either the Graduate Admission Department or the OT program to ensure that the course is acceptable as equivalent to that prerequisite. 

DUNY-Only OT Prerequisites
The following two courses are graduate-level prerequisites that can only be taken at DUNY and are available only to students who have been accepted into the DUNY OT program. They begin in early May each year and serve as the final assessment of students' readiness to enter the graduate-level professional curriculum in the fall term.

• OT 521 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice (3 CR)
• OT 532 Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy Practice (6 CR)

Students taking these courses must earn a minimum B in both to progress into the professional OT curriculum in the fall term.

APPLYING TO THE OT PROGRAM
All applicants to the OT program must submit the following with their application, whether applying through OTCAS or the DUNY Graduate Application:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework and institutions
• Three (3) letters of recommendation: One (1) from a professor who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in graduate occupational therapy education; one (1) from a work supervisor who can speak to the applicant's work ethic; and one (1) from another professor, work/volunteer supervisor, or occupational therapist who can speak to the applicant's potential and ability to work with others. No letters from family, friends, friends of family, clergy, or other individuals are accepted.
• Completion and uploading of the two required essays as specified in the directions within the OTCAS or DUNY Graduate application. Both must be the applicant's own original composition and not generated using any artificial intelligence (AI) method or copied from any source. Essays found to contain a significant amount of AI-generated content or plagiarized from another source will render the application invalid and ineligible for consideration for admission at any time.

COTAs with only an AAS degree

1. Apply to Dominican University New York via the Graduate Application to have all prior coursework and prerequisites evaluated
2. Submit evidence of initial NBCOT certification as a COTA, and proof of at least one full year of full-time work, or its equivalent, as a COTA
3. Use the Evaluation of Credits information to plan the best pathway remaining to qualify to apply to the OT program
4. Unless otherwise specified in an active articulation agreement with the OTA program from which an applicant graduated, courses and credits from OTA courses are not transferable
5. Work closely and frequently with the Coordinator of Graduate Pre-Occupational Therapy Advisement and Admissions to know best when qualified to apply to the OT program
6. Complete all abbreviated undergraduate general education requirements and OT prerequisites
7. Apply to the DUNY OT program via OTCAS, selecting the Weekend format only, before March 15 of the desired entry year

Non-DUNY Candidates with an earned BA or BS degree, or higher

1. Submit a fully completed OTCAS application, selecting the choice of One-Weekday and/or Weekend format before March 15

DUNY Undergraduates and Alumni

1. Submit the DUNY Graduate Application with all required elements before March 15

All Applicants

• Only  complete applications will be reviewed for admissions consideration
• Eligible applicants will be invited to interview with the OT Faculty
• Final decisions for offers of admission occur on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled

Offers of Admission:

• Applicants selected for entry into the next cohort receive a telephone call and an email notifying them of the official offer
• If the applicant accepts an offer of admission, an additional official letter with information about the mandatory orientation session, time limit for accepting the offer, nonrefundable seat deposit, and other program information will be sent.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT TRANSFERS FROM OTHER OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAMS
Due to the wide variations in occupational therapy curricula, transfers from other graduate occupational therapy programs are not accepted. Individuals who previously attended another program must follow the same application as all other potential candidates. Additionally, permission must be given to the Dominican University New York OT program to communicate with the other OT program about the student's performance during their time there. It is also important to know that per DUNY policy, only six (6) credits of prior identical graduate coursework may be considered for transfer credit toward the program requirements.

OT PROGRAM CURRICULUM - One-Weekday and Weekend Formats

Graduate-Level Final Prerequisites - Summer Trimester - Early May through Early August

• OT521 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3 CR)
• OT532 - Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy (6 CR)

Graduate Professional Curriculum Course Sequence

DUNY OT PROGRAM ACADEMIC STANDARDS

• There is no part-time option.
• All students must attain and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with no course grade below a C+, to remain in good standing.
• A grade of C in any course requires the student to repeat at the next available offering of the course.
• A grade of F in any course may result in dismissal from the program.
• A student may repeat a course only once. Needing to repeat more than one course in the curriculum may result in the student exceeding the maximum allowable time to program completion, resulting in dismissal.
• Courses must be taken in the order established for the curriculum, without exception.
• There are no "excused" absences.
• Failure to attend all or part of the first session of any course in each trimester may result in the student needing to immediately withdraw from the course and register for it at the next available opportunity, delaying progression in the curriculum by a full year.
• The academic portion of the curriculum must be completed within 200% of the published professional curriculum sequence length.
• The Level II Fieldwork portion must be completed within 18 months of the completion of the didactic (academic) portion of the curriculum.
• Failure to complete either the academic or Level II Fieldwork portion of the program in a timely manner for any reason will result in dismissal from the program.
• No student may progress to Level II FW or graduate with the BS/MS or MS degree with a cumulative GPA below 3.0.
• Breaches of the program's academic, academic integrity, and/or professional behavior standards and requirements may result in dismissal from the program.
• All current program policies and procedures are found in the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program Student Handbook.

HONORS 
Pi Theta Epsilon - Gamma Alpha Chapter
The Gamma Alpha Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE), the National Occupational Therapy Honor Society recognizes and encourages scholastic excellence in Occupational Therapy students.

PTE aims to advance the field and provide a vehicle for students in accredited programs to exchange information and collaborate on scholarly activities. Students are eligible to apply when they are in the top 35% of the occupational therapy class and have completed at least two trimesters in the professional curriculum.

Applicants must provide evidence of a piece of scholarly written work completed while in the program and submit an essay stating why the prospective member whishes to join PTE and how they will both benefit and benefit from membership.

DUNY Graduate Honors
Students completing a graduate degree at DUNY receive the designation of "Graduate Honors" at Commencement with GPAs of 3.75 and higher. 

Dominican University New York has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), located at 11960 Quivara Road, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66213.  

The Master in Business Administration (MBA) is a 39-credit pro-gram, with most courses being offered on an eight-week accelerated basis, that can be completed in less than 2 years. Up to 9 credits of the Foundation courses will be considered for waiver based on prior undergraduate academic work and work experience.   

The primary goal of the MBA program is to prepare adults for professional opportunities in any of the functional areas of business by providing them with sound theoretical and practical knowledge in all of those areas. The program is tailored for students interested in broad-based study in the area of Business Administration. In addition, students who elect to do so may select a concentration that will allow them to specialize in the area of Health Care Management.  Admissions  All candidates for the MBA Program must apply for admission to the program through the Dominican University New York Office of Graduate Admissions.  To be considered for admission to the program, all students must submit the following materials: 

Admissions 

All candidates for the MBA Program must apply for admission to the program through the Dominican University New York Office of Graduate Admissions.  

To be considered for admission to the program, all students must submit the following materials: 

• Completed application form, and payment of application fee
• An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with a grade point aver-age of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• For applicants with a grade point average below 3.0, other factors such as years of professional experience, grade point average in the major field, and academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree may also be taken into account in the admission decision
• Two letters of recommendation using the recommendation form provided by the Dominican University New York Office of Graduate Admissions
• TOEFL score, if English is not the first language of the applicant. A minimum score of 90 on the internet based test (I.B.T.) or accepted equivalent as determined by the Graduate Admissions Office is required for admission.

Waivers 

Up to a maximum of 9 credits previously taken at Dominican University New York or other accredited institutions may be waived based on the following criteria:  

• A minimum grade of B for each course considered as a basis for waiver.
• The courses submitted as a basis for waiver must have been completed no more than 7 years prior to the application for waiver.

Note that two undergraduate courses, both of which meet the appropriate criteria, listed above, will result in the waiver of one MBA course. No separate application for waiver is required.

Student transcripts are reviewed by the Director of the Graduate Programs in the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership in consultation with other program faculty. The determination of course equivalencies for waiver purposes will be made on the basis of transcript evaluation.  

Transfer Credits 

The expectation is that all courses for the degree will be taken at Dominican University New York. However, a maximum of six credits from other institutions may be considered for transfer, at the discretion of the Director of the Graduate Programs in the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership.  

Transfer credits must meet the following criteria before being considered for eligibility. 

• A minimum grade of B for each course considered for transfer.
• The course(s) must be deemed comparable to the equivalent course offering(s) at Dominican University New York.  
• Courses must have been completed within the past 7 years.

Good Standing 

Once accepted into the MBA program, students must meet the follow-ing standards to remain in good standing: 

• Adherence to all of the University’s published policies and procedures.  
• Completion of the degree within 8 years of matriculation into the program.  
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no individual course grade below C.

A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.7 will be automatically placed on academic probation. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the requirements for good academic standing. A student on probation will meet with the Director to discuss the conditions and requirements of probation. These conditions and require-ments may include continuing probation, academic leave or dismissal from the program.  

Honors 

Sigma Beta Delta is the International Honor Society which encourages and recognizes scholarship and accomplishment among students of business and management. Students are eligible to apply when they have completed at least two-thirds of their program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.  

In addition, students with a final, cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 will be automatically granted Departmental Honors which is recorded on their transcripts.  

Capstone 

The capstone serves as the culmination to all coursework and requires the student to apply the knowledge, theories and practices learned from previous courses in a highly integrated, coherent and real-world manner.  

MBA Pathway for Physical Therapy Students

The goal of the DPT program is to provide “real-world” training for its students. In support of this mission, and in partnership with the MBA program, the University provides a pathway for DPT students to gain a vital and practical education in business management by earning an

MBA degree with a concentration in Health Care Management. This pathway is designed for those who wish to pursue a managerial career or open their own practice. It provides enrolled DPT students with the opportunity to receive 6 MBA credits for courses already taken in the DPT program. Moreover, students have the option of taking an additional 6 credits of MBA courses while enrolled in the DPT program. Thus, students may complete up to 12 credits towards the MBA in Health Care Management at the time of their graduation from the DPT program. These students may complete their MBA degree at the University after earning their DPT degrees.

An option is also available for those who wish to pursue the Certificate in Healthcare Management. Students who elect to begin the Certificate may subsequently apply their coursework towards the MBA in Health Care.

(845) 848-4090 or fax: (845) 359-7802

Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP), 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.  

The undergraduate and graduate programs in Teacher Education at Dominican University are in transition from accreditation by CAEP to accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP):

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation    
P.O. Box 7511  
Fairfax Station, VA  22039-9998.     
Email: aaqep@aaqep.org.

Dominican University New York offers six programs of study lead-ing to the Master of Science degree (M.S. Ed.) and to eligibility for New York State certification:

1. Teacher of Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
2. Teacher of Childhood Education/Students with Disabilities (Dual Program)
3. Teacher of Adolescence Education-Grades 7-12 (Mathemat-ics, Social Studies, Science [Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics], English & World Languages]
4. Teacher of Adolescence Education/Students with Disabilities (Dual Program)-Generalist Grades 7-12 (Mathematics, Social Studies, Science [Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics], English & World Languages]
5. Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Grades B-2; 1-6; 5-9 and 7-12) (including additional annotation/extension for severe and multiple disabilities)
6. Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
   (Birth to Grade 12).

Graduates of the program who hold certification in additional areas such as Early Childhood, Childhood, Middle Childhood, or Adolescence (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Math, Physics, Social Studies or World Languages) are also eligible to apply for their professional certification in those areas.   

Students in the Childhood and Adolescence Education programs take 27 credits in studies directly related to teaching students in grades 1-6 or 7-12, as per New York State certification requirements, and 6 credits in supervised student teaching/integrative seminar. Knowledge and skills gained from course work and student teaching lead to eligibility for certification as a teacher of Childhood/Adolescence Education in the content area (Math, Social Studies, Sciences, English or World Languages). Students must meet State Education Department content area requirements in their certification areas.  

Students in the Dual Childhood Education/Students with Disabilities program take 39 credits in academic studies directly related to teaching students in general and special education settings, as per New York State certification requirements, and 6 credits of supervised student teaching/integrative seminar. Knowledge and skills gained from course work and student teaching lead to eligibility for dual certification as a teacher of Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities or Adolescence Educator/Students with Disabilities Generalist – Grade 7-12 with content area (Math, Social Studies, Science, English or World Language specialization). Students must meet State Education Department pre-requisite requirements in their respective content areas.

Students in the Teacher of Students with Disabilities program take 30-33 credits in studies directly related to teaching students with disabilities, including those with severe or multiple disabilities, and 6 credits of supervised student teaching/seminars. Knowledge and skills gained from program course work and student teaching lead to eligibility for certification as both a teacher of Students with Disabilities as well as a special New York State annotation in severe and multiple disabilities which extends eligibility to teach beyond the traditional Students with Disabilities certification area.

Students in the Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired program take 21 credits in academic studies directly related to teaching students who are blind or visually impaired, a 3-credit  supervised student teaching/seminar experience, and additional course work related to health, behavioral, and other disability concerns. Knowledge and skills gained from course work and student teaching lead to eligibility for certification as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired.  

All six graduate education programs are offered through the quarter schedule; 2 courses are offered each quarter. There are five weekends per quarter, meeting every other weekend. Programs in Childhood and Adolescence Education and the dual Childhood Education or Adolescence Education/Students with Disabilities have extended quarters in the second year of the program where students engage in student teaching Monday through Friday, attend student teaching seminar and conduct research. As presently structured, the single certification programs in Childhood or Adolescence Education and Students with Disabilities are completed in 1 ½ years, the Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired program in 7 quarters and the dual certification program in Teachers of Childhood Education or Adolescence Education/Students with Disabilities within two years. All programs meet during the summer; however, the TVI program is offered through a hybrid-online model, minimizing time on campus while the SWD single and dual SWD programs incorporate the hybrid-online model for several courses which are delineated in their course descriptions. Access to an off-campus computer/internet is a requirement for all programs as all courses have Blackboard compo-nents.  

All programs provide a master’s level curriculum to prepare teachers with the knowledge, skills, and professional ethics/attitudes to work with learners in the general education classroom or with learners who have various special educational and/or health-related needs,  including severe cognitive, emotional, visual, auditory, and physical impairments, and who may be medically fragile as well. In doing so, these programs address an increasing need in society and, more specifically, in schools and agencies that require personnel adequately trained to work with growing populations of students with special needs. Most courses require a minimum 10 hour field component or laboratory experience, and all graduate programs require a 3-credit Research in Education course.  

Admissions

Application forms are obtained online from the Dominican University New York website (www.dc.edu) or from the Office of Graduate Admissions.

• Completed form, accompanied by the application fee (non-refundable), must be returned to the Office of Graduate Admissions together with
• a current resume
• three letters of recommendation (at least one from former professor)
• official transcripts (not student copies) of all undergraduate and graduate records
• results of the GRE/MAT/SAT or ACT scores.
• A self-reflective essay highlighting the reasons for the applicant’s desire to become an educator and to pursue the program, as well as highlighting strengths/challenges that the candidate recognizes is required.

Graduates of Dominican University New York should contact the Office of the Registrar requesting that an official transcript be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Verification of teaching certificates must also be submitted for Students with Disabilities and Blind/Visually Impaired programs. An on-site, phone or email interview with the  Program Director is required of all applicants. Graduate students are expected to demonstrate proficient written and oral communication skills in English.    

An applicant to one of the programs may be admitted either as 1) a matriculated student, one seeking to fulfill the requirements for a degree, or 2) as a non-matriculated student, one earning graduate credit for specific courses (typically for state certification purposes) but not for the degree. Before beginning graduate courses, all applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university acceptable to Dominican University New York. Applicants who file an application before the baccalaureate degree has been conferred may be provisionally accepted pending successful completion of undergraduate work. Applicants who have completed curricular requirements for a New York initial teaching certificate in one of four student developmental levels (Early Childhood, Childhood, Middle Childhood, or Adolescence), but who have not yet passed the New York State Teacher Certification Exams, may also be pro-visionally accepted to the Students with Disabilities or Blind/Visually Impaired programs and must submit documentation to meet out-standing requirements prior to the beginning of their second quarter.  

These processes are the same for students seeking either the degree or certification only.  

Undergraduate seniors with a 3.0 GPA. who are enrolled in an Education/Special Education program may pursue the University’s S.Y.R.O.P. (Senior Year Overlap) option, an opportunity to start Year I of the six quarter M.S.in Ed. degree program while simultaneously completing the bachelor’s degree. This option is intended to enable completion of both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree within a five-year period. Undergraduate applicable courses are SE 330, 336, 441 and 465. Seniors interested in teaching individuals who are blind or visually impaired may also apply to take 9 selective credits in the Graduate Program in Teachers of the Blind/Visually Impaired to obtain advanced standing in the TVI program. Application to S.Y.R.O.P should be made to the Program Director early on during the undergraduate's studies.  

At least a B average in the overall undergraduate or graduate record is required for admission, although other factors will be considered in the decision, such as years of professional experience, grade point  average in the major field, and academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students not meeting the stated criteria may be admitted on a conditional basis. In order to maintain matriculated status, such students must then achieve a minimum grade of B for the first six credits attempted and provide evidence of having remediated any deficiencies.  

Academic Requirements and Standards  

General Requirements:

The expectation is that all courses for the degree will be taken at Dominican University New York. A maximum of six credits may be considered for transfer. Equivalent graduate course work may be considered for transfer credit if (a) the grade was a minimum of B and (b) the course was taken within five years of the term in which the student wishes to register for it.

All requirements (courses, papers, projects) must be completed within a maximum of five years from the beginning of the term in which the candidate is awarded the first credits towards the degree, whether the credits were earned on a non-matriculated or matriculated basis. Extension of this time cannot be granted. Courses are offered in a cycle according to a regular curriculum pattern. It is the responsibility of the student to register for courses in the sequence in which they are offered and to plan his or her progress so as to complete all requirements within the five-year period. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be granted permission to take courses out of sequence.

The University reserves the right, at its discretion, at any time, to terminate matriculation if the student fails to make sufficient progress towards the degree. Candidates for the degree not in attendance for two calendar years will have their matriculation terminated. To reactivate their matriculation, these candidates must receive permission from the Program Director. In order to be readmitted, such candidates must be able to meet all degree requirements within the fiveyear period dating from their original quarter.

All students must maintain a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (B). A course in which a student earns less than "B" must be repeated.

No more than one course can be repeated.

Non-Matriculated Certification:

Students seeking individual transcript certification (non-matriculated certification status) without completion of the entire TVI program must take: VI 532, VI 533, VI 534, VI 535, VI 538, VI 539, VI 641, VI 642 and VI 717 and (3-6) credits in Special Education course work, based on transcript review. Students in areas other than TVI who are seeking non-matriculated Certification Only status must take courses as prescribed by the NYS Education Department based on transcript review by the Certification Officer at the University.

Students are expected to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA with no course lower than a B to be considered in “good standing.”

Students whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.75 will be awarded graduate honors upon graduation.

Off-Site Requirements  

Graduate faculty supervise both student teaching and field work, and students work with experienced, certified cooperating teachers. In programs that require prior certification and student teaching, in-service teachers, if they are working with the appropriate population, can complete student teaching in their own classroom with the Program Director’s permission. Those courses of study that culminate with a student teaching experience meet on a regular basis for seminar. Seminar is viewed as integrative in nature, meshing theory with practical application. Depending on the program, the seminar is delivered on campus  or online.  

All programs leading to institutional endorsement for certification require 150 hours of clinically rich field work as a prerequisite to student teaching. Students observe, interact, evaluate and reflect in classrooms that correlate with their teaching certification. A full semester of student teaching experience is mandated for all candidates who do not possess an initial teaching certification. Student teachers shadow, observe and gradually teach individuals, small groups and the whole class according to prescribed grade curricula that correspond to their certification developmental level. Candidates with prior certification in another area will participate fully in a quarter based student teaching/ practicum experience. They will be responsible for providing planning, implementation and assessment of instruction while being mentored by a certified teacher and a University supervisor.  

Capstones and Final Requirements  

The student teaching experience, linked with the seminar and the   research course, comprise the capstone experience for program completers. Students who have successfully fulfilled all coursework requirements in Teacher Education are invited to engage in a professionally rich venture where they spend a full semester planning, instructing and assessing in preparation for their role as teacher. They participate in two 8 week long field experiences—one focusing on the lower range of their certification area and the other on the higher end. They are formally observed by their faculty supervisor at least twice in each venue and participate fully in self-reflection and weekly seminar meetings on campus. Additionally, student teachers select, under advisement, a topic germane to their classroom on which they complete an action research proposal.    

Students must complete all prerequisites such as outstanding content area credits and all graduate coursework prior to student teaching. In order to receive NYS certification all candidates must complete, in addition to all Dominican University New York program requirements, the NYS Education Department’s mandated tests which include Educating All Students (EAS), the appropriate content specialty tests (CSTs) and the performance assessment (edTPA) as well as complete an application and clear mandated fingerprinting procedures and requisite workshops that are provided through the student teaching seminar.  

Procedures  

Students are advised to refer to the Dominican University New York Student Handbook and the Master of Science in Education Handbook for additional information.  

Advisement:

Advisement for all courses in the MS in Education programs is on-go-ing and provided to each student quarterly by the Coordinator and/or Director of the program. Students register online for appropriate courses according to the calendar that is provided each quarter.  Courses that require fieldwork require students to document their field hours on a timesheet that is issued at the onset of the course. All timesheets are signed by the instructor and filed in the students’ folders. Students should keep copies of their timesheets for their own records.  Specialized residency requirements for the TVI Program take place in the Summer quarter. See course descriptions for VI 534, VI 539 and VI 641.

Health:

All student teaching placements require medical clearance; forms are obtained from the Teacher Education Graduate Program office located in Casey 105 and must be completed/submitted before placements begin.

Leave of Absence and Withdrawal:

Students who wish to apply for a leave of absence or course/program withdrawal must confer with the Program Director after submitting the appropriate forms which can be obtained from the Teacher Education Graduate Program office.

(845) 848-4038

The M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communication will prepare students to lead change within organizations, to become effective communicators, resolve conflicts, and create strategic plans to accom-plish organizational goals. This program supports the University mission of leadership and educational excellence while serving a diverse community.   

The M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communication consists of 33-credits which include ten required courses and a choice of one elective course. It offers the flexibility of online courses in an asynchronous format and may be completed in one year by taking two courses each session throughout the academic year. (A session con-sists of eight weeks; there are six sessions in the year. )Throughout the program, a faculty mentor will provide individualized attention to each student.    

In the capstone course, students will be able to choose from one of the following projects: compose a research paper, develop a leadership plan, or develop a training or orientation program. The capstone project will consist of a project/paper and an oral defense.   

The graduate program in Organizational Leadership and Communication is suited for individuals in all career paths and is designed for the working professional. It will help students advance their careers in banking, business, government agencies, healthcare, higher education, industry, law enforcement, military, profit or non-profit organi-zations. It will offer leadership strategies to prepare graduates to enter the work force or to advance to middle management, upper management, and administrative positions in all fields. It will help students become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and culturally sensitive, while exercising critical thinking. The curric-ulum is designed to help students develop the skills they need to navigate various changes and conflict within organizations effectively.   

Leaders today need training in organizational communication and development and crisis management as well as an understanding of workplace culture and decision making with strategies for negotiation and conflict resolution. Change is inevitable, so skills in transformational leadership, strategic planning and understanding diversity 
will make effective leaders.   

Admissions  

All candidates for the MSOLC program must apply for admission to the program through the Dominican University New York Office of Graduate Admissions.    

To be considered for admission to the program, all students must submit the following materials:  

• Completed application and payment of application fee
• An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with a grade point average of at least a 3.0 on scale of 4.0.
  • For applicants with a grade point average below a 3.0, other factors such as years of professional experience, grade point average in the major field, and academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree may also be taken into account in the admission decision.
• Completion of an online interview (interview will be scheduled with the Program Director).

Transfer Credits:

The expectation is that all courses for the degree will be taken at  Dominican University New York; however, up to six credits from accredited  master-degree granting institutions that match the requirements of our program may be accepted if approved by the Program Director.  To be eligible for transfer, courses must meet the following criteria: 

1. They must have a minimum grade of B,
2. Be equivalent to courses offered at Dominican University New York,
3. Have been taken within the last five years.

Good standing: 

Once accepted into the MSOLC program, students must meet the following standards to remain in good standing: 

1. Adherence to all published policies and procedures of the University,
2. Completion of the degree within five years of matriculation into the program,
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no individual course grade below B-.

It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the requirements for good academic standing. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 will be automatically placed on academic probation. A student on probation will meet with the Director to discuss the conditions and requirements of probation. These conditions and require-ments may include continuing probation, academic leave or dismissal from the program.  

Curriculum 

The M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communication consists of 33-credits which includes ten required courses and a choice of one elective course. The courses are:  

• The Dynamics of Leadership
• Research and Writing   
• Organizational Change and Development/Transformational Leadership   
• Critical and Ethical Decision Making
• Research Methods and Design 
• Strategic Planning and Leadership 
• Organizational Communication
• Technology for Leaders OR Organization Culture and Team Building  
• Leadership and Diversity
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation  
• Capstone Course

Capstone 

The capstone serves as the culmination to all coursework and requires the student to apply the knowledge, theories and practices learned from previous courses in a highly integrated, coherent and real world manner. In the capstone course, students will be able to choose from composing a research paper, developing a leadership plan, or developing a training or orientation program. The capstone will consist of an applied research project or a research paper. All students will complete an oral defense of their research. 

Procedures 

Advisement 

The Program Director is the academic advisor for all MSOLC students. An academic plan that takes into account a student’s unique professional and personal situation is a key factor for success.  

Residency  

Students must successfully complete at least 27 credits in the online program at Dominican University New York to be able to graduate from the program.  

The program holds national accreditation approval through the Com-mission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

CCNE
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036-1120
Phone: (202) 887-6791 

The Division of Nursing offers a Post-Baccalaureate DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner program. The program prepares diverse clinical practitioners who improve health, influence health care and apply the best evidence to clinical practice. The DNP graduate will be able to provide leadership in health policy that will ensure improvement of population and global health. The DNP graduate as a collaborative leader will be in a position to analyze complex organizational and clinical practice issues and effect improvements in health care. 

The 82-credit Post Baccalaureate DNP program can be completed in 8 academic semesters and 4 summer sessions. Students may complete the program in 4-8 years.

The 40-credit DNP program can be completed in four academic se-mesters and two summer sessions. Students may complete the pro-gram in 2-4 years. 

The goals of the program are to: 

1. provide a high quality educational program that prepares candidates for successful careers as clinical experts and leaders
2. implement a program of study that promotes expert clinical practice, continuous practice improvements, effective leadership practices, and clinical scholarship
3. participate in the evolution, development, and improve-ment of clinical practice for professional nursing
4. create and implement a rigorous clinically focused doctoral program which demonstrates the continuous improvement of clinical practice and scholarship impact
5. impact and improve clinical practice, clinical outcomes, health policy, and care delivery methodologies.

Admissions 

There are two entry points for the Post Baccalaureate DNP program. Students may enter the program with advanced standing following completion of a master's degree in nursing. A gap analysis rubric will then be used to ascertain additional courses needed to complete the program. Students may complete the 82Board of Trustees-credit Post-BSN DNP program in 4-8 years. 

Students are admitted to Dominican University New York through the Office of Graduate Admissions on a competitive basis: 

A candidate will: 

1. be a graduate of a fully accredited, license-qualifying bacca-laureate degree nursing program
2. hold a license to practice nursing or advanced practice nursing in New York State or be eligible to hold same
3. have at least one year of relevant, full-time registered nurs-ing or advanced practice nursing experience
4. have active membership in a national nursing organization
5. submit transcripts from all college-level study reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and/or a 3.3 for graduate work
6. submit a current Curriculum Vitae
7. submit 3 letters of recommendation attesting to the appli-cant's intellectual ability, academic achievements, leader-ship skills, and professional commitment, including one from a professional colleague who holds a doctoral degree
8. submit a personal goal statement describing career objec-tives and area of clinical interest
9. submit a case study that represents the applicant's level of expertise in the provision or care
10. submit a completed application with non-refundable appli-cation fee
11. Have an interview by phone or in person with a faculty member 

Students who do not hold a family nurse practitioner degree and who do not have national certification as a family nurse practitioner may complete a gap analysis rubric which will be used to ascertain additional courses needed to complete the DNP degree.

Students must be board certified as an FNP (ANCC or AANP) and maintain employment as an FNP prior to starting the 3rd semester of the DNP program. This is necessary to complete the DNP capstone and residency requirements.

Transfer Credits:

Students who hold a master's degree will complete a gap analysis to evaluate credits that will be transferred and applied to the DNP pro-gram.

Deferment:

Any student accepted into the program who wishes to defer enroll-ment must write a letter to the Program Director requesting permission to defer. Permission will be granted for one year beginning at the time of request. Filing the request in a timely fashion secures a place for the following year's class. 

Academic Requirements and Standards 

Students accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must adhere to the standards and policies set forth by the University and the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Students are responsible for understanding all material found in the DNP Student Handbook.

In order to maintain continuous enrollment in the program, all grad-uate students must achieve a "B" in all courses and maintain a cumu-lative grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the sequence and graduate from the program. 

Off-Site Requirements 

Practicum hours:

All students are required to have a minimum of 1,000 hours that will include hours from their master's degree program and the DNP hours.

Students provide documentation of practicum hours earned for their advanced practice degree. The student will be responsible for documenting and submitting to faculty, the hours earned each semester, as well as maintaining a record of total hours earned during the pro-gram.

Clinical Agency Requirements: 

The student is responsible for compliance with rules and regulations of the healthcare agency. 

Capstone and Final Requirements

Capstone I:

Students will develop a proposal for an evidence-based project which addresses a practice issue affecting or related to a selected aggregate or population, organization, health care system, health care policy, or educational system.

Capstone II:

Students in this course will complete their evidence-based project and implement it and present initial findings to their clinical mentor and faculty member.

Portfolio: 

All students will develop a portfolio. Specific items of coursework, evidence-based case studies, DNP project, presentations, self-reflec-tion papers, published articles, poster presentations, CV, and future goal statement will be used to demonstrate the competencies needed for degree completion. The DNP portfolio is complete when all re-quired documents have been approved and presented to the faculty mentor in digital form. 

Procedures

Students are advised to refer to the Dominican University New York Student Handbook and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Handbook for additional information.

Advisement:

Once a student is accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program he/she is assigned an advisor. Graduate students should make an appointment to register for courses, to discuss drop/add procedures, and for counseling on progression in the program. Please contact the Program Director whose office is located in the Prusmack Center, Second Floor, Room 210.

Health and Insurance Requirements:

All graduate students must show evidence of an annual physical examination with up-to-date immunizations, a PPD or chest x-ray, and/or titers as required by regulatory agencies. In addition, all students must hold Nurse Practitioner malpractice insurance coverage.

Leave of Absence:

Once enrolled a student may request a leave of absence from the program/University, which, when granted, permits the student to maintain matriculation status although not in attendance and to resume study without applying for readmission. Leave of absence status is ordinarily granted for no more than two semesters. To be official, this request must be submitted in writing to the Program Director at least one month prior to the semester for which the leave is sought, unless extenuating circumstances prevail.

(845) 398-4800, extension 6049 or fax: (845) 398-4892 

The program is fully accredited by CAPTE. (Commission on Ac-creditation in Physical Therapy Education)  
CAPTE, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314;  
phone (703) 684-2782.  

The role of the physical therapist is an exciting and challenging one. Using therapeutic intervention, the professional helps to improve the quality and satisfaction of the lives of diverse clients throughout the life span. Clientele may include children with disabilities, victims of trauma, and seniors with generalized weaknesses. Working with patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals, physical therapists promote the achievement of their patients’ goals by fostering their recovery. The focus of therapy may consist of programs to in-crease strength, to relieve pain, and to assist one to achieve optimal function in the environment.  

Physical therapists also serve as teachers, providing important instruction in a wide array of areas, including on-going rehabilitation in the activities of daily living, prenatal and post-natal programs, and overall fitness and health promotion. Physical therapists can work in a variety of fields, such as rehabilitation, community health, industry, sports, private practice, neonatal intensive care, school, research, education, and administration.  

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program 

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program (or t-DPT Program) allows licensed and practicing physical therapists who hold either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Physical Therapy to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy through a combination of online course work and professional experience.  

Admission to the Transitional Doctor of Physical  Therapy (T-DPT) Program 

The physical therapist who has previously received an entry-level Bach-elors or Masters physical therapy degree can apply to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The entire t-DPT program is 16-credits in length and can be completed in 18-36 months. T-DPT Pro-gram courses are 2-credit, fully online courses. The student must re-ceive a grade of at least a C, in order for the course to count towards graduation.    

Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curricu-lum, the student will be awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy.  

The Process (Transitional DPT) 
All applicants are required to submit: The Graduate Application Form, official transcript(s) of physical therapy education or certified copies, a copy of U.S. physical therapy license, curriculum vitae (resume), three letters of recommendation, and a written statement of intent/goals to Graduate Admissions.  

Deferment Of Admissions To The Transitional-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: Deferments will be handled on a case by case basis. The applicant must submit their request for deferment in writing to the Office of Graduate Admission. 

Academic Requirements and Standards for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program  

Students accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must adhere to the standards and policies set forth by the University, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and the profession throughout their academic tenure.    

Students are responsible and are required to sign the Essential Functions for Physical Therapy Practice form found in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Student handbook. This document will become part of their student file in the DPT office.  

In practicing psychomotor skills, students will abide by policies and procedures as indicated in the course syllabi and through course in-struction. Psychomotor skill assessments are adapted from the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) and assessed through the use of profi-ciency check-outs as well as lab practical exams. Lab Practical Assess-ments require 100% (or Passing grade) in professional behaviors and safety and a minimum of 80% in designated skills.   

Students must comply with the Program standards by attaining an overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout the Program, a grade of C or better in all course work and the Independent Compo-nent, as well as a grade of B- or better in all clinical lab practical exams is required. The Physical Therapy professional courses must be taken in the sequence outlined in the Professional Sequence. The DPT Professional Sequence must be completed within 150% of the entire projected curriculum (no more than 15 trimesters) to earn the DPT degree. Absence of the first instructional weekend or more than one class session (usually equivalent to 1/8 of the total contact hours) in any professional course will result in a failing grade.  

A failure of a course is unacceptable, and will result in dismissal from the program. If a student is dismissed from the program, the Committee on Admissions and Academic Performance determine: 1) if s/he may be reinstated into the program following the appeal process, and 2) if s/he returns to the program, recommends the logical point for the student to enroll in the Professional Sequence that   directly addresses the learning issue.   

If a student’s overall GPA falls below 3.0 or if the student attains a B- grade in a single trimester, he/she is immediately placed on academic probation. The remediation during academic probation consists of an Action Plan, mutually established by the student and faculty and/or Program Director, to identify the concerns, pertinent strategies with a timeline, and the expectations of the student and faculty. A student on academic probation must attain the required overall 3.0 GPA or above and no grade of B- or below by the end of the two subsequent trimesters. While on probation, the student may not receive a final grade in a class of a C or below. A student has no more than two  trimesters to improve the academic standard to the required 3.0. If the student is unable to attain the minimum academic standing of 3.0 by the end of the two subsequent trimesters, the student warrants dismissal. The student has the option to appeal the dismissal. Should an individual complete only the first two trimesters of the articulated  Biology/Physical Therapy professional sequence, the student earns a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Pre-Med track) at the end of the second trimester, contingent upon successful completion of the required courses for the Bachelor’s degree.   

To ensure a quality educational experience, all students are expected to complete their academic work in an ethical manner, and to main-tain the professional standards as outlined by the APTA Code of Eth-ics, The APTA Standard of Practice, and Guide for Professional Conduct. (See the APTA Guide to Physical Therapy Practice.) A se-rious breach of ethical and professional behaviors is cause for discipli-nary action up to, and including, course failure or dismissal from the Program.  

In addition, all DPT students are responsible to abide by the Domin-ican University New York Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the Dominican University New York Student Handbook, which is also on the DC website (dc.edu).   

Students are expected to continue the learning and integration of all course content as part of the incremental physical therapy profes-sional education. To be eligible to take the combined written and lab practical capstone examinations, students are to be in good academic and professional behavior standing in the DPT Program.   

Off-Site Requirements  

The Clinical Experience is a significant and critical component of the professional physical therapy curriculum. Students observe and are mentored by expert clinicians working in their respective specialized clinical settings. These experiences are concurrent with weekend classes.  

The physical therapy curriculum provides the student with four full-time clinical affiliations throughout the ten trimesters of study for a total of thirty-six weeks. During these four blocks of clinical practice, each student will have experiences with patients/clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings that en-compass a range of conditions from acute to chronic. The student’s clinical experiences will provide them with the entry-level knowledge and skills they need in the general practice of physical therapy.  

Capstone and Final Requirements  

To demonstrate ongoing competency and integration of the required minimal skills at specific points in the professional sequence, all stu-dents must pass the written and clinical lab practical capstone exami-nations that cover all material in the courses and learning experiences prior to the scheduled examination. Typically, the alternate week-ends are used for the capstone examinations. The first capstone written and clinical lab practical examinations are administered at the end of Year I Trimester 3. The second capstone written and lab practical examinations are administered at the end of Trimester 5 to demon-strate mastery of required minimal skills. The third capstone written is administered as part of the Professional Development class at the end of Year IV Trimester 10, at the end of all required course work of the professional sequence. Students are expected to achieve all  required CPI criteria to successfully complete all clinical affiliations.   

A student must pass both the written and lab practical capstone examinations in order continue in the Program. Only one retake of the Capstone Written and Lab Practical Examinations is permitted. Students who do not pass the capstone exams are subject to dismissal from the program.  

Procedures  

Advisement: 

All students enrolled in the Physical Therapy Program are assigned a faculty advisor. Additionally, course coordinators/instructors will provide advisement related to specific course objectives, content and requirements, and professional development. The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is responsible for advisement related to  
the Clinical Education Sequence and Clinical Experiences such as Clinical Experience I, II, III and IV. The Research Coordinator will also provide advisement concerning student research projects developed during the last two years of the professional sequence. Faculty will inform students of their office hours during course orientations, in the course outlines, and /or student advisement.  

When necessary, an Action Plan is used to develop appropriate strategies for students who either are not at the expected levels of Professional Behavior or where there is a marked discrepancy between the student’s self-assessment and faculty observations. Action Plans will be discussed and monitored during faculty meetings. An Action Plan may also be used as a written avenue to reach a learning goal or identified achievement (not remediation). The student will meet with the course coordinator/instructor or advisor to devise an Action Plan which will state the expectation to be accomplished within a specified time. The student is responsible for maintaining communication with the faculty advisor/course coordinator/ instructor regarding his/her ability or inability to master the objective.  

Residency: 

The DPT Professional Sequence must be completed within 4.6 years (14 trimesters) to complete the program.   

Health: 

All required health forms are to be completed and updated regularly and after any student health incident requiring medical attention. Evi-dence should be submitted at the beginning of each academic year in the Clinical Education sequence courses (Summer Trimester) and maintained electronically via the certifiedbackground.com.  
The Dominican University New York Physical Therapy Program faculty have developed a set of “essential functions.” “Essential function” refers to all nonacademic criteria used for admission and participation in a program. Essential functions are applied to all students and evolve with physical therapy practice. They are created so that students and practitioners can perform their job responsibilities in a safe and effective manner at a high standard. They are not established to discriminate against a person with a disability. The ability of a student to perform these essential functions, therefore, is a factor that will affect his or her acceptance to, progression in, and successful completion of the program. The extensive list of the essential functions may be requested from the PT program.   

Leave of Absence: 

A student may request a leave of absence from the Program, which, when granted, permits the student to return the following academic year without applying for readmission. The student must first request permission from the Program Director and provide supporting documents for their request. To be official, this request must be submitted in writing to the Registrar once approval from the Program Director has been attained.  

Students who have been away from the University for more than one year must reapply and restart the program from the beginning.  

Withdrawal: 

Except in unusual circumstances, a student who wishes to withdraw from a course without academic penalty may only do so within a prescribed time frame; the symbol "W" will be entered on the transcript when the approved withdrawal occurs before two-thirds of the sched-uled sessions of the course or prior to the start of the 6th weekend of the trimester. The course instructor and the Program Director must be informed prior to the student’s intended withdrawal. See the section above regarding requesting a leave of absence before submitting a with-drawal request to ensure that a student’s seat in the program is held.  

Insurance: 

While enrolled in the DPT Program, students are required to maintain currency in the following: individual professional liability insurance (with the coverage of at least one million dollars per occurrence/three million aggregate), APTA student membership, and CPR and First Aid certification.