^{*Photo courtesy of: FIU Occupational Therapy Program}

Department of Exercise Science Launches New Graduate and Professional Pathway Agreement with FIU

November 2023

The Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Exercise and Health Promotion is pleased to announce the launch of a new graduate and professional pathway agreement between Florida Atlantic and Florida International University. FAU students in the Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy (Pre-PT/OT) concentration of the B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion have an opportunity to qualify for a guaranteed early interview with FIU’s highly sought after Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students,” shared Michael Zourdos, Ph.D., CSCS, Professor and Chair, FAU Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion. “Having an agreement such as this in place will allow students to have a clear pathway toward their career goals. This agreement directly aligns our program with a premier program in the discipline, and by extension provides students with a pathway to the workforce.”

FAU students in the Pre-PT/OT concentration who are entering their senior year (or in the fall of their senior year) can apply to FIU’s DPT program. FIU uses an “academic” score based upon GPA and GRE scores, followed by an interview for admission. Under the agreement, all FAU students who meet an academic score of ≥72 will be guaranteed early interviews.

“I’m excited for this collaboration because PT and OT schools are extraordinarily competitive,” said Zourdos. “We have a lot of high-achieving students in our program who have worked hard for their future goals, and as a department, we want to put pathways and programs in place to put our students in the best possible position to succeed.”

Early interviews are held from October through February, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Qualified students can apply as early as August of the year before entry (e.g., apply in August 2023 for entry in Fall 2024). Students will be notified of FIU’s decision within a few weeks.

To learn more, click here, or email Michael Zourdos at mzourdos@fau.edu.