Welcome to the NSU Professional DPT (PDPT) Program!

You are assigned an NSU e mail address upon acceptance to the program. This is your digital identity and you will need it to access just about everything while a student at NSU. 

Retrieve your username and set your password at https://www.nova.edu/resources/nsuidentity.html

If you don't know your "N number" (NSU student ID), use the last 4 digits of your social security number

Go to https://sharklink.nova.edu/ (you will need your username and password information) 

Click on Self Service Banner (webstar) icon and go to Enter Secure Area

Click on Student then Registration 

For step-by-step instructions with screen shots go to: https://www.nova.edu/help/SSB%20webstar/student/register.html

Course registration numbers (CRN) will be sent by e mail. 

If you have difficulty registering, please contact help desk at 954-262-help (4357) or Program Office at (954) 262-1664. 

Financial aid information can be found at https://www.nova.edu/financialaid/index.html 

Physical therapy students may qualify for the NSU Chancellor's Scholarship. For eligibility and application information visit https://www.nova.edu/financialaid/forms/hpd-chanc-scholarship-app.pdf 

Technology Requirements

Laptop Computer

You are required to have a laptop computer with a built-in webcam and updated operating systems. 

Your computer and/or tablet must have capability for the following functions:

• Wireless internet capability
• Word processing software (ie. Microsoft Word)
• Presentation software (ie. Microsoft Power Point)
• Video editing software (ie. Movie maker, I Movie)

Accessories

• External charging devices/power supply
• Computer privacy filter which blacks out the view from side angles (outside 60 degrees) – similar to 14" Akamai Computer Privacy Screen (16:9) - Black Security Shield - Laptop Monitor Protector - UV and Blue Light Filter found on Amazon

Exam Soft Testing

NSU DPT program uses ExamSoft for testing. Students may take the exams on a PC laptop, Mac laptop, or I Pad. Students will be asked to download the Examplify app during orientation. View minimum requirements at https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/ 

Other Technology Information 

Students have access to NSU sponsored downloads of certain software, once registered and fully enrolled.

Note: Smart watches can be used in labs and in some clinics, but are not allowed during testing.

For more technology information, Visit the Student Support page of the NSU Office of Innovation and Information Technology at https://www.nova.edu/oiit/index.html#tabs-students or call (954) 262-HELP (4357)

Equipment Requirements

DPT Student Kit 

Students are required to purchase a kit containing equipment and consumables necessary for DPT school by no later than the end of the first semester. The kit costs approximately $300 and does not include a stethoscope or sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) which is purchased separately. More information will be provided at orientation.

Computer Privacy Filter 

Students are required to use a computer privacy filter which blacks out the view from side angles (outside 60 degrees) during all computer-based exams while matriculating through the program. 

Personal Protective Equipment (Anatomy Lab) 

Students are required to have nitrile gloves, face covering (masks, shield, or respirator), disposable isolation gown, and safety googles to enter the gross anatomy wet lab. Shoe covers are optional.    

Orientation

Professional dress/business attire required for the first day of orientation (scrubs to be worn after the first day)

Program Dress Code

Scrubs: Pewter gray matching top and bottom scrubs with student first and last name embroidered on left chest (white block letters, 0.5 in height) ordered online at https://nsu.fashionsealhealthcare.com/

• When you go on the site for the first time you must register, then select one of the options below
• "First Time Ordering" option, your order will ship to NSU bookstore OR "Continuing or Distance Learning Student" option,  shipping options will be open, and you put the address you want your order shipped
• You will receive emailed tracking information when your order has been shipped
• Contact bookstore with questions (954) 262-4750

Lab Clothes: Program approved navy blue shorts (men's and women's styles available) and grey PT lab shirt with NSU logo may be ordered online NSU Book Store - Shirt and NSU Bookstore - Shorts

Clinic Attire: Navy blue NSU Logo PT polo shirt, comfortable fitting khaki pants, white coat, and supportive shoes (polo shirts ordered within first 2 semesters from upper class officers)

Background Checks

Non-Fingerprint Background Check

Upon admission to the program, students are required to complete a non-fingerprint (level I) background check through the Castle Branch system. Students are sent information from the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences (PCHCS) Student Affairs department on procedure for completing the background check. Background check results must be negative.

NOTE: Some clinical sites may require additional background checks based on the length of time since the last check and facility specific guidelines. Some citations on the background checks may prevent a student from being assigned to or result the student being denied placement at clinical sites.  A student who cannot be placed at required clinical sites due to information of concern on his/her background check(s) may not be able to complete the program. Students are responsible for ongoing disclosure of background check information. Therefore, students are required to inform the program director immediately if any circumstance which has happened in the past or occurs during the student’s tenure in the program, that may impact the background check. Failure to do so may result in student referral to Committee on Student Progress (CSP).

Fingerprint Background Check

Students will complete a fingerprint (Level II) background check during the program. Background check results must be negative. Clinical sites may require additional background check screening through facility-specific procedure at additional cost to the student. See “note” in Non-Fingerprint Background Check section.

Drug Screening 

Students will complete a 10-panel urine drug screen test indicating negative test results.

Immunizations

The immunization form found at https://healthsciences.nova.edu/studentaffairs/orientation/forms/immunization_form.pdf should be used to document the proof of immunizations and titers for the following:

Proof of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or proof of positive titers

• Documented proof of date of vaccination or titers via blood draw stating that measles IgG, Mumps IgG and Rubella IgG antibodies are present supporting immunity. If titer indicates student is negative (not immune), then documentation of booster vaccination is required, and a repeat titer is not needed.

Proof of varicella vaccine or proof of positive titers

• Documented proof of date of vaccination or titer via blood draw stating that antibodies are present supporting immunity. Having had Chicken Pox does not satisfy requirement. If titer indicated student is negative (not immune), then documentation of a booster vaccine is required, and a repeat titer is not needed.

Proof of hepatitis B vaccine series and proof of positive titers

• Documented proof of date of vaccinations and immunity by titer lab report is required. If initial titer result is negative (not immune), student is required to repeat the Hep B (HBV) vaccination series. This series can consist of two (2) or three (3) doses depending on the type received. A repeat titer is required following completion of new series. Dates with supporting documentation of the repeat vaccination (2 or 3 doses) and titer are required. If the repeat titer result remains negative (not immune) student must provide a letter from their physician stating lack of immunity.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

• Documented proof of date of vaccination within the past 10 years is required. If vaccination is older than 10 years, an updated vaccination is required. If vaccination expires while in the program, students need to provide proof of updated vaccination.

Negative Tuberculosis Testing (PPD and/or X-Ray) 

• Students must have documentation of negative results for 2-step PPD Skin Test or Quantiferon Blood Test (lab results required) or chest x ray, CT scan of lungs, MRI of lungs indicating no evidence of disease with a statement from radiologist indicating “negative for tuberculosis.” NOTE: Once students have completed the Two-Step PPD process upon entry into the program, only a One-Step reading is required for annual renewal during Year 2 and Year 3. Two-Step Process valid for 1 year, or 365 days following reading of 2nd skin test. Chest x-ray results are valid for 2 years.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

• Students must provide documentation of annual seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination. Intranasal administration (ie. Flu Mist, LAIV) is not accepted. Flu season is Oct-May. The vaccination is typically available beginning in mid-August and not required upon entry to the program. 

COVID-19 Vaccination

• Many clinical sites require students to have the COVID-19 vaccination. Exemption processes vary between clinical sites and some clinical sites do not accept exemptions. The program is not required to provide alternative sites for clinical practicums or experiences should students be placed at a site that requires COVID-19 or other immunizations. Failure to comply with the site’s onboarding and immunization requirements may result in the delay of program completion and/or the inability to satisfy the graduation requirements in my program. 

CPR Certification

Students will maintain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification for health care providers while in the program. The DPT program provides CPR training in the first and third year of the program.

Proof of Health Insurance

Students must show a current health insurance card or a statement of coverage (ie. downloaded from internet). Students must always maintain current health insurance. If health insurance lapses at any time during the program, students will not be able to progress and may be dismissed from program.

Certificate of Physical Exam     

Students must have an annual physical examination which indicates that the student is in good general health and meets the health requirements of NSU. In addition, students must be able to perform the Technical Standards / Essential Functions of a DPT student. If health status should change while in the program which may affect the student’s ability to perform the Technical Standards / Essential Functions of a DPT student (ie. serious illness, injury, etc.), students must notify the Program Director and provide documentation of medical restrictions. Medical restrictions may prevent the student from participating in clinical activities and a plan for academic progression will be addressed individually in each case.   

Individual Facility Requirements

Some clinical facilities require additional compliance requirements above and beyond what is listed here. Students must comply with these requirements in order to attend the clinical rotation. Students will be notified of these requirements by the clinical facility itself or NSU clinical education personnel.