The need for physical therapists is expected to grow exponentially through 2014, as more individuals with disabilities or limited functioning demand therapy services. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program (D.P.T.) in the School of Health and Medical Sciences provides real-world learning for students and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Physical therapists are clinicians who work with patients to alleviate pain and prevent the onset and progression of impairment, functional limitation, disability or changes in physical function and health status. A four-year (full-time) program, the Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares entry-level practitioners to critically analyze and convey information to patients, colleagues and health professionals, as well as adapt to the rapid changes in the profession and the healthcare delivery system. The comprehensive 120-credit program is supported by doctoral faculty who educate students to become autonomous practitioners.

The breadth and depth of the D.P.T. curriculum, which highlights the foundational sciences, orthopedics and sports medicine, exercise and fitness, neurological rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary medicine and the business of patient care, allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to enter a variety of practice settings.

The program emphasizes the application of theory and research to practice. Students take part in a rigorous, four-semester research sequence that allows them to develop a research question, conduct a literature review, design a study, collect data and present their findings at various meetings and conferences. Such evidence-based practice challenges students to add to the body of literature that currently exists in the field. Since the inception of the program in 2001, seven student groups have presented their work at national physical therapy meetings.

Providing care with sensitivity is an integral program component that begins in the first year of study. Students live out this mission through four semesters each of part-time clinical experiences and full-time internships in sites primarily throughout the tristate area. These experiences allow students to work alongside a licensed physical therapist, putting their classroom learning to work in professional settings. Laboratories complete with state-of-the-art equipment that is consistent with contemporary PT practice and research promote teaching and learning outside of the classroom.

Graduates of the program are thoroughly prepared for the National Physical Therapist Licensure Examination and have developed the skills necessary to work in hospital, rehabilitation, school-based and orthopedic settings; engage in patient care; teach as lab assistants; and develop practices using their management skills. The program boasts a 100 percent job placement rating, and many students have several employment offers prior to graduation. 

To learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy, check out the admission and curriculum and apply today.