Seton Hall University

Department of Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy is the academic home for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree program. The department also collaborates with our undergraduate partners to offer the 3 +3/Dual Degree Program in Physical Therapy (B.S. + D.P.T.).

The Department of Physical Therapy is based within the School of Health and Medical Sciences, which provides a rigorous and rewarding environment for the study of Physical Therapy within a larger, interprofessional healthcare context.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Overview
Physical therapists are healthcare practitioners who diagnose and treat patients and clients with and without medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in daily life. By examining and assessing individuals of all ages, physical therapists can determine barriers to optimal movement and develop a plan of care to promote ideal function, to reduce pain, and to prevent the onset and progression of disability or changes in physical function and health status. Physical therapists evaluate movement dysfunction and use various interventions to gain results. Interventions include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, biophysical agents, and patient education.

Seton Hall's 35-month D.P.T. program prepares entry-level clinicians to become autonomous practitioners of physical therapy and movement specialists. This comprehensive 111-credit program is supported by 13 diverse core doctoral faculty, who educate students in the delivery of physical therapy services as part of the health care team. Faculty hold academic and clinical doctoral degrees, with expertise in the management of patients and clients of all ages and conditions across the continuum of care. Students develop skills to critically analyze and convey evidence-based information to patients, colleagues and health professionals.

The Seton Hall University D.P.T. program provides exceptional learning experiences for students. The breadth and depth of the D.P.T. curriculum, which highlights the integration of foundational sciences, clinical practice, professional roles and expectations, and servant leadership, allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to enter a variety of practice settings. The academic and clinical coursework emphasizes the application of theory and research to practice, with emphasis on the human movement system and collaboration within inter- and intra-professional teams. Students actively participate in the School’s Interprofessional educational events. Our learning spaces and laboratories are consistent with contemporary P.T. practice and research settings.

Academic Programs

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program of the School of Health and Medical Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program's accreditation has been granted for a period of 10 years effective from April 27, 2021.

Faculty and Staff

Acting Department Chair: Lorene Cobb, P.T., D.P.T., Ed.D.
Department Faculty»
Department Secretary: Aleatha Joseph, B.A.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Academic Policies

In order to ensure that the School of Health and Medical Sciences graduates competent and ethical practitioners, the School's faculty, in conjunction with the Dean's Office, developed the Academic Performance Standards Policy and Student Performance Review Committee Procedures.

The form for student requests to appeal to the Student Performance Review Committee is available here »

Contact Us

Department of Physical Therapy
Seton Hall University
School of Health and Medical Sciences
Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus
123 Metro Boulevard
Nutley, NJ 07110
(973) 275-2051
[email protected]

For Graduate Admissions questions, contact:
Patrick McDermott, M.A.
Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment and Student Affairs
School of Health and Medical Sciences
[email protected]
(973) 275-2062

For Dual Degree/Undergraduate Admissions questions, contact:
Gerald Ruscingno, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Advising for Dual Degree Programs
School of Health and Medical Sciences
[email protected]
(973) 275-6457

Seton Hall Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services
admissions.shu.edu
(973) 313-6146

Questions regarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program's accreditation should be directed to the department chairperson listed above or to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Information about filing a complaint with CAPTE regarding an accredited physical therapy education program is available on the CAPTE website.

To provide feedback or file a complaint regarding the D.P.T. program, contact the department chairperson listed above. Written complaints should include the nature of the concern, the date and the name and signature of the individual submitting the complaint. The chairperson will review the complaint and refer it to the appropriate individual, committee or administrator for resolution.

The program also accepts anonymous communications. The chairperson will review all concerns and make reasonable efforts to address them. All matters will be handled confidentially and without fear of reprisal.