Doctoral / PHD Programs in Physical Therapy and Therapist

Northwestern University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a holistic and in-depth educational experience, rooted in a leading-edge academic medical environment. This program is devoted to the growth of physical therapy and movement sciences, with a strong focus on educational excellence and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The program spans 32 months and adopts diverse educational strategies, including lectures, group discussions, labs for anatomy and clinical skills, team-based learning, research initiatives, community service, and interdisciplinary education. A key goal is to nurture clinical decision-making skills that are informed by scientific research, patient preferences, clinical data, and collaborative approaches.

The DPT program at Northwestern aims to equip students with the expertise, knowledge, and empathy needed to make significant contributions to public health through sophisticated clinical practice and research.

The features of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are:

• The curriculum covers both foundational science and clinical practice within the context of movement sciences, preparing students for a career that seamlessly blends patient care with scientific exploration.
• The program is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), affirming its adherence to stringent educational standards.
• In partnership with the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, the program offers a distinctive dual-degree (DPT/PhD) route, merging the disciplines of physical therapy and engineering to pioneer advanced rehabilitative treatments and technologies for individuals with movement disorders.
• Graduates, particularly from the DPT/PhD track, are set to become influential figures in engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and physical therapy, with expected significant contributions to the sector, including in the innovation of devices and restoration techniques for human function, potentially affecting the economics of rehabilitation healthcare.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Washington University in St. Louis aims to develop effective and empathetic physical therapists in a team-based learning setting. Ranked as the premier program by US News and World Report, it showcases faculty expertise in diagnosing and treating movement impairments, particularly in orthopedic and neuromuscular areas. Spanning 2 years and 8 months, this full-time program merges theoretical learning with hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that graduates possess the skills needed for patient care. The focus is on understanding the human movement system, with a curriculum that ties theoretical knowledge to practical experiences in various clinical settings.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the program fosters a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. It adopts a student-centric educational model, focusing on active, adaptable, and personalized learning experiences, supported by guidance and mentorship. The educational journey is structured around four stages of development, integrating all aspects of competency and the comprehensive adaptive learner model. Throughout their studies, students tackle progressively challenging case studies and participate in both part-time and full-time clinical experiences, strategically spread throughout their studies to deepen their practical understanding. This holistic educational approach is designed to equip students for leadership within the field, with a strong commitment to community health and fairness.

The Columbia University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, nestled within the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons' Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, champions a holistic educational philosophy. Renowned for weaving the esteemed Ivy League heritage with avant-garde teaching strategies, the program aspires to cultivate physical therapy experts proficient in both the theoretical and ethical dimensions of the field. Praised by HealthGrad.com for its exceptional value, the DPT program provides an exhaustive clinical training regimen through strategic alliances with premier healthcare facilities worldwide, effectively equipping students to navigate the intricacies of contemporary healthcare landscapes.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Columbia University is marked by several distinctive features that set it apart:

• White Coat Ceremony: A pivotal ceremony for incoming students, symbolizing their entry into physical therapy. Inspired by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, this ceremony emphasizes humanistic values in healthcare, with students receiving white coats in front of loved ones and faculty, marking the start of their professional development with an emphasis on faith, confidence, and compassion.
• Terminal Clinical Education Experience Model: A capstone experience in the final year, this model marks the culmination of clinical education. It provides an opportunity for students to enhance their advanced clinical skills within a specific specialty, guided by expert clinicians. This experience aims to familiarize students with the full spectrum of care in their specialty area, facilitating their transition from beginners to entry-level professionals.
• Adult-Learning Pedagogy: The program advocates for a student-centered learning approach, fostering an environment where students take an active and autonomous role in their education.
• Sequential Curriculum: The curriculum is strategically organized to progress from basic concepts to sophisticated application, incorporating critical thinking and clinical decision-making. This structure promotes a layered approach to learning that becomes more complex with each semester.
• Integrated Learning Objectives: The curriculum is designed with clear learning objectives that evolve across the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (attitudes and values) learning domains, offering a well-rounded framework for student development throughout the program.

A cornerstone of this program is the dedicated efforts of the clinical education team to foster and maintain ties with healthcare settings renowned for their superior patient care and educational caliber. The program is also home to PT-CAN, a dynamic student-led group that promotes community service and advocacy in physical therapy. PT-CAN offers students a spectrum of engagement opportunities, including the notable Lang Youth Medical Program. This initiative allows DPT students to mentor high school students, igniting their passion for healthcare professions and guiding them in their academic and career trajectories.

Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) confirms the program's adherence to the loftiest standards of physical therapy education, underscoring its commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare innovators.

In order to practice as a physical therapist, students must complete a Doctorate (Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT).

Typically DPT programs can be completed in 3 years.

It is important for students to research physical therapy programs as only graduates from CAPTE-accredited programs are eligible to take the licensure exam, which is required in order to practice.

In order to be a competitive applicant for DPT programs:.

Have verified experience in the field through volunteer or paid opportunities working with practicing physical therapists. Physical therapy programs that require field experience are usually specific regarding the length of time and types of experiences they require.

It is best to know the kinds of previous healthcare experience a program requires before you apply.

Explore the physical therapy field field experience is a requirement for many physical therapy programs.

Keep your grades as high as possible. An upward trend in grade performance will be noted.

Research programs in which you may be interested to determine their specific course and experience requirements.

What you can do as a second year grad student.

Letters of Recommendation for Grad Students Postdocs.

Division of Physical Therapy School of Medicine logo.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a professional doctorate designed to prepare physical therapists for practice in an evolving health care environment. societal and health care roles and responsibilities have grown to that of an independent practitioner.

Students in the Division of Physical Therapy at Emory earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The program of study is thirty-five months in length commencing in June and ending three years later in May. For all degree programs, the majority of credits required for graduation must be earned in the School of Medicine at Emory University. study focuses on the normal structure and function of the human body, principles of movement science across the life span and process skills (interpersonal communications and teaching-learning) integral to effective practice. Beginning the third semester, study of pathophysiology and disease processes is integrated with clinical problem solving clinical science courses. Following General Medical Conditions (Spring semester, year-1), Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (Summer, year-2) and Adult Neurorehabilitation and Pediatric Rehabilitation (Fall, year-2), students go into the clinic for 2 weeks to observe and participate in the care of clients demonstrating symptoms and conditions studied in the classroom. Before students are awarded their degrees, they must successfully complete 30 weeks of full time clinical internship at sites which represent the diverse environments in which physical therapists practice. Three full-time internships, each 10 weeks long, occur in the second and third years. Emory students choose from selected clinical education sites in the metropolitan Atlanta area and greater Georgia, as well as outstanding facilities around the nation. After graduation, all physical therapists must take a state licensure examination. Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program is required to take state licensure examinations in physical therapy.

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of probable academic success in the program experience and knowledge of physical therapy and, personal attributes such as good judgment, empathy, maturity, reliability, emotional stability, and effective interaction with people.

Successful applicants will demonstrate knowledge of the multiple roles of physical therapists in health care and a commitment to physical therapy as a profession. All potential applicants should observe physical therapists at work in different settings and maintain a record of these experiences. The variety of clinical settings observed, the total time the student has spent with physical therapists, and the number of hours of experience are used to evaluate experience in physical therapy.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Southern California stands out with its innovative hybrid format, blending the convenience of online learning with the immersive experience of on-campus sessions. This prestigious program is characterized by its intimate student-to-faculty ratio, hands-on clinical training, and globally recognized faculty. It employs a comprehensive, systems-based curriculum rooted in evidence-based practice, spanning key foundational sciences and the intricacies of patient care across vital body systems such as musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological. A unique emphasis is placed on holistic understanding, merging patient perspectives, cutting-edge research, and professional acumen. The full-time program spans three years.

The DPT@USC's hybrid design broadens its reach to students across the country, maintaining USC's esteemed educational standards without necessitating relocation. It equips graduates with the essentials for a thriving career in physical therapy, grounded in evidence-based and patient-focused approaches.

The features of the DPT program at USC are:

• Hybrid Learning Model: A synergistic mix of online coursework and in-person campus immersions, coupled with clinical practices within students' own communities, fosters a versatile and dynamic educational setting.
• Evidence-Based Curriculum: The curriculum is methodically structured around a systems-based framework, seamlessly integrating core scientific principles with practical patient care, all underpinned by the principles of evidence-based practice.
• Preparation for Professional Excellence: The program meticulously prepares its graduates for the National Physical Therapy Exam, setting the stage for licensure and subsequent practice as skilled physical therapists. It emphasizes a holistic care approach, spanning from wellness and prevention to the management of complex health conditions, all through the lens of patient-centered and evidence-informed treatment.
• Career Advancement: Graduates emerge as potential leaders in the physical therapy domain, adept at blending practice innovations, research breakthroughs, and technological advancements to enhance patient and client outcomes.

Online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) Program.

Two-Year Doctoral Degree Designed for Current PT Practitioners.

In contributing to your professional growth, our t-DPT program enhances your knowledge and skills, broadens your clinical perspective, and prepares you to be a competent doctoral-level physical therapist practitioner.

University of Michigan: Access to academic research resources at the Flint, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor campuses.

All coursework of the Transitional DPT program is completed online, allowing you to earn your degree while working full-time as a physical therapist in a clinical setting. The convenient online learning format provides you the flexibility to complete your courses anywhere.

As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan community, you also have access to academic and research resources at the Flint, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor campuses.

Courses are taught from an evidence-based perspective to develop your broad base of clinical knowledge and give you the specialized understanding that empowers you to excel as a leader in your field.

The courses are taught in semesters ranging from 10 to 14 weeks. The average length of program completion is two years. All degree requirements must be completed within three years from the time of initial acceptance.

Completion of the t-DPT Program does not confer eligibility to sit for the NPTE for U.S. Licensure.

While you are allowed to continue practice as a physical therapist with proper licensure, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) does encourage current BPT and MPT to pursue the doctoral level degree.

Overall 3.0 GPA or higher (4.0 scale) in the physical therapy degree.

to the Transitional DPT Program.

Copy of current Physical Therapy license issued in the United States or Canada (If the license has lapsed, submit a copy of the most recent license).

Official transcripts from the institution where your baccalaureate degree was earned and from the institution where your Physical Therapy degree was earned (if different from the college of your baccalaureate degree).

If educated outside the United States or Canad Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is recommended. Applicants may also use an appropriate service such as Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES).

This includes English proficiency requirements. Waivers for English Proficiency will not be entertained by the Physical Therapy Department for this program.

Physical Therapy and Therapist is completed 100% online. Admitted students are not eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa).

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) does not accredit post-professional physical therapy degree programs such as the Transitional-DPT (t-DPT) program.

Request information or t-DPT program today!

The NYU Steinhardt PhD in Physical Therapy Research is meticulously crafted for physical therapists with a clinical doctorate (DPT) or a master’s degree (MA, MS), setting the stage for them to embark on careers in independent research. This program is a blend of rigorous coursework and guided research, all focused on pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and practical application in physical therapy. It is dedicated to nurturing highly skilled researchers and visionary leaders poised to drive significant advancements in the physical therapy domain.

Encompassing 45 credit hours, the curriculum is a comprehensive mix of theoretical learning and hands-on research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. It is designed to refine students’ abilities in evaluating scientific literature, formulating critical questions, and designing robust experiments. The curriculum is detailed as follows: 15 credits in physical therapy specialization, 3 credits in higher education, 9 credits in specialized research methodology, 9 credits in electives, 3 credits in a departmental doctoral colloquium, and 3 credits in a dissertation proposal seminar.

The features of the PhD in Physical Therapy Research program are:

• The program is committed to shaping physical therapists into formidable researchers, with a strong emphasis on elevating both the scientific underpinnings and the clinical practices of physical therapy.
• A significant focus is placed on cultivating leadership skills vital for spearheading research initiatives and educational advancements in physical therapy. Students are encouraged to actively contribute to the body of physical therapy scholarship.
• Catering to diverse needs, the program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Full-time scholars are required to clear a qualifying exam after their first year and a candidacy exam after two years, leading up to their dissertation.
• The program prides itself on its robust mentorship model, where doctoral candidates engage in personalized mentorship with faculty advisors. This one-on-one guidance is designed to boost students' output in terms of scholarly publications, grant proposals, and presentations at conferences, significantly enriching their academic journey and professional competitiveness.

The University of Florida's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers an entry-level degree that equips students for a dynamic career in physical therapy, qualifying them for the licensure exam. With a curriculum grounded in the core sciences of biology, kinesiology, and psychology, the program integrates rigorous scientific reasoning and logical thinking throughout its courses. It champions a team-oriented approach to physical therapy, fostering collaborative relationships among healthcare professionals to achieve unified objectives.

Endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association, the DPT program is designed to develop graduates who are not only clinically adept according to the standards of evidence-based practice but also skilled in independent patient evaluation and treatment. These professionals are also proficient in working synergistically with other healthcare providers.

Structured over eight semesters, the program demands completion of 113 credit hours of specialized coursework, complemented by 32 weeks of immersive full-time clinical internships and additional part-time clinical engagements. The educational foundation of the program is built upon three pillars: a solid grounding in basic sciences, continuous application of logical and scientific methodologies, and a strong ethos of teamwork and collaboration. This triad shapes the program's philosophy, its mission, and the teaching and research approach of its faculty.

The DPT program is esteemed nationally, securing a place among the top six graduate physical therapy programs at public universities in the United States, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, it holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), underscoring its commitment to excellence in physical therapy education.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to cultivate highly competent physical therapists equipped to address the diverse health needs of populations in North Carolina and beyond. This program stands out for its strong emphasis on evidence-based care, seamlessly blending didactic education with hands-on clinical experience, research initiatives, and community service. It is committed to fostering a diverse cadre of physical therapy professionals who excel in various critical areas, including movement science, leadership, effective communication, and the practical application of research findings to enhance patient care.

The DP program spans three years, comprising 108 credit hours of combined didactic and clinical coursework, alongside 36 weeks dedicated to clinical rotations. Throughout the program, students must successfully navigate through four simulated clinical cases, complete a comprehensive written examination, and develop and present a capstone project. The academic journey begins with foundational courses in the basic sciences, advancing to more specialized clinical sciences and hands-on clinical experiences. During the initial two years, didactic sessions will occupy 25 to 35 hours weekly. Clinical rotations, however, intensify the commitment to a full-time, 40-hour week of direct clinical engagement. In the pivotal final year, the curriculum is delivered through a hybrid model, blending in-person instruction with online learning, yet maintaining a full-time commitment to class-related activities.

Graduates of the DPT program are expected to demonstrate superior skills in patient diagnosis, intervention strategies, educational outreach, collaborative healthcare practices, and healthcare administration. They are trained to provide exceptional care across a broad spectrum of community settings and patient life stages, with a foundational knowledge that supports specialization in areas of personal interest. The program is dedicated to instilling a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring that its alumni not only become leaders in the field of physical therapy but also serve as pivotal healthcare resources and advocates within their communities. This esteemed program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), affirming its adherence to the highest standards of physical therapy education.