Doctor of Physical Therapy

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. During the first two semesters, students 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. During the last year of study, students return to Emory to complete faculty-guided research projects and advanced coursework, including choices from numerous elective courses in areas of individual interest. 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.

All post-secondary education will include a Bachelor\u2019s degree or its equivalent, as well as post-baccalaureate degrees and other coursework not undertaken for a degree.

If you are an international applicant, you may need to submit TOEFL scores.

Application Deadline is October 15.