Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed and dynamic health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very old, who have functional limitations, disabilities or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform activities ranging from basic activities of daily living to the highest levels of athletic competition. PTs examine each individual and develop customized rehabilitation plans using basic to highly specialized treatment techniques and technologies to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTs work with a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and medical conditions. Some examples of diagnoses of individuals who might be seen by a physical therapist include athletic injury, rotator cuff (shoulder) injury, ACL knee injury, total joint replacement, back pain, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of function and mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides students with a comprehensive preparation for providing physical therapy services. The curriculum provides students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary for excellence in physical therapy practice. The DPT curriculum requires 10 semesters of full-time course work over the course of 3.5 calendar years. The DPT program is considered a "lock step" curriculum, meaning that the courses are taken in a specific sequence meant to build each students' knowledge and skill.