Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

The three-year post-baccalaureate Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program combines didactic work with clinical experiences to prepare students to practice in all clinical areas of physical therapy. Graduates of the program are not only prepared to examine and treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems, they are also skilled in injury prevention and health maintenance techniques for people at all stages of life. They are prepared to apply scientific knowledge, humanistic values, critical analysis and a systematic approach in order to make clinical decisions.

Visits to local physical therapy facilities are integrated throughout the curriculum. Full-time clinical affiliations begin in the pre-fall of the second year and are interspersed throughout the rest of the program. Upon graduation, Jefferson students are well prepared for clinical practice and are able to address the unique individual needs of patients.

Research

Working in groups, students are required to perform a systematic review of the literature on a clinical topic which is initiated by faculty who act as Faculty Research Advisors (FRA). Topics will be selected in the Critical Inquiry III course in July of the student's final year in the DPT program.

Clinical Affiliations

To maximize students' opportunities to experience and participate in the practice of physical therapy, the department has established clinical contracts with a variety of local, national, and international facilities, including Native American hospitals and other specialized practices. Clinical placement is based on each student's strengths, weaknesses and needs. Students are responsible for all financial costs during their clinical affiliations, including but not limited to travel and housing.

Students are expected to complete a rehabilitation, an acute care, and an outpatient affiliation. The final clinical affiliations may be in a specialty area. The availability of specialty affiliations varies from year to year and cannot be guaranteed.

Requirements for Admission for the entry-level DPT Program

• Earned bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or admissions through articulated 3+3 programs (link to 3+3 page)with appropriate GPA as indicated by the home institution
• A total of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in two physical therapy settings is strongly recommended
• Two letters of recommendation with a strong preference for one academic and one professional reference
• Essay
• The following coursework (must earn a C or better in all transferable coursework)

A downloadable/printable PDF of this complete curriculum structure is available here.

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