The mission of the University's DPT program is to graduate competent, versatile, reflective, empathetic and autonomous practitioners who by virtue of their critical thinking and active learning skills, clinical experience, diagnostic proficiency, ethical and behavioral standards and commitment to professionalism, will be prepared to assist and direct the patient or client in achieving optimum function. These practitioners will contribute to their practice and society through continued professional growth and personal example of a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Physical Therapy is a health profession involved in prevention, evaluation and treatment of physical dysfunction and injury. The practice is based in movement sciences. Physical therapists aid patients from pediatrics to geriatrics in the best methods of restoring an optimum quality of life.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Program
The Institute of Physical Therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) as a first professional degree to those candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree and the required prerequisite courses. The DPT program takes seven trimesters (2.3 years) to complete. The first six trimesters provide the foundation needed for the general practice of physical therapy while the seventh trimester offers courses leading to several specializations including manual physical therapy. The DPT prepares you to take the national licensure exam necessary to practice Physical Therapy. Our 2009 pass rate percentage for the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination was 96%.
The DPT degree program is offered as a full-time, residential program in St. Augustine, FL, San Marcos, CA and Austin, TX. Classes begin three times per year: September, January and May.
Program Features
- Small class ratios promoting development of close relationships with both faculty and peers.
- An interdisciplinary educational curriculum where occupational and physical therapy students take classes and work together as commonly practiced in clinical settings.
- Well-educated and experienced faculty who are attuned to student needs.
- St. Augustine, San Marcos and Austin are ideal for student life with excellent recreational and cultural activities.