Think critically, act professionally, serve altruistically
More than 120,000 physical therapists are licensed in the U.S., treating nearly 1 million people every day. Alvernia University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program aspires to develop “ethical leaders with moral courage,” prepared to assume a leadership role in addressing the health-related concerns society faces. Alvernia’s DPT program utilizes a state-of-the-art facility, featuring Anatomage Virtual Dissection tables, a research lab with motion analysis system, a real-time ultrasound unit, a split-belt treadmill, surface electromyography and accelerometers.
Performance-based physical therapy education, which focuses on the practical application of knowledge and the development of clinical skills ensures that graduates will be prepared to have an immediate impact on the lives of others. Numerous service-learning opportunities are provided early and often and include interprofessional educational experiences with students from other programs.
The DPT program is offered in a 4+3 year curricular format. Prospective students with an earned bachelor’s degree from Alvernia or another four-year accredited institution are welcome to apply. A 3+3 year, accelerated format is also available that allows Alvernia students who are admitted as undergraduate freshmen into one of 4 majors (Biochemistry, Biology, Healthcare Science, or Psychology) to begin the professional phase of the curriculum in their senior year. Upon maintaining the required GPA and completion of all requirements, these students are eligible to compete with other accelerated students for entrance into the program, and may complete their undergraduate training and doctoral degree within 6 years.
Faculty have extensive clinical experience and continue to practice and conduct meaningful research within their varied areas of clinical specialization. Local clinical experts support the coursework by imparting their areas of specialized knowledge and skill to the students. The program’s NPTE passage rate, graduation rate and employment rate are high and meet accreditation standards.
Estimated Program Length | 3 years |
Credit Hours | 121 |
Course Length | 13 weeks |
Transfer Credits Accepted | Up to 6 |
Cost per Credit | $1,088 |