DPT Frequently Asked Questions

DPT Frequently Asked Questions

DPT White Coat Ceremony 2023
What is the DPT?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a clinical, post-graduate doctoral degree that is 3 years in length and deemed to be the preferred credential for optimally preparing graduates to make significant contributions to the profession. There are currently over 350 accredited and developing DPT Programs in the country.  By January 1, 2016 all physical therapy educational programs must offer the DPT degree.

Is Physical Therapy the career for me?

If you are passionate about human movement and dedicated to improving the lives of others, physical therapy may be your calling. This career is ideal for those who enjoy collaborative environments and possess a natural drive for problem-solving. Beyond a strong interest in biological sciences, successful DPT candidates are empathetic communicators who are eager to become movement experts. If you find reward in the challenge of helping patients regain their independence and reach their full potential, this is the path for you.

What is the career outlook and demand for Physical Therapists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11% to 15% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. There are approximately 13,200 projected openings each year. As of 2024, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $101,020.

After graduation, will I be able to work anywhere?

Absolutely. Alvernia’s DPT program is dedicated to preparing graduates for success across the full spectrum of physical therapy practice. Our curriculum follows a "foundational-to-complex" instructional philosophy, ensuring you develop expert clinical reasoning in the four primary systems of practice: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary. With 36 weeks of full-time clinical internships—significantly surpassing CAPTE’s 30-week requirement—you will gain hands-on experience in diverse settings. While we ensure you are a strong generalist, you will also have the flexibility to pursue clinical specializations based on your professional interests. Alvernia graduates are comprehensively prepared to pass the licensure exam (NPTE) and excel in the practice setting of their choice, anywhere in the country.

How difficult is it to gain admission into Alvernia's DPT program?

Admission to Alvernia’s DPT program is competitive, reflecting the growing national demand for skilled physical therapists as our population ages. To accommodate different student backgrounds, we offer two distinct pathways for entry:

  • The Accelerated 3+3 Track: Designed for high-achieving high-school and undergraduate students at Alvernia, this path allows you to begin the professional phase of the DPT program during your senior year.
  • The Post-Baccalaureate 4+3 Track: This traditional path is intended for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from Alvernia or another accredited university.


Core Requirements for All Applicants: Regardless of the pathway, all prospective students must submit their application through PTCAS and complete the following:

  • Three professional references (including a licensed Physical Therapist and a Professor).
  • Documented clinical observation hours.
  • A written personal statement.
  • A formal interview with DPT faculty.

View Current Admissions Criteria for specific details on GPA requirements and prerequisite course lists, please visit our DPT Admission Requirements page.

Can I work while I am enrolled in the program?

Due to the rigorous academic schedule and the time-intensive nature of clinical rotations (which require travel), outside employment is strongly discouraged. The program requires a full-time commitment to ensure you meet the high standards of clinical excellence required for graduation and licensure.

Is on-campus housing available?

Yes! Alvernia University offers on-campus housing options specifically for DPT students, with several residential choices available directly on our Reading campus. We recognize that a convenient living environment is essential for success in a demanding doctoral program. For the most current information on housing applications, floor plans and residential rates, please visit our Residence Halls page.

How much is tuition? 

See the Tuition and Residential Costs page.

Are there any additional costs or fees?

See the Tuition and Residential Costs page.

Is financial aid available? 

Yes, a multitude of financial aid solutions may be available to support your academic endeavors. For details of financial aid available to Alvernia DPT students, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

When is my application due?

Due to the competitive nature of the program, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications for each subsequent class will be accepted from July 1 to January 15. Students will be informed of their application status no later than March 1.

When will I know if I've been accepted? 

Alvernia utilizes a rolling admissions, which means we review applications and conduct interviews throughout the cycle. You may be notified of your status shortly after your interview. At the latest, all applicants will receive official written notification by March 1 of the year they plan to begin the program.

When do classes start?

The DPT program starts in the summer semester (MOD 6).

Will I be placed in a clinic that is far away? 

Integrated (part-time) clinical experiences are scheduled at sites located close to Alvernia University during the didactic phase of the program. Full-time clinical internships take place at sites that may be located farther from campus. Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to travel and accommodations.

What type of clinical settings will I be experiencing?

Alvernia’s DPT program ensures you are prepared for the full scope of physical therapy practice. Our 4 full-time clinical internships and various part-time experiences are strategically integrated with your coursework to bridge the gap between the classroom and the clinic.

You will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of environments, including:

  • Inpatient Care: Acute care hospitals, subacute rehabilitation, and transitional care units.
  • Outpatient Care: Hospital-based clinics and free-standing private practices.
  • Community & Specialized Care: Pediatrics, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and nursing homes.

This diverse exposure ensures you graduate as a versatile movement expert ready to excel in any clinical setting.

What is academic dismissal? 

A student will be dismissed from the DPT Program if any of the following occur:

  • A student earns a semester GPA below 3.0 more than one time within the program.*
  • A student whose cumulative GPA has fallen below 3.0 and is unable to elevate this to 3.0 or greater within one semester.*
  • A student earns a final grade of “C” in more than one course in the same semester more than one time within the program.*
  • A student who earns a final course grade that is below a passing grade per course syllabus, thus indicating failure of the course.
  • A student who is in poor academic standing, as demonstrated by having met one of the aforementioned criteria, more than once throughout the Program.
     

* For the purpose of this policy, summer term grades will be considered part of the Fall Semester total GPA.


For a comprehensive breakdown of these policies and the appeals process, please consult the DPT Program Manuals.

Can I complete my DPT education on a part-time basis?

No. The Alvernia DPT program utilizes a full-time cohort model. This means you progress through the curriculum in a specific sequence, ensuring that foundational knowledge is built in the correct order. While we understand that extenuating circumstances may arise, requests for a leave of absence are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 610-568-1546 or email soo.sun@alvernia.edu or pamela.unger@alvernia.edu.


For more information regarding the process of accreditation, please contact the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Phone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org