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University of Pittsburgh    
2021-2022 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2021-2022 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physical Therapy, DPT - Residential Program


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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is the entry-level educational program which prepares students for careers as physical therapists. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, a student is eligible for the licensure examination, which is required to practice as a physical therapist. The goal of the DPT curriculum is to prepare students to become self-directed and self-accountable physical therapists who can function in a cost-effective manner in all settings, and with persons of all ages. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enhance human movement and function through the use of evidence-based practice principles. Physical therapy graduates will have a foundation on which to base further knowledge and skills in specialty areas and to contribute to development of the art and science of physical therapy.

Contact Information

David M. Wert, PT, PhD 
Associate Professor/Vice Chair of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education 
Department of Physical Therapy 
Bridgeside Point 1 
100 Technology Drive, Suite 210 
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130 
412-383-5397 
Fax: 412-648-5970
E-mail: ptinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt

Application Process

Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is only available on a full-time basis. The DPT program begins with the start of the Fall Term.  All applicants must apply to the program through the PT Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). This information is located on the Department website.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible to apply to the DPT program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree, taken and successfully passed all prerequisite coursework, and must demonstrate evidence of experience in a physical therapy setting in either a volunteer or paid capacity.  The Graduate Record Exam is optional and scores can be submitted as part of the on-line application process.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
  • 3 letters of recommendation: 1 from a licensed Physical Therapist (from applicant’s volunteer or work experience in a PT setting); 1 from a college level Professor; and 1 from any of the following: an additional licensed Physical Therapist, an additional college-level Professor, or a Supervisor/Employer (preferably in a healthcare or related setting).
  • Demonstrated evidence of exposure to the field of physical therapy and an appreciation of the breadth, depth, and scope of physical therapist practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in a physical therapy setting; while there is no minimum number of hours required, 150 hours of physical therapy experience is recommended. It is preferable for applicants to show evidence of the willingness to work with a variety of patients in different physical therapy settings.
  • The Department faculty have outlined the Technical Standards deemed essential for successful completion of the DPT curriculum. Students admitted to the DPT program must review the Technical Standards and submit a signed form indicating that they meet the Technical Standards at the time of matriculation into the program.
  • Please note that many clinical sites will require a Child Abuse clearance (Act 33), Criminal Background check (Act 34), and a drug screen prior to participation in a clinical education experience. If you do not have a clean background check for either Act 33/34 clearance, or a clean drug screen you may not be able to participate in Clinical Education and therefore will not be able to meet the DPT requirements for graduation.
  • Graduate Record Examination - (GRE -general). If desired, GRE scores can be sent to institution code 7754.

Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act and if you have a criminal record you may not be able to become licensed to practice as a physical therapist after graduation. Should you have concerns regarding your eligibility, we recommend you contact your state licensing board for further clarification.

Prerequisite Coursework (minimum credit hours listed is based on a semester system equivalent)

  • Chemistry I and II sequence with labs, 8 credit hours.
  • Physics I and II sequence with labs, 8 credit hours.
  • Biology I and II sequence with labs, 8 credit hours.
  • Anatomy (human, vertebrate, comparative or anatomical kinesiology), 3 credit hours.
  • Physiology (human physiology preferred), 3 credit hours.
    *A two course sequence of anatomy/physiology may meet the anatomy and physiology requirements as long as there is a total of 6 credit hours.
    **Science courses must be for science majors or pre-med majors. Introductory or remedial courses are not accepted as prerequisites.
  • Two courses in Psychology that should include a general psychology course and a specialized psychology course such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology of disability, sports psychology - 6 credit hours.
  • Statistics, 3 credit hours.
  • English Writing (English composition or an upper-division writing course), 3 credit hours.

While not required, faculty have found taking an undergraduate course in Exercise Physiology benefits students during their first term in the DPT program.  At the time of application no more than 2 courses can be outstanding and must be completed prior to starting the program. While not required, it is preferable that courses be completed within the past 5 years.

Academic Standards

In addition to the University-wide academic rules and regulations as detailed in the General Academic Regulations section of this catalog, the DPT program is regulated by the SHRS Academic Standards.

Statute of Limitations


All requirements of the DPT must be completed within three years. Extension of the statute of limitations may be granted if there are extenuating circumstances. Such requests, listing reasons for the extension and the amount of additional time needed, must be approved by the department chair.

Comprehensive Examinations


Students in the DPT program are required to pass a written comprehensive examination before the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree can be awarded. The written comprehensive examination is a cumulative examination covering the core clinical sciences and focusing on physical therapy practice.

Degree Requirements


The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a 2.3 year (7 semester*) professional course of study including clinical internships.

*From an Academic Proposal approved in May 2021, the terms were reduced from 8 to 7. This change is effective beginning Fall 2021. 

DPT Curriculum


Our rigorous curriculum is built around 4 key areas: basic science, clinical science, leadership & professional development, and critical inquiry. The DPT plan of study integrates the basic sciences and clinical practice, emphasizes evidence based practice and includes a comprehensive array of course offerings in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, cardiopulmonary, geriatric, and pediatric physical therapy, as well as course content related to leadership & professional development.

We want to make sure our graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce so we complement our didactic education program with a clinical program that includes 42 weeks of full-time clinical internships. The curriculum is designed to emphasize early and intensive integration of our students into the clinical environment throughout their educational program. Our students begin their clinical affiliations during the 2nd semester in the program and conclude with two consecutive 15-week termal clinical education experiences. 

 

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