Physical Therapy, DPT - Hybrid Program

Return to: Academic Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree (Hybrid Option)

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, graduates of the program are eligible for the licensure examination, which is required to practice as a practicing physical therapist. The goal of the DPT curriculum is to prepare students to become self-directed, 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. Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program 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 each year 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.  Within the PTCAS application, applicants will be required to select the specific program (Residential / Hybrid / Either) for which they wish to be considered for admission.

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.  Failure to include GRE scores will NOT impact the review of an application.

• 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.