Physical Therapy
About This Program
You’re happiest when you’re helping others. You’re naturally full of energy, and you want a career that keeps you on your toes. You’re patient, understanding, and compassionate. Physical therapy may be the program for you.
If you are already a Physical Therapist, you may be interested in our doctorate program:
Department
Why Utica University
Utica University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies, leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for qualified students who meet required continuation standards. This is considered a guaranteed freshman admission into the DPT program at Utica University; students accepted as freshmen (designated HSPT or HSP4) are guaranteed entry into the professional PT program pending successful completion of requirements.
Utica University’s program in physical therapy offers two paths to the clinical doctorate in PT. Each program is distinct, offering education to meet the needs of the learners, whether on campus for entrance into the profession (entry level) or through a combined residency and online model for the practicing clinician who aspires to have the degree commensurate with the vision for the future of PT. Students in the entry-level program are involved in clinical experiences nationally and internationally; students in the post professional program have access to the finest faculty from any location in the world.
Accreditation
The Entry level DPT program at Utica University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call (315) 792-3075 or email aelazza@utica.edu.
As a CAPTE accredited program, the Utica University Entry Level DPT Program is designed to meet educational requirements intended to prepare students to pursue professional licensure that is required in the U.S. for employment and to practice in the field of Physical Therapy. However, additional requirements for licensure or certification beyond these educational requirements and the National Physical Therapy Licensure Exam may vary in each state. These additional requirements may include jurisprudence assessment, criminal background check, professional liability insurance or other non-educational requirements. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements in the state in which they intend to seek licensure.
The Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) provides some great resources for such requirements that can be reviewed using this link "Licensure Reference Guide" or visiting www.fsbpt.org. Additionally, FSBPT also maintains a list of licensing boards' contact information. However, this list does not include American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam.
Additional questions may be directed to the Graduate Admissions or Physical Therapy Department Chair at Utica University.
Graduation Rate: 95.8%
Over the last two years (2023 - 2024), 95.8% of Utica University Physical Therapy graduates completed the professional program and graduated on time.
2023 91.4%
2024 100%
Employment Rate (6 months after licensure): 100%
Over the last two years (2022 - 2023), 100% of those who graduated from the Utica University Physical Therapy Program who sought employment in physical therapy (full-time or part-time) were employed within 1 year following graduation.
2022: 100%
2023: 100%
Licensure Exam First Time Pass Rate: 81%
Over the last two License exam cycles (2023 and 2024), 81% of Utica University Physical Therapy graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Exam after the first take.
2023: 74.2%
2024: 87.5%
Licensure Exam Ultimate Pass Rate: 89%
Over the last two years (2022 and 2023), 89%of Utica University Physical Therapy graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Exam.
2022: 88.6%
2023: 90.3%
(Updated November 2024)
Graduate Admissions
Program Specific Requirements
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) - Campus-based Program
Utica University participates in the centralized Application process for PT (PTCAS). To apply, please go to their website at www.ptcas.org.
Note: All program applicants must read the DPT information guide thoroughly before applying:
Applicants to the graduate physical therapy program (DPT) program must have:
- Bachelor’s degree with a “B” average (3.2 or higher) from an accredited institution.
- Two personal recommendations (one from a currently practicing physical therapist and one from an academic professor).
- For non-native speakers of English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based examination; a minimum TOEFL score of 213 on the computer-based examination; 79 on the internet-based examination (minimum of 25 on the speaking portion required).
- An academic history that includes the courses listed below. All courses should have been taken through the appropriate departments, e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology. All prerequisite courses must have been completed prior to the start of the Physical Therapy Program. All science courses must have been taken within 10 years prior to applying. Students must earn grades of “B-” or better in the following science courses:
a. Biological Sciences: two courses (anatomy/ physiology course with laboratory would meet this requirement).
b. Upper Level Science: one upper level course (300–400) of at least 3 credits with a biology focus. This course can be taken through another department such as Exercise Science or Kinesiology but preferably should be taken through the biology department. Examples of courses that would fulfill the requirement are: Neuroscience, Principles of Motor Control, and Biology of Aging.
c. Physical Sciences: four courses, two courses in general chemistry with laboratory (equivalent to 8 semesters hours) and two courses in physics with laboratory (equivalent to 8 semester hours).Important Note:
Prerequisite courses equivalent to the following Utica University courses (Check Utica's Course Catalog):
BIO 101/L and BIO 102/L
CHE 211/L and CHE 212/L or CHE 263/L
PHY 151/L and PHY 152/L
Note: Prerequisite science courses can only be repeated once in order to get a grade of B- or better. Applicants must have an overall Science GPA of 3.0 or higher as configured in the PTCAS application.
- Students must earn grades of "C" or better in the following:
a. Psychology: three courses, one being general or introductory psychology.
e. Statistics: : one course. (Content should include descriptive statistics, differences between two means, correlation, and beginning concepts of analysis of variance.)
Note for Canadian Applicants: All Canadian applicants to Utica University need to review and understand the requirements of the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators regarding credentialing in Canada for “internationally educated applicants.” Please go to www.alliancept.org for more information. - Plan of Prerequisite Completion Form
- Completed Essential Functions Statement
Transitional Program in Physical Therapy (tDPT ) - Online Program
Applicants to the tDPT program (who are living in the US and licensed or license-eligible as physical therapists) must have:
- Transcript from a physical therapist degree program
- Professional portfolio
- Current US state professional license (or proof of eligibility to sit for licensure in the US)
- Two written recommendations
- Brief essay articulating goals for ppDPT study
Applicants to the tDPT program (who are living in the US OR outside of the US and who are NOT YET licensed or license-eligible as physical therapists) must have:
- A comprehensive credential evaluation from the Foreign Credentialing Committee on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) noting that their entry-level physical therapy education is “substantially equivalent to the first professional degree in physical therapy in the United States. The first professional degree in the United States is the master’s degree or higher.”
NOTE: The Utica University tDPT curriculum does not provide the education that offers a path for US licensure as a physical therapist and/or a Visa to practice physical therapy in the US. - Professional portfolio
- Current license from country of origin (if living outside of the US)
- Two written recommendations
- Brief essay articulating goals for ppDPT study
- English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your first language -- UC requires a TOEFL score of 550 written, 213 computer-based, 79 internet-based and IELTS of 6.0.
Graduates are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states. Students may take the NPTE only after all program requirements are met. The Utica University Entry Level DPT Program is designed to meet educational requirements intended to prepare students to pursue professional licensure that is required in the U.S. for employment and to practice in the field of Physical Therapy. However, additional requirements for licensure or certification beyond these educational requirements and the NPTE may vary in each state. These additional requirements may include jurisprudence assessment, criminal background check, professional liability insurance or other non-educational requirements. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements in the state in which they intend to seek licensure.
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) provides some great resources for such requirements that can be reviewed using this link "Licensure Reference Guide" or visiting www.fsbpt.org. Additionally, FSBPT also maintains a list of licensing boards' contact information. However, this list does not include American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam.
See below for information about program length, clinical education requirements, and detailed costs for both the regular (4+3) and accelerated (3+3) DPT tracks:
Any student, faculty, staff or any individual, group or organization, outside of the realm of due process, may provide feedback or file a complaint about the Utica University physical therapy program. Included in this group are complaints from prospective students, clinical education sites, employers of graduates, and the general public.
To provide feedback or file a complaint you may contact:
Professor Ashraf Elazzazi
Chair, Department of Physical Therapy
Utica University
1600 Burrstone Rd.
Utica, NY 13502
(aelazza@utica.edu)
OR
Dean Ahmed Radwan
Dean, School of Health Professions and Education
Utica University
1600 Burrstone Rd.
Utica, NY 13502
(aradwan@utica.edu)
Any person may submit a complaint about the program to Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE will investigate and take action on any complaint that alleges a violation of CAPTE’s accreditation Standards and Required Elements or CAPTE’s expectations related to program integrity.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245;
email: accreditation@apta.org;
website: http://www.capteonline.org.
Physical Therapy at Utica
"Utica has a great PT program. They have the gross anatomy lab right on campus, which is huge. With the health studies classes I’ve taken so far, I really like the program and I really love all my teachers. I’ve learned a lot."
Graduation Rate
Licensure Exam Ultimate Pass Rate
Employment Rate (6 months after licensure)
Career Opportunities
Get Licensed
What You'll Learn
The physical therapy curriculum integrates traditional instruction with case analysis to guide, stimulate, and challenge student learning, while fostering development as professionals with sound reasoning skills. Capstone projects under faculty supervision provide opportunities for students to meet the profession’s expectation for students to become consumers of research. Students will participate in 30 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences in a variety of settings, working with individuals across the lifespan.
Physical Therapy Faculty & Staff
- Assoc. Professor PT
- Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Professor of Practice- Physical Therapy
- Professor of Practice Physical Therapy
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapy Lab Director
- Associate Professor of Phyical Therapy
Physical Therapy at Utica University
A Degree That Works
Utica’s physical therapy program prepares students for success in one of the nation’s fastest growing fields, with alumni going on to accept jobs at numerous institutions, including:
- Samaritan Medical Center
- Garner Physical Therapy Center
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
- Athletic Orthopedic Neurological Physical Therapy
- St. Luke's Hospital
- Physical Therapy for Women (Wilmington, NC)
- Susquehanna Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Bridgewater Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Student Voices: Stephanie Williams G'23
Third-year graduate student Stephanie Williams talks about her experience in Utica's doctoral program in Physical Therapy, her clinical placements, and plans for the future.
Alumni Voices: Adriana Suprenant-Benkwitt G'17
A conversation with Adriana Suprenant-Benkwitt G'17, graduate of Utica University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Dive Deeper
The Interprofessional Education (IPE) program at Utica University helps you develop a deeper understanding of a broad range of roles in the health professions so that you can effectively team up with practitioners in other disciplines to deliver outstanding patient care.
Learn More
Student Voices: Dan Kemp
Physical therapy major Dan Kemp briefly talks about how the 3+3 program allowed him to study Health Studies in three years as an undergrad and concentrate on Physical Therapy for three years of graduate work.
Student Voices: Christine Carpenter
A conversation with Health Studies / Physical Therapy student Christine Carpenter about her experience at Utica University.
Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program
Utica University has partnered with Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady to provide a unique neurologic physical therapy residency program. This 12-month residency program focuses on advanced clinical decision-making.
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Utica University Announces Doctor of Physical Therapy, Performance Coach, Writer, and Educator as 2025 Graduate Commencement Speaker
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