Physical Therapy
About This Program
The Department of Physical Therapy offers two doctoral programs, each leading to the clinical doctorate in PT.
Department
Why Utica University
Each doctoral program in PT 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 requirement for the future of PT.
Each program is contributing to the community of learners both near and far. 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 curriculum and faculty from any location in the world, once the initial residency weekend is completed.
**Utica University no longer requires observation hours for application purposes.
If you are just beginning your academic career, you may be interested in our entry level program:
Physical Therapy B.S. to D.P.T.
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.
Licensure:
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.
Our entry level program admits a class of 36 each year and there are two enrollment streams - undergraduate as direct freshman admit OR graduate.
Utica University also offers a post-professional program in physical therapy that is not accredited by CAPTE. Our online transitional DPT program has seen exponential growth over the past three years, with new cohorts admitted three times each calendar year.
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Contact Information
John Rowe
General Information
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 entry-level DPT curriculum integrates traditional instruction with case analysis to guide, stimulate, and challenge student learning while fostering development as professionals with sound reasoning skills. To provide context for learning, small group discussions of clinically relevant case studies, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum.
For more information about the program:
Doctor of Physical Therapy Information Guide, including application information
Physical Therapy Faculty
- Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy
- Professor PHT
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
- Professor of Practice PHT
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
- Director Transitional DPT
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Assistant Professor PT
- Lab Director
- Dean of Health Profess & Education and Professor of Physical Therapy
- Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
- Assistant Director of Clinical Education
- Professor of Practice
- Assist. Professor PHT
- Physical Therapy Lab Director
Physical Therapy News
A Degree That Works
Utica University’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
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.
Learn More
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program
Utica University has partnered with Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) to provide a unique orthopedic physical therapy residency program. This 12-month program focuses on advanced clinical decision making and prepares residents to provide the highest level of care to patients with complex orthopedic conditions
Learn More
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.
Get licensed
Utica University physical therapy graduates are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states.
Student Voices: Christine Carpenter
A conversation with Health Studies / Physical Therapy student Christine Carpenter about her experience at Utica University.
In the Spotlight
Utica University Mental Health Open Forum with Christian Beck
Nationally-Recognized Entrepreneur, Author and Advocate Jaime Spencer '99 interviewed on hit digital series, OT Miri
Finding Her Place: Maryanne Lazore ‘21
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