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Utica University
Physical Therapy Lab 0554

Physical Therapy

  1. Academics
  2. Our Programs
  3. Physical Therapy

About This Program

The Department of Physical Therapy offers two doctoral programs, each leading to the clinical doctorate in PT.

Department

Physical Therapy 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.

Program Outcome Information

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.

Related Programs

  • Physical Therapy (online)

Contact Information

John Rowe

Executive Director of Graduate Admissions
(315) 792-3010
jrowe@utica.edu

General Information

Track

  • Doctorate

Degree

  • D.P.T.

Location

  • Utica Campus
Utica Excellence, Utica Value

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.

Cassandra Plows '16 Physical Therapy

Graduation Rate

98.45%

Licensure Exam Ultimate Pass Rate

94.37%

Employment Rate (6 months after licensure)

100%

Career Opportunities

Utica University’s physical therapy program prepares students for success in one of the nation’s fastest growing fields, and in a myriad of work environments, including:
    • Hospitals
    • Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
    • Private Practice
    • Rehabilitation Centers
    • Home Healthcare Services
physical therapy equipment generic

Get Licensed

Graduates of the Physical Therapy Program are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states.

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
 

Full Physical Therapy Curriculum and Learning Objectives
Students in Physical Therapy Lab 0555

Physical Therapy Faculty

Dr. Thomas Crist
Thomas Crist, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy
Ashraf Elazzazi
Ashraf M. Elazzazi, Ph.D.
  • Professor PHT
Ashraf Elmarakaby headshot
Ashraf Elmarakby, D.P.T.
  • Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Deanna M. Errico, D.P.T.
  • Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Dawn E. Evans, DPT, D.P.T.
  • Professor of Practice PHT
Dr. Molly Hickey
Molly A. Hickey, D.P.T.
  • Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Samantha L. Marocco, D.P.T.
  • Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Denise M. McVay, DPT, D.P.T.
  • Director Transitional DPT
Gabriele Moriello
Gabriele R. Moriello, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Michelle Nunno-Evans
Michelle T. Nunno-Evans, DPT, D.P.T.
  • Assistant Professor PT
Valerie A. O'Reilly, D.P.T.
  • Lab Director
Ahmed Radwan stands on campus.
Ahmed Y. Radwan, Ph.D., D.P.T.
  • Dean of Health Profess & Education and Professor of Physical Therapy
David Schilling
David Schilling, PT, DPT, OCS
  • Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Brittany Simpson
Brittany J. Simpson, DPT
  • Assistant Director of Clinical Education
  • Professor of Practice
Jan M. Simpson, DPT, B.S.
  • Assist. Professor PHT
Jonathan T. Small, DPT, D.P.T.
  • Physical Therapy Lab Director

Physical Therapy News

Pillows on a Bed in Dark Room with lamp light.

Research by Physical Therapy doctoral students could lead to better sleep and better health

James Smith Professor pf Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Prof. Jim Smith Receives National Award

Megan Sliski 20

Doctoral student elected President of New York Physical Therapy Association

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
Utica College - DePerno Hall
Patient in walker being assisted at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

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
Adrianna Suprenant-BenkwittPlay Video

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.

Physical Therapy lab

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 KempPlay Video

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.

physical therapy equipment generic

Get licensed

Utica University physical therapy graduates are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states.

Student Voices: Christine CarpenterPlay Video

Student Voices: Christine Carpenter

A conversation with Health Studies / Physical Therapy student Christine Carpenter about her experience at Utica University.

In the Spotlight

Headshot of Maryanne Lazore '21, smiling at camera in hallway.
Student

Finding Her Place: Maryanne Lazore ‘21

Ever since her first year of high school, Maryanne Lazore ‘21 knew she wanted to be a physical therapist, but...
Dr Ivan Iton '21 looks through microscope
Alumni

Dr. Ivan Iton ‘21 helping Atlanta athletes get back on their feet and back on the field

Ivan Iton ‘21 is no stranger to the rigors of athletics. The Doctor of Physical Therapy alum and standout basketball...
Kim Slezak '21 stands by the water following graduation from UC's ABSN program in Florida.
Alumni

Support, Opportunity, and a Fast-Track to Her Nursing Career: Kim Slezak ‘21

Kim Slezak ‘21 has been interested in healthcare a long time. When she was a young child watching her grandmother...
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