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Utica University
Students in Physical Therapy Lab 0555

Physical Therapy

  1. Academics
  2. Our Programs
  3. 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:

Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Department

Physical Therapy 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.

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.

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. 

Related Programs

  • Physical Therapy (online)

Contact Information

Office of Admissions

(315) 792-3006
admiss@utica.edu

General Information

Track

  • Major
  • Doctorate

Degree

  • B.S. to 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’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 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.

Full Physical Therapy Curriculum and Learning Objectives
Students use Wheelchair in Physical Therapy Lab 0557

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 at Utica College

Cassandra Plows 16

Born To Help Others

Ena and Tea Latic

Queens of the Ring

Dr. Thomas Crist

The Man from Grave 119

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
Utica College - DePerno Hall
Stephanie Williams, graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy programPlay Video

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.

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.

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.

English for Healthcare Header

Need help with your English Language skills?

Utica University offers an English for Healthcare program for those looking to improve English fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, communication skills, and confidence in order to take the next step in your healthcare career.

Learn More
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

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