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.
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.
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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
- 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 at Utica College
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.
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
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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