Physical Therapy (DPT) | Springfield College

Physical Therapy (DPT)

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in May (summer semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete the program in 3 years
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Looking for an undergraduate degree?

We offer dual-degree BS and Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years.

Resources
Upcoming Events

Doctor of Physical Therapy Virtual Information Session
Friday, October 4 at noon
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Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, October 21 at noon
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Graduate Open House
Thursday, November 7 at noon or 5 p.m.
Register

Resources for Military & Veteran Students Information Session
Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.
Register

Doctor of Physical Therapy Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, December 11 at noon
Register

Student in physical therapy lab

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Springfield college teaches exemplary professional practice in physical therapy. You’ll be prepared to become a physical therapist who is able to recognize and meet existing and emerging health care needs. 

The program seeks to give you values and skills for lifelong learning, ethical behavior in practice, and a commitment to the enrichment and promotion of the physical therapy profession. Courses in anatomy, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of health care, research methodology, and statistics enable you to develop advanced problem-solving skills, a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, and a clinically-based understanding of administration, research, and evidence-based practice. Part- and full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities round out the program. 

Our program offers unique experiences as you learn, such as opportunities to:

  • Participate in the on-campus Community Mobility Clinic starting in year one of DPT program
  • Engage in physical therapy service delivery with our campus partner LIVE EVERY DAY
  • Become a student health coach for a participant in our Walk With Ease program
  • Participate in student physical therapy organization activities, which include DPT students mentoring undergraduate students

Best of all? Our program outcomes back us up, so you can feel confident knowing your career is just around the corner.

American Council of Academic Physical TherapyThe American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education programs as a whole.  ACAPT's core purpose is to lead physical therapy in the pursuit of academic excellence.

 

 

How to Apply:

Prerequisite Courses

The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the DPT program with a minimum grade of “C” or better:

  • Biology with a lab (8 credits)
  • General Chemistry with a lab (8 credits)
  • Physics with a lab (8 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology with a lab (8 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology with a lab (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • College-level math, Calculus preferred (3 credits)
  • Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology (6-9 credits)
  • Optional: Kinesiology (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

1. Complete either of the following:

  • Apply through PTCAS: Completed applications and requirements must be submitted through PTCAS.

OR

  • Apply using our online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.

2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.

3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.

4. Three letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

5. Shadow Hours: Documentation showing a minimum of 10 shadowing hours showing dates and hours worked signed by the supervising clinician.

6. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
 

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Doctor of Physical Therapy candidates must submit applications via PTCAS here.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Domestic Students

  • Application and Supporting Materials Priority Deadline: January 24
  • Following the priority deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available

 

International Students

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: December 1

*The Springfield College physical therapy program is primarily an early-assurance/dual-degree BS to DPT program.  As a result, the number of graduate entry candidates we can enroll is limited. 

“The DPT program provided a hands-on learning approach that facilitates learning and skills while maintaining smaller class sizes, which was important to me because I didn’t want to be ‘just a number.’” Allison Skinner, '19, DPT'21
Allison Skinner - Springfield College
“The Physical Therapy program at Springfield College has reinforced my desire to become a physical therapist, guided me on the best and most efficient path for this dream to occur, and has allowed me to grow as a professional through specifically tailored classes.” Olivia Schaub - Health Science: Pre-PT Class of 2025; DPT Graduate Class of 2027
Olivia Schaub - Springfield College
Physical Therapy Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Springfield College 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: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 413-748-3590 or email physicaltherapy@springfieldcollege.edu

The Health Sciences Center at Springfield College

The Springfield College Health Sciences Center empowers transformative approaches to education, career enhancement, service, research, and leadership in healthcare. The Center builds on the success of the School of Health Sciences, and ensure its standing as the leading choice for the finest students, faculty, and staff.

Springfield College Health Science Center on Monday, October 16, 2023.

The public or any other stakeholder of the DPT program at Springfield College has the right to make a complaint and receive a response from the institution. In Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards, this is referred to as a “complaint which falls outside the realm of due process.” If you feel that you need to let us know about an experience or encounter with any student, faculty, or staff member who is part of the DPT program, please use this form to provide all the relevant information. Springfield College will act on all program-related complaints in an expedient manner.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.
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