Dance/Pre-PT to DPT
Dance and Pre-PT to Doctorate of Physical Therapy
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Elevate Human Movement.
The Dance/Health Sciences: Pre-PT to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Springfield College taps into two of our already existing programs to provide a unique experience for students who want to focus their academic studies in two related disciplines: dance and physical therapy. Springfield College was ranked in the top 7% (40 out of 584) for best college for Physical Therapy in America by Niche in 2025.
The program will admit students to an undergraduate dual-degree program in both dance and health science on the pre-physical therapy track (HSPT) with direct entry to the DPT program for graduate studies (contingent on meeting the HSPT to DPT academic standards).
The combination of Dance and Physical Therapy studies, both of which revolve around human movement, is natural. There is a growing demand for Physical Therapy for dancers and other performing artists and a lack of PTs who have the dance major background that many dance companies and performing arts organizations look for in their hires. This program was created to meet the need for trained PTs who understand dance/dancer’s body/baseline is different from an average person.
Dance Audition
Auditions are required and are offered in-person at our dance studio on campus or via video submission.
What job can I get with a degree in Dance/DPT?
A degree in Dance and Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy from Springfield College prepares you for a unique career that combines your passion for dance with the science of physical therapy. Graduates can pursue roles such as dance physical therapists, specializing in treating dancers and other performing artists. This program also provides a direct path to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, allowing you to further your education and expertise in physical therapy.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises; training in functional movement, which may include the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve mobility and decrease pain.
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories. There are many types of dance, such as ballet, tango, modern dance, tap, and jazz. Dancers spend years learning dances and perfecting their skills. They usually perform as part of a group and know a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, and modern dance. In addition to traditional performances in front of a live audience, many perform on TV, in videos on the Internet, and in music videos, in which they also may sing or act. Many dancers perform in shows at casinos, in theme parks, and on cruise ships.
