Dance/Pre-PT to DPT

Dual Degree
Dance and Pre-PT to Doctorate of Physical Therapy

About This Program

Program Contacts

Delivery

Admissions Requirements

Paying for Your Education

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dance and PT Major students working together

The Dance/Human Services: 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 movement studies and physical therapy. 

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. Auditions take place in the dance studio on the Springfield College campus, they may also coincide with an undergraduate open house.

Audition Dates:*
Auditions take place in November and February.

Please email admissions@springfieldcollege.edu to register for an audition.

*Contact Sarah Zehnder, director of dance, at szehnder@springfield.edu to arrange an alternative in-person audition. For anyone unable to attend an in-person audition, video auditions also may be submitted.

Instructions for video submissions:

  1. 30-second introduction (tell us a little bit about yourself)
  2. 2-3 minute solo in any style that best showcases you as a dancer (all styles welcomed and encouraged)
  3. Create an unlisted or private Vimeo or YouTube link (if private, please include password) and send to Sarah Zehnder, director of dance, at szehnder@springfield.edu by the deadline listed above.
Dance at Springfield College

Take a look inside the Dance Program at Springfield and what makes it unique. 

Alumni Stories

Alexandra MacPherson '21, DPT '23

The dance program here at Springfield College is unlike any other dance or performing arts major at another school. Most performing arts programs are focused solely on advancing technique with the goal of producing professionals in his/her chosen discipline. Through the collaboration of dance and physical therapy I have learned more about the field of PT, how my body functions, and how I can help keep my body safe from injury and pain.    

Alexandra MacPherson dancing
Incoming first year Springfield College students participate in June Orientation on Alden Street
Core Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed in faithfulness to the Springfield College mission and to further strengthen the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body.

Student at the Learning Commons
Career Center

The Career Center’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students and alumni to effectively make well-informed career decisions. The staff is committed to student learning and development, and offers a variety of opportunities and programming for students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.