Physical Therapy (DPT)
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Admissions Contact
Erin Pfeifer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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Looking for an undergraduate degree?
We offer dual-degree BS and Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years. |
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Upcoming Events
Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School |
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Improve Recovery Outcomes.
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.
The 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.
What job can I get with a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy?
A doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Springfield College opens the door to a variety of fulfilling career opportunities in healthcare. Graduates often become licensed physical therapists, providing hands-on care to help patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility. You could also pursue roles as rehabilitation directors, overseeing physical therapy programs in hospitals or clinics to ensure high-quality patient care.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, care for people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions.
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.
Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.
How to Apply:
Prerequisite Courses
Candidates applying for graduate admission must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester preceding the applicant's intended date of entry. A transcript documenting completion of courses is required prior to matriculation in the summer. Submission of Graduate Record Examination scores taken within five years of the date of the application is required. The following prerequisite courses are required for all applicants:
Eight credits with laboratory:
- Biology I and II
- Chemistry I and II
- Physics I and II
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
Three credits each:
- Exercise Physiology (with lab)
- Pre-Calculus or Calculus
- Psychology or Social Sciences (6 - 9 credits)
- Statistics
Additional information:
Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in both the science and the general education prerequisite courses and also a 3.0 overall cumulative average. There is a seven-year limit on basic science, mathematics, and computer science prerequisites. An extension of this limit requires that the applicant provide current and related experience within the specific area.
Admissions Requirements
1. Complete either of the following:
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. Short Answer: The ideal cohort of students in a DPT program is diverse in many ways. Based upon your background, describe an experience that demonstrates how you will contribute to our community of diverse learners.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Shadow Hours: Documentation showing a minimum of 10 shadowing hours showing dates and hours worked signed by the supervising clinician.
7. 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.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Domestic Students
- 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 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.
