The mission of the entry-level doctor of physical therapy program is to prepare each student to practice as a generalist, serve as an advocate for clients and the profession, and interact collaboratively with a variety of health care professionals.

As a practitioner of physical therapy, the graduate is prepared to practice autonomously, assess risk, promote health and wellness and provide education at all levels of service. The graduate should be able to employ critical thinking skills to assess the efficacy of interventions and engage in research to support the scope of practice as it continues to evolve.

Emphasis on community service, lifelong learning and professional development strengthen the educational foundation of the physical therapy program. To achieve its mission, the program in physical therapy shares the University's commitment to three major values: high quality academic programs, a student-oriented environment and a strong sense of community.

The foundation of its curriculum consists of the arts and sciences, including humanistic and social science traditions. This foundation allows the program to cultivate the student's critical and creative thinking skills, communication skills and clinical competencies. The program uses a model of evidenced-based learning and authentic assessment in a highly personalized learning environment that features small classes, multiple hands-on and authentic laboratory activities.

The program is divided into a three- or a four-year pre-professional component leading to a BS in health and sciences studies degree, followed by a three-year professional graduate component leading to the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.

Pre-Professional Component (BS in Health and Science Studies)
The pre-professional component provides a broad liberal arts education, as well as the basic science foundation for the professional component. Consistent with Quinnipiac's mission, this integration of the arts and sciences with graduate professional studies prepares students to be responsible decision-makers in a society that increasingly demands its professionals understand the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and technology.

Students are required to select and adhere to coursework in either the three- or four-year pre-professional track at the end of the spring semester of the first year. If the three-year track is selected, students will not be allowed transfer into the four-year curriculum at a later date.
Learn more about the three-year track curriculum
Learn more about the four-year track curriculum

Professional Component (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
During the three-year, professional graduate DPT component, students develop the specific knowledge base, clinical skills, problem-solving ability and professionalism necessary to become entry-level physical therapists.

The program objectives are:

• To prepare physical therapy clinicians sensitive to the evolving concept of comprehensive health care and prepared to cooperate with other health professionals in meeting the changing health needs of society
• Assist the student in the acquisition of the basic skills for assuming beginning responsibilities in the areas of patient care, administration, education and research
• Cultivate in the student knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the social, political and economic aspects of health in conjunction with the humanities.

The program in physical therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.