Entry-Level Dual-Degree
On Campus
Visit the School of Health Sciences
On Campus
Visit the School of Health SciencesPhysical therapists do more than help people rehabilitate from injuries; they help clients young and old regain the flexibility, strength, and endurance they need to live fuller, more active lives through enhanced movement.
If you want a career that will enable you to help people recuperate from surgery, painful injuries or life-altering health conditions, Quinnipiac’s doctor of physical therapy program will put you on a clear path to your goal from day one. Our Entry-Level Dual-Degree Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is one of only a few offered in the country where qualified applicants are admitted as first-year students.
Our undergraduate curriculum, which can be completed in 3 or 4 years, is specifically designed to prepare you for the graduate physical therapy program. You will study human movement and explore methods of maintaining healthy movement, preventing disability and assessment of movement.
Upon successful completion of your Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies and after meeting specific program requirements, you are guaranteed admission to the graduate DPT program, where you'll learn to work as part of a healthcare team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
College Factual
College Factual
The health science studies major allows you to take specific courses in your choice of a concentration.
For students in the Entry-Level Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you will choose from Human Movement or Sports Medicine to best prepare you for your graduate studies in these tracks.
Both the Human Movement and Sports Medicine tracks require the following core courses:
Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction to Kinesiology
Clinical Physiology
Health Science Education
Nutrition
Biology of Aging
Experiential Learning
This track explores movement across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics, with the intent to provide a foundational understanding of normal human movement. The curricular model focuses on developing the early thought processes and disciplinary content for many fields in the health profession related to movement. Through the scientific understanding of human anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics, students advance toward exploring methods of maintaining healthy movement, preventing disability, and initiating an assessment of movement. The culmination of the track involves the application of human movement in clinical practice, through research in motion analysis, or in the community through the promotion of healthy living.
Additional Courses
Required:
Intro to Movement Assessment
Biomechanics
Electives:
Advanced Kinesiology
Movement Across the Lifespan
Population Health
Function Neuroanatomy
Adaptive Movement
Healthcare Management
This track explores movement from the perspective of athletic performance. The curricular model focuses on developing the early thought processes and disciplinary content for many fields in the health professions related to sports medicine and working with an active and/or athletic population (traditional sports, tactical athletes, performing artists, etc.).
Additional Courses
Required:
Emergency Management
Strength and Conditioning
Intro to Movement Assessment
Biomechanics
Electives:
Care and Prevention
Nutrition for Sports and Fitness
Clinical Pharmacology
Wellness and Sports Performance
As a health science studies undergraduate, you will have opportunities to participate in the Physical Therapy Club activities and earn observation hours at our pro-bono, on-campus EQUIP Rehabilitation Clinic.
Below are some examples where our students have gained hands-on experience in Connecticut:
Amity Physical Therapy, Hamden
Cheshire Fitness Zone, Cheshire
Collette PT, Yalesville
Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists, Hamden and Branford
Orthopedic Specialty Group, Fairfield & Shelton
FYZICAL Spine, Sport and Balance, Wallingford
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Wallingford
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, New London
Quinnipiac Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Hamden and North Haven
Rockwell Dance Center, Trumbull
STAR Physical Therapy, Hamden and Wallingford
Yale School of Medicine - Orthopedics, New Haven
Building upon your strong undergraduate foundation of human movement or sports medicine, you will seamlessly transition to your graduate portion of study for your next three years to earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Our PT faculty members are experts in their field and will ensure that you receive the knowledge and hands-on training you’ll need at clinical sites across the state and throughout the country. Other distinctive, real-world experiences include participating in EQUIP, a student-run pro-bono rehabilitation clinic for local residents, and volunteering at Camp No Limits, a summer camp for children with limb loss held at Quinnipiac.
Examples of our graduate students’ internships and clinical placements:
Boston Children’s Hospital
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Eduglobal Associates
EXOS
Hartford Healthcare
Hospital for Special Surgery
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
NYU Langone Health
Northwell Health
Professional Physical Therapy
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Yale New Haven Health
Pass rate on the PT Licensure exam 2019 to 2022 (FSBPT)
Percentage of our graduates who are employed 6 months after graduation (2022 survey)
The median salary for physical therapy graduates is $91,010 (bls.gov).
U.S. News and World Report ranked physical therapist the third-best job in the healthcare field (2022).
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2023 was officially cloaked at the Katherine Harris White Coat Ceremony on Quinnipiac’s North Haven Campus.
Chair of Quinnipiac’s Physical Therapy Department and Assistant Professor Ken Kosior said the cohort personifies perseverance.
“Their will and determination to pursue professional aspirations throughout an unprecedented global pandemic will leave a lasting impression on the Quinnipiac PT community. The group’s adaptability and grit has been evident as they collectively navigated both personal and academic challenges,” he said.
The keynote address for the ceremony was delivered by Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ACCESS PT Steve Albanese ‘98, who earned his degree in physical therapy from Quinnipiac.
“Today, I am more optimistic than ever about the opportunities for physical therapists to have a greater impact on those we serve, to improve health outcomes, and to add value to the healthcare system,” Albanese said.
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 92.0% |
| 2020 | 98.6% |
| 2019 | 92.2% |
| 2018 | 96.7% |
2020-2021: 95.3%
2019-2020: 95.4%
Download the full Doctor of Physical Therapy 2021-2022 accreditation fact sheet (PDF)
| Graduation Year | First-time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94.1% | 96.5% |
| 2021 | 100% | 100% |
| 2020 | 94% | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% | 100% |
2021-2022: 98.3%
2020-2021: 100%
2019-2020: 100%
Download the full Doctor of Physical Therapy 2021-2022 accreditation fact sheet (PDF)
| Graduation Year | Employment Rate |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2020 | 94% |
| 2019 | 92% |
| 2018 | 100% |
| 2017 | 100% |
2020-2021: 97%
2019-2020: 93%
Download the full Doctor of Physical Therapy 2021-2022 accreditation fact sheet (PDF)
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.