Graduate Program

The Slippery Rock University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program was only the third in the United States to transition from a master's level program to the Doctor of Physical Therapy. It is a professional doctorate degree designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice in physical therapy.

The Graduate School of Physical Therapy integrates basic science with clinical practice. There are nine full-time and several part-time faculty members. Eight of the full-time faculty members hold post-professional doctoral degrees, and six are engaged in clinical practice.

The variety of available clinical sites and length of time spent in clinical rotations are another of the program's strengths. Clinical Experience I is two weeks in the summer preceding the start of the second year. Clinical Experience II is five weeks in the fall of the second year. Clinical Internship I is 15 weeks in the fall of the third year and Clinical Internship II is 15 weeks in the spring of the third year.

Students also have an opportunity to pursue special interests related to physical therapy in Professional Exploration I and II. These courses are designed to provide additional experience in a clinical specialty area, research, teaching, administration, and service.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Slippery Rock University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at SRU is a professional doctorate degree program designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice in physical therapy. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Examination, (NPTE), successful completion of which is required for physical therapy practice throughout the United States. Licensure requirements vary by state.  We strongly urge you to contact the licensing board  in the state where you plan to practice.