Colleges With Direct Entry Physical Therapy Programs

Washington University--St. Louis

• Washington University in St. Louis is home to one of the top physical therapy programs in the United States. Washington University is itself a top-tier university and home to one of the most prominent American medical schools as well. The physical therapy program is an outgrowth of this established medical tradition. In fact, the physical therapy program at Washington is located within the medical school. The university not only offers the traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, but also the Ph.D. and a post-doctorate program. The DPT program is a direct entry program that is designed to last three years. Students pursue five semesters of classroom study and also spend a total of 38 weeks completing clinical training practice. Washington also offers students an opportunity to pursue a joint DPT/Ph.D. degree. Research emphases of the program include translational physiology research, locomotor control, kinesiology and applied biomechanics, movement science and several other areas of study.

  Washington University in St. Louis
  4444 Forest Park Boulevard
  St. Louis, MO 63108
  314-286-1400
  pt.wustl.edu

University of Pittsburgh

• The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is also home to one of the top ranked physical therapy programs in the nation. According to the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings for 2008, Pitt tied with Washington University as the second highest rated of all physical therapy programs nationwide. Pitt offers several degrees in field related to physical therapy such as undergraduate and graduate level degrees in rehabilitation science. The DPT program, like Washington University, is a direct entry program open to students who have already obtained a bachelor's degree, regardless of the field. The program is likewise expected to last three years and combines both therapeutic science with practical aspects of the discipline. Student learn the scientific evidence supporting therapy in areas such as geriatric, cardiopulmonary and pediatric physical therapy. Students are trained in a variety of clinical settings and have the opportunity to obtain specialization in a field such as sports medicine, women's health or even spine care. Several other specializations are offered as well.

  University of Pittsburgh
  Department of Physical Therapy
  4020 Forbes Tower
  Pittsburgh , PA 15260
  412-383-6558
  www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt

University of Southern California

• The University of Southern California (USC) is home to the nation's top physical therapy program. USC also offers direct entry into its program for students holding a bachelor's degree, but it requires acceptance by the graduate school as a prerequisite to entry. Also, students must have satisfied several criteria as part of their bachelor's degree studies. For instance, students must have completed eight hours of chemistry and physics, along with 16 hours of biology and other courses in psychology and math. Work experience in the field is also preferred but not required. So, although USC allows direct entry into the DPT program, of the top three programs in the nation, it also has the most obstacles to overcome in the admissions process. The program sponsors three different residency options: sports physical therapy, neurological therapy and orthopedic practice.

  University of Southern California
  Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
  1540 Alcazar St.
  Los Angeles, CA 90089
  323-442-2900
  pt.usc.edu