The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum at Sacred Heart emphasizes clinical decision-making, self-directed learning, and hands-on, real-world experience. Students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a successful career.
Why Earn Your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Sacred Heart?
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to help people regain mobility and health.
As a physical therapist, you will use your skills and expertise to work with patients to optimize movement, promote health and wellness, mitigate the progression of impairments, and prevent additional disability.
The doctor of physical therapy curriculum is organized around carefully designed patient or professional practice problems that students study, discuss, and research in small groups. As a result, students graduate with the experience, confidence, and communication skills needed for a successful career.
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Discover the benefits of earning your DPT from Sacred Heart University.
In the Physical Therapy doctoral program, you will also:
Work closely with 16 exceptional faculty members who are dedicated to nurturing skilled graduates prepared to serve others. In aggregate our faculty members have earned 11 academic doctorates, 8 clinical doctorates, 8 board certifications from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (orthopedic, neurological, and geriatric), and lymphedema therapist certification.
Learn from exceptional local clinicians and Orthopedic Residents serving as facilitators in the small group tutorials and labs
Gain integrated clinical experience during didactic semesters, where you are paired with expert physical therapists from the local community for in-depth, hands-on training and numerous patient volunteers who participate in classroom and lab activities
Participate in national and international full-time clinical education experiences with partner health care facilities that provide PT services across the full spectrum of PT practice
Choose a required elective course from an advanced physical therapy practice area or related area that will enhance your career
Complete a capstone research project (PT 760 and PT 861) and a community practice project (PT 845) that makes a positive impact on patient care in the local community. Many of these projects are submitted for publication or presentation
Participate in local and international service learning experiences that foster social responsibility and service to others
Use state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories that optimize your learning
Study at a program with outstanding Student Outcomes
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; or website. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, call 203-396-8078 or email petrosinoc@sacredheart.edu.
2021-2022 SHU DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet
The Commissioner on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education requires all Doctor of Physical Therapy programs to provide the public with current, accurate, reliable and easily available information about the cost of attendance. The 2021-2022 SHU DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet is provided for review. Student debt data was gathered by direct survey of the DPT students.
Program Duration
The DPT is a clinical doctoral degree and is the entry-level degree for professional practice. The program is three years in length, including eight to 10 weeks of full-time clinical work in each of the summers between the first and second years.
Lauren Foster Petisce Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy
To be eligible for the Lauren Foster Petisce Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Incoming female graduate student enrolled full-time in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Demonstrated high academic achievement and financial need.
Priority consideration will be given to candidates that completed their undergraduate education at Sacred Heart University in a 3+3 or 4+3 track and have been a member of an NCAA Division I sports team
While both disciplines offer a chance to help clients live fuller, safer, happier lives, there are distinct differences in the goals, education and career opportunities in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). Which one is the right fit for you?
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Study in state-of-the-art facilities in the Center for Healthcare Education where you’ll have access to PT specific labs.