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Department of Physical Therapy

Dedicated to educating the whole person through classroom and hands on learning.

UD DPT's mission is to graduate compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapists who will serve their community by improving health and quality of life. Our vision is to enhance the physical therapy profession through education, scholarship, and service for the common good.

Our students grow personally and professionally while developing skills in critical thinking, lifelong learning and ethical decision-making. Using the latest in evidence-based practice, students are challenged to provide independent clinical judgments concerning the needs of the patient and the community.

Our innovative and recently updated three-year (eight-semester) program combines classroom and hands-on training from day one that will prepare therapists to meet the demands of a rapidly changing health care system. Our faculty and graduates contribute to society and the physical therapy profession through practice, teaching, administration and research. The need for highly trained physical therapists continues to rise, and our program will put you at the front of the curve.

UD DPT By The Numbers

  • 36

    We welcome a cohort of 36 students each fall

  • 97%

    graduation rate (based on three year average)

  • 98.6%

    employment rate (based on alumni survey- three year average)

National Physical Therapy Exam Results

  • 82.5%

    First time NPTE pass rate, three year average

  • 96%

    Ultimate NPTE pass rate, three year average

  • 96%

    National Average Ultimate NPTE pass rate, three year average

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Explore

Attend an Open House

Prospective students interested in the UD Doctor of Physical Therapy program are invited to attend an open house. This is your opportunity to learn more about the program, admissions process, and the program's faculty and staff. Open houses are being offered in person and virtually.

Program Features and Initiatives

Unique Lab Spaces

Five unique laboratories allow students the opportunity engage in hands-on learning and research experiences. Facilities include two skills labs, a human anatomy lab, fitness assessment lab, and a state-of-the art motion analysis research lab.

Student Research

Students work alongside faculty to conduct and publish research in respected journals. Students also participate in UD's Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Symposium, an annual event that showcases student research to area clinician partners.

Graduate Assistantships

Two half-time annually renewable positions are typically offered to physical therapy students each year. Students selected for these positions receive a combined benefit (tuition remission + stipend) that is equivalent to half of the total tuition costs of the program. These positions are highly competitive, but any accepted student is welcome to apply.

Service Learning Opportunities

Programs in locations such as Jamaica, Asia, and India offer opportunities to explore patient care and culture through the lens of physical therapist.

${ Physical therapy students work together in the Anatomy Lab }

Experiential Learning

Real-World Experience

Through practical learning opportunities, you can build your resume, gain practical experiences and prepare for a successful career in physical therapy. We partner with clinical sites across the U.S., as well as with professional sports teams. Certifications are available to increase your knowledge and skills, which will give you an advantage as you begin your career. The real-world experiences you have at UD translate to your future success.

Accreditation information

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Dayton is fully accredited by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 937-229-5600 or email dpt@udayton.edu.

Today's Hours

8am to 5pm


Full List of Hours
CONTACT

Department of Physical Therapy

Fitz Hall, Room 207
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2925
937-229-5600
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