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Department of Physical Therapy

Classroom & hands-on training from day one

As a UD Doctor of Physical Therapy major, you'll prepare to be a compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapist who will serve the community by improving physical health and quality of life.

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 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.


COVID-related admissions information

97%

ultimate National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rate, 2021-2022

100%

employment rate (based on post-graduate survey), 2021-22

99%

graduation rate, 2021-22

A High-Quality Education

  • Student Experience
  • Virtual Tour
  • Program Highlights
  • From hands-on lab experiences to clinical internships and problem-based learning, the UD Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students to be successful physical therapists.

    Facilities used by UD Doctor of Physical Therapy students include two skills labs, a resource room, virtual reality station, human anatomy lab, fitness assessment center, and a state-of-the art motion analysis research lab.

    UD Doctor of Physical Therapy students benefit from four integrated clinical rotations (more than 35 weeks total) of full-time clinical training; unique small group problem-based learning, focusing on real patient cases; hands-on clinical research and service learning; and independent study and practice electives in their area of interest.

    Featured Programs 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 China and India offer opportunities to explore patient care and culture through the lens of physical therapist.

    Accreditation information

    Our program 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.

    CONTACT

    Department of Physical Therapy

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

    89%

    first-time National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rate, 2021-22