For more information contact:
Email: ptprog@gwu.edu
Phone: (202) 994-8237

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Program Requirements

The DPT program consists of 102 credits of professional course work requiring three calendar years of full-time study beginning in the fall semester. The curriculum moves from simple to complex, focusing on both integration and application throughout. The four major practice patterns (i.e., musculoskeletal, neuromotor, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems) frame curriculum, which also combines content from the foundational sciences, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, professional practice expectations, practice management expectations, and critical inquiry. Integration and application are reinforced through a series of six integrative case based Clinical Conference courses. Skills in the use of best evidence in making clinical decisions and predicting outcomes in physical therapy are developed throughout. Application and integration is further reinforced through the use of standardized patients, and clinical simulations. Clinical experiences begin in the second semester with a weekly ½ day experience throughout the semester, builds to a 4-week full-time Transition to the Clinic, and culminates in three full-time Clinical Internships of 8, 10, and 12 weeks in length. A comprehensive examination in the sixth semester validates the student’s readiness for the full-time clinical internships, and helps guide the student in preparing for the national board examinations.

The DPT Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The degree conferred to successful graduates is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Following graduation, the graduate is eligible to take the national licensure examination.

Program of Study