Physical Therapy, DPT

Introduction

Definition of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession devoted to optimizing human movement and function to improve the health of society. Physical Therapy evaluates and manages an individual’s ability to move throughout the lifespan and assists in the prevention of movement system problems.  

Role of Physical Therapists

Physical therapists work directly with patients, clients, and communities. They examine and evaluate patients and clients to identify and then resolve existing and potential movement system problems. Physical therapists work with individuals and communities to restore or improve movement, reduce and eliminate pain, improve the ability to participate in meaningful life activities and achieve functional goals, and provide fitness and wellness programs.  Physical therapists also provide education, research, consultation, administration and health care planning. 

Work Settings for Physical Therapists

Physical therapists provide health care in a variety of settings including private practices, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, extended care and sub-acute rehabilitation facilities, industry, at-home therapy, school systems, athletic programs, and fitness centers. 

How to Become a Physical Therapist in the United States

In the United States, to be a physical therapist you must hold a license issued by the state in which you practice. First, you must graduate from a physical therapy school or program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). You may then qualify to take the National Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (NPTE). Each state’s licensure board may have additional requirements to take the NPTE, such as satisfactory criminal background checks. Upon passing the NPTE and receiving a state physical therapy license, you may then practice physical therapy in the states you are licensed. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Accreditation

Stockton’s DPT program is accredited by CAPTE; therefore graduates of Stockton’s DPT program meet the academic eligibility requirement to take the NPTE and apply for licensure in each of the 50 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. 

Admission to the DPT Program 

Admission to the DPT program is very selective and is among the most competitive at the University. Visit www.stockton.edu/dpt for all information about applying to the program and the length of the program. Specific information about academic qualifications can be reviewed at the DPT FAQ page. 

DPT Curriculum

Upon completion of the DPT curriculum, students are prepared as practitioners who can meet the current and future physical therapy needs of the patient/client and profession. Emphasis is placed on the study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, and other systems. Additional emphasis is placed on clinical proficiency, community wellness, evidence-based practice, and professionalism. The DPT curriculum can be reviewed at www.stockton.edu/dpt.  

During DPT year one, Stockton undergraduate seniors may be able to apply required courses, (BIOL 4150 Advanced Human Physiology, BIOL 4230 Neuroscience, and BIOL 4231 Neuroscience Lab), to an undergraduate degree. To continue in the program, all Stockton 3+3 students must hold a baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester of DPT year one. All other students must hold a baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester prior to starting the program. 

Students attend lectures and laboratory classes on the main campus. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, located on Stockton’s campus, provides additional facilities for learning opportunities in a health care setting. There are three full-time, clinical experiences. These clinical experiences take place at health care facilities located primarily in the mid-Atlantic region. 

Students are subject to policies and procedures of the University and DPT program as described in this Bulletin and the DPT Student Handbook (accessed on Stockton’s portal). All enrolled students are expected to meet Technical Standards and Essential Functions. The Physical Therapy program faculty can only assign a student to clinical experiences if the student complies with all requirements established by the program and the clinics. Most clinics require a student to obtain additional clearance, such as satisfactory criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug testing, and select immunizations. 

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate, DPT students must earn a minimum grade of C or better in required courses, pass practical examinations, pass Clinical Experience courses, and earn a minimum of 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA.