The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Old Dominion University is a full-time three-year curriculum that includes classroom instruction, laboratory instruction and practice, online interactions, readings and homework assignments, discussions, peer-teaching, seminars and clinical experiences. Our mission is to prepare graduates to prevent, diagnose, and treat dysfunction and to enhance the well-being of individuals and the community. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the licensing exam to be able to practice as physical therapist.

PhD in Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University
International students can study the Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 28, 2027.
About PhD in Physical Therapy
- Our faculty are dedicated to excellence in professional teaching, research, and service to the profession, the university, and the community
- Students work with standardized patients to develop their interactive skills, because what good is knowledge if you cannot apply it in a socially skillful way?
- The program provides opportunities for clinical education experiences in a variety of health care institutions, agencies, and practice settings
- Faculty continually review and modify learning activities to reflect emerging discoveries in best care practices and changing modes of communication
- The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Old Dominion 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: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The program's current status is accredited; for more information, click here. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 757-683-4381 or email Dr. Beth Jamali at [email protected].
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University
Entry Requirements
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Application and $50 fee
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Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree
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All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts along with Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
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Demonstrated English Language Proficiency
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Financial Documentation (seeking F/J visas only)
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Passport identification
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Requirements & deadlines vary by program
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Standardized Test Results (GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, PRAXIS)
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Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
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Letters of Recommendation
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Send all materials & correspondence to
International Admissions
Old Dominion University
2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
Required Credentials
As a service to applicants, the Office of International Admissions evaluates all foreign academic credentials. All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.
- Transcripts, translations and standardized tests must be official, sealed, stamped by the institution or testing agency and sent directly to the Office of International Admissions at Old Dominion University.
- Testing authorities may include the Registrar or the Principal/Controller of Examinations.
- When English is not the language of instruction, academic transcripts are required in both English and one's native language. Certified official translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. Translations of official documents completed by the student will not be accepted.
- Once submitted, no additional documents can be uploaded through the online application. If you wish to include additional credentials, attach and send them directly to [email protected]. Please be sure your name and date of birth are clearly indicated in the email subject line.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Physical Therapy
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn–half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Physical Therapists
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University
How to Apply for PhD in Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University
Your Choice
The Common Application, which allows you to complete one application and designate it to be used for multiple institutions, OR the new Old Dominion University Application. The choice is yours.
Our Commitment
Whichever method you choose, the admissions staff at Old Dominion University is committed to processing your application in a timely manner. Questions concerning the admissions process may be directed to [email protected], 757-683-3685. Questions relative to The Common Application need to be directed to the Help Center found at commonapp.org
Old Dominion University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Visit https://www.odu.edu/equity for more information.

United States of America, Aberdeen