UD's Physical Therapy Department provides academic and clinical training commensurate with the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This entry-level degree program qualifies the graduate to sit for the national physical therapy examination to become licensed in the United States as a physical therapist. The UD DPT Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This full-time, two-and-one-half-year program encompasses the regular fall and spring semesters as well as UD's summer and winter sessions. Part-time matriculation is not permitted.
Students enrolled in the program may also earn a master of science (MS) in clinical health science after successful completion of 31 credits of academic DPT degree-required coursework, including 3 credits of an advanced anatomy course and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The MS in clinical health science is offered only to students admitted into the UD DPT program. Students may not apply directly into the MS degree program, nor will students be permitted to transfer into this program from another major.
The Physical Therapy Department is housed in the Health Sciences Complex at the STAR (Science, Technology and Advanced Research) Campus. The Department has modern, well-equipped laboratories for research, teaching and clinical practice. In addition, there are two on-site, full-service physical therapy clinics, which provide clinical practice opportunities and training for DPT students and residents. Also located on the STAR Campus are the human anatomy and simulation laboratories wherein experiential learning opportunities are provided to complement classroom instruction.