Arcadia University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides students with the foundation they need to thrive in a growing and dynamic healthcare profession. Physical therapy continues to be an integral part of America’s evolving healthcare system, and practitioners can have a satisfying career helping people, from newborn to elderly, function at their optimum ability. Physical therapists work to prevent or overcome the effects of disease or injury for clients in a range of vibrant environments, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient centers, individual homes, skilled nursing facilities, public school systems, and private practice. Physical therapists also work as educators, researchers, and consultants.
Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs
Arcadia’s innovative and highly-regarded entry-level DPT program is available in both residential and hybrid formats. Each is 25 months in duration.
Arcadia On-Campus DPT
Our integrated, case-centered curriculum gives students the skills they need to excel in any clinical setting. Learn from our world-class faculty, and hone your skills through our local and global experiential learning opportunities.
Arcadia Hybrid DPT
Our innovative curriculum is also available in a hybrid format that combines synchronous and asynchronous online classes and eight on-campus immersions.
Dual Degree Program – Public Health/Physical Therapy
The Master of Public Health/Doctor of Physical Therapy dual degree program, students attain the knowledge required for careers as physical therapists and train to become leaders in health promotion and health policy, and impact healthcare in innovative ways both domestically and internationally.
Arcadia Undergraduate Pathways to DPT
4+DPT
Embark on your pathway to becoming a Physical Therapist. This is a 4+DPT year pathway leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Arcadia. Students frequently pursue undergraduate major in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Business, or Health Administration.
3+DPT
This is an accelerated program from a Biology major into the graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program at Arcadia University. Qualified applicants will be contacted by Enrollment Management for review.
Post-Professional Programs
Our post-professional programs enable physical therapists to be leaders in their practice, their profession, and their communities.
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
This fully online program allows practicing physical therapists to advance their practice and earn a doctoral degree.
PhD in Movement Science
Arcadia’s PhD in Movement Science is designed to prepare the next generation of faculty leaders through advanced training in research and mentored teaching experiences.
Masters in Rehabilitation Science
This one-year intensive program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, rehabilitation sciences, critical appraisal of evidence to support clinical practice, biostatistics, and advanced electives.
Sports Physical Therapy Residency
The mission of the Arcadia University Sports Physical Therapy Residency is to develop and produce expert physical therapists for a life of scholarship, service, and professional contribution.
Orthopaedic Residency and Musculoskeletal Certificate
Our Orthopaedic Residency uses a hybrid teaching model that combines online classes, on-campus lab experiences, and clinical mentoring to prepare students to become certified clinical specialists.
Continuing Education
Interested in continuing education about physical therapy topics? Arcadia University has a calendar of continuing education offerings:
Our Services
The Department of Physical Therapy provides a Running Injury Clinic, and Pro Bono Clinic, along with the Dan Aaron Stay Fit Program.
