A DPT graduate walks smiles while walking back to her seat after receiving her doctorate.

Overview

Degree Level: Graduate
Degrees Offered: Doctor of Physical Therapy

Department: Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences
school/college: College of Health Sciences

Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Arcadia University’s traditional, Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) option delivers an immersive, face-to-face learning experience designed to prepare confident, practice-ready clinicians. This nationally recognized program combines academic rigor, hands-on training, and real-world clinical education in a collaborative campus environment.

Arcadia’s curriculum integrates clinical, behavioral, and foundational sciences in the context of patient care from day one. Through purposeful classroom and laboratory experiences, students develop strong clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills, preparing them to evaluate, treat, and educate diverse patient populations with confidence.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), Arcadia’s DPT program prepares graduates to pursue licensure and sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam.

View Residential Financial Fact sheet

Real-World and Global Experience

Clinical education experiences across the United States connect students with leading healthcare settings and professional networks. Students may also expand their perspective through a Global Health Elective in Belize, Bolivia, Jamaica, or Guatemala — strengthening cultural competence and broadening their impact as future practitioners.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Leadership and Professional Impact

Guided by nationally recognized faculty leaders, students engage in research, service, advocacy, and professional development opportunities that shape them into leaders in physical therapy.

Arcadia gave me the opportunity to serve people in ways that I never imagined. From the experiential learning experiences in the greater Philadelphia area to the opportunities to study abroad, I built my confidence, competence, and clinical and interpersonal skills.

Lt. Shantel Blume ’13DPT, DPT, Physical Therapy

Background Texture A duotone image of Lt. Shantel Blume ’13DPT in yellow and red.

A duotone image of Lt. Shantel Blume ’13DPT in yellow and red.

Graduates are highly sought after, with many securing employment through clinical connections. The program is recognized in all 50 states, providing graduates with the flexibility to pursue licensure nationwide.

EXPLORE OUTCOMES

At Arcadia, you don’t just earn a degree. You graduate prepared to advance the profession and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Arcadia DPT is one program offered in two formats: Residential or Hybrid. The Hybrid option provides the same accredited curriculum, 32 weeks of full-time clinical education, and rigorous preparation for practice, but with remote coursework and on-campus immersion labs. Explore the Hybrid DPT page to learn more about how this option supports your path to becoming a confident, competent clinician.

HYBRID DPT AT ARCADIA

Arcadia’s DPT in the News

Bridget Hegarty, SPT and Michael Totino, SPT in La Paz, Bolivia.

Hegarty ’26DPT, Totino ’26DPT Return from Global Health Elective in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia

physical therapy Hegarty ’26DPT, Totino ’26DPT Return from Global Health Elective in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia

physical therapy

Arcadia Physical Therapy Remains #1 in Philadelphia Region in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

physical therapy Arcadia Physical Therapy Remains #1 in Philadelphia Region in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

physical therapy

CHS students listening to Dr. Ryan Zarzycki while sitting in a circle.

New Interactive Approach to Interprofessional Education Debuts at College of Health Sciences Event

physical therapy New Interactive Approach to Interprofessional Education Debuts at College of Health Sciences Event

physical therapy

Andrea Vira ’26DPT and Olivia Yaffe ’26DPT, with Dr. Janet Readinger, Dr. Marty Eastlack, and Dr. Therese Johnston at CSM.

Physical Therapy Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Represent Arcadia at American Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting

physical therapy Physical Therapy Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Represent Arcadia at American Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting

physical therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Arcadia 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: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 215-572-2950 or email ptadmission@arcadia.edu.

VIEW APTA accrediTation

Due Process for Anyone Outside the Arcadia Community

Any stakeholder of the Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program (“Program”) has the right to file a complaint and receive due process. Current students, faculty, and staff involved with the Program should follow the established University policies and procedures for handling such claims set forth in the Physical Therapy Program Handbook. All other stakeholders, including, but not limited to, prospective students, clinical education sites, or employers of graduates, may also file a complaint related to the Program and should contact the Office of General Counsel at generalcounsel@arcadia.edu or call (215) 572-2926, and the Chair of the Physical Therapy Program, Dr. Michael Tevald at tevaldm@arcadia.edu or call (215) 517-2571. The College of Health Sciences prohibits any form of retaliation against any party making a complaint against the Program.