Overview
The Department of Physical Therapy offers a three-year, full-time professional program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Ranked second in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Therapy is a highly respected physical therapy program which educates practitioners who lead the way in helping people of all ages to overcome movement, function, and mobility challenges. The program is open to students who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Our rigorous curriculum integrates science and practice, emphasizes evidence based practice and includes a comprehensive array of course offerings in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, cardiopulmonary, geriatric, and pediatric physical therapy.
Our clinical education program is integrated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and its partner, the Centers for Rehab Services. We offer placements in various clinical settings, including acute care, pediatrics, geriatrics, short- and long-term rehabilitation, sports medicine, and orthopedics, as well as a variety of clinical specialties, including women's health, neuro rehab, industrial rehab, hand therapy, spine care, and balance and vestibular disorders. Students receive a monthly scholarship during the year-long internship.
UPMC has demonstrated its support to the Department of Physical Therapy by offering students from the physical therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh highest priority for all learning experiences, including student affiliations and one-year affiliations, within its rehabilitation network. UPMC has further offered to pay scholarships during the one-year, full-time internship that is the culminating experience in the entry-level professional educational program.
The DPT program at the University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Our most recent accreditation was awarded for a 10-year period beginning in April 2005.