The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a graduate program housed within the Department of Physical Therapy and is open to students who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Pitt Physical Therapy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment to create a more equitable health care system by welcoming applicants of all abilities/disabilities, religions, marital statuses, familial statuses, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, national origins, all ethnic and racial backgrounds, genetic information, and gender identities and expressions.
Program Options
The DPT program offers high quality, interactive learning from world-renown faculty who are shaping the field of physical therapy practice.
DPT Residential
The DPT Residential offers on-campus lecture and laboratory experiences held in the state-of-the-art facilities at Bridgeside Point close to the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus.
DPT Hybrid
The DPT Hybrid was intentionally designed by our expert faculty and experienced team of instructional designers to engage students who choose to learn and participate in clinical opportunities right from their hometown.
| Program Summary | Residential Program | Hybrid Program |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Full-time, 50-60 hrs/wk | Full-time, 50-60 hrs/wk |
| Class Size | 60 | 90 |
| Credits | 106 | 106 |
| Program Length | 7 consecutive terms | 7 consecutive terms |
| Start Date | Fall only (August) | Fall only (August) |
| Didactic Delivery Method | On-campus (lectures, asynchronous sessions, flipped classroom) and online | Remote instruction (mix of asynchronous and synchronous sessions) |
| Lab Delivery Method | On-campus labs | Mix of remote lab activities and on-campus immersion labs (2 times per semester during Terms 1-5) |
| Total Clinical Education | 42 weeks, full-time only | 42 weeks, full-time only |
| Total Cost* | In-State: $98,147 for 7 terms Out-of-State: $115,500 for 7 terms |
Flat Rate: $98,174 for 7 terms Not including costs for travel for mandatory immersions |
*Tuition rates for the 2023-2024 academic year may be subject to an increase. The University is expected to release new tuition rates in late Spring 2023.
Contact Information
Have questions about either program format? Contact us.
Handbook(s)
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement:
The University of Pittsburgh DPT program (Residential and Hybrid) is accredited by CAPTE. The program prepares students for practice within the United States and meets the educational degree completion requirements for licensure in all 50 states. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national licensure exam (NPTE). Students should note that the requirements for professional licensure could vary drastically by state as well as country. Because such requirements can change frequently and often without notice, it is strongly encouraged, and is the responsibility of the student, to ensure the degree they earn will meet the requirements for licensure in the state or country in which they seek licensure. Students are encouraged to visit their state and/or country licensing board website for further information. International students interested in gaining employment within the United States upon graduation are encouraged to communicate with their advisor in the Office of International Studies.
View the licensure information by state here.
Felony Statement
Notice to Applicants: A prior criminal record may negatively impact your ability to fully participate in the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. Prior to participating in clinical rotations and during the state licensure process, students admitted to the program will be required to complete a criminal background check. Certain convictions may prevent students from entering clinical facilities, which may hinder a student’s ability to successfully complete the program. In addition, certain criminal convictions may prevent a graduating student from being licensed. If applicable, we encourage you to check with the appropriate State licensing board(s) to determine whether your background may be a barrier to your completion of the program and future licensure. Additionally, the University may require an internal investigation to determine if the conviction would preclude the candidate from successfully completing the education requirements for graduation, including the clinical education requirements.