Physical Therapy (DPT)

There are a number of merit-based scholarship opportunities for students through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as well as through the Department of Physical Therapy. These opportunities become available to students in the fall term once the program has officially begun.

Click here to view information on SHRS Scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship opportunities listed below are those that are typically available through the Department of Physical Therapy. Scholarship amounts can range from $500-$4,000. The amount awarded for each scholarship varies from year to year and is dependent upon the number of students who apply.

Alice Chagnot Oulette Endowed Student Scholarship

Alice Chagnot Ouellette, a 1947 graduate of D.T. Watson, established this scholarship in 1991 as a testament to her belief that financial need should never stand between a student and a career in physical therapy.

Awarded to students demonstrating financial need. It may be awarded to one or more students

Christine McDonough Excellence in Evidence-Based Practice Award

This fund was established by the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh with the support of family, friends, and colleagues to honor the professional life and legacy of Christine McDonough, PT, PhD, FAPTA, who passed away in December 2024 after a short battle with cancer. Christine made many contributions to the profession of physical therapy and the field of rehabilitation through her scholarly work in several areas including outcome measurement, work disability, and falls prevention, but was most passionate about evidence-based practice. In honor of her work in the field of evidence-based practice, this fund will provide a monetary award to third-year University of Pittsburgh DPT students who demonstrate excellence in the practice of evidence-based care. Students receiving the award will also be recognized on a plaque that will be displayed in the department.

Faculty will nominate students based on their performance on the written portion of their capstone Performance Improvement Project presentations.

Cindy Miles Fund

Cindy Miles, PT, PhD, PCS, was a 1972 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health-Related Professions and spent more than 25 years running a private pediatric PT practice in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. She served as president of the American Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy for six years, founded the APTA Pediatric Annual Conference, and received the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award, among many other honors. A passionate advocate for movement and inclusion, Cindy believed that every child — regardless of ability — deserves the joy of play and the freedom that comes from fitness.

D.T. Watson Alumni Scholarship

In 1969, the alumni and friends of the D.T. Watson School of Physiatrists, Division of Physical Therapy, came together to create this scholarship as an expression of lasting loyalty to the institution and profession that shaped their careers. Awarded to a full-time DPT student in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need. It may be awarded to more than one student.

David Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center/Joseph M. David Endowed Scholarship

Joseph David, a 1988 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy, established this scholarship in 2005 to invest in the next generation of clinicians with the same drive and dedication that defined his own career.

Awarded to a DPT student who demonstrates financial need, good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA), and exceptional clinical competence. An application and essay are required.

Dorothy Bradley Brown Endowed Student Scholarship

Dorothy Bradley Brown, a 1941 graduate of D.T. Watson, cared for patients with bone diseases and later with polio, and is remembered as a role model for aspiring physical therapists in the Pittsburgh tradition. She established this scholarship in 1990 to ensure that the path she walked remained open to those who followed.

Awarded to a DPT student with demonstrated financial need. It may be awarded to one or more students.

Dorothy Bradley Brown Nationality Rooms Scholarship

Dorothy Bradley Brown, a 1941 graduate of D.T. Watson, established this scholarship to recognize students who embody the spirit of community and collaboration that defined her own approach to the profession.

Awarded to a third-year DPT student in recognition of excellence in community engagement and/or interprofessional education.

Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Scholarship in Physical Therapy

Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. was a University of Pittsburgh School of Business alumnus (Class of 1951) and founder of Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company, whose son now serves as CEO. He established this scholarship as an expression of gratitude and a belief that supporting the education of future physical therapists was one of the most meaningful ways he could give back. He passed away in 2022.

This scholarship provides tuition support for students in the Department of Physical Therapy.

George Edward Carvell Award

George Edward Carvell, PT, PhD, was a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh, where he spent 47 years as a faculty member — the school’s first NSF-funded researcher and a foundational figure in bringing neuroscience rigor into physical therapy education. Remembered by colleagues and students alike for his intellectually demanding lectures, his dry wit, and his genuine investment in anyone willing to do the work, he continued teaching full courses in retirement until his death in 2023.

Jessie Wright Scholarship

This is the highest honor awarded by the Faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy and is given to a student who displays superior achievement and potential of becoming an outstanding clinician. This award is based on the unanimous decision of the faculty.

Jim and Kristin Henson Student Award Fund

James Henson (SHRS ’79) and Kristin Henson (A&S ’79) established this fund as a shared expression of gratitude for the education they received at Pitt and their commitment to making that same opportunity accessible to students who follow. This fund supports books, lab fees, travel and other educational expenses for students in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Mary Behling Browne Physical Therapy Scholarship

Mary Behling Browne, a 1963 graduate of D.T. Watson School of Physical Therapy, established this scholarship to support second- and third-year students who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that the path she walked remains accessible to the next generation.

Awarded to second- or third-year DPT students with demonstrated financial need.

Mary K. Daly-Crum Student Award in Physical Therapy

This scholarship was established by Mary K. Daly-Crum, a member of the PT Class of 1980, and her husband Arthur Crum. Mary’s investment in the program reflects her commitment to making a Pitt PT education attainable for students from Maryland.

Awarded with preference for a DPT student from Maryland. Selection is based on strong academic performance, extracurricular activities and experience.

Pat Croce Endowed Student Scholarship

Established in 1991 by Pasquale ‘Pat’ Croce, a 1977 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy. Awarded to a DPT student in good academic standing who has financial need. It may be awarded to one or more students.

Patricia Leahy Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1997 in memory of Patti Leahy, MS, PT, NCS, a 1979 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy. This scholarship is awarded to a well-rounded DPT student who has a special interest in neurology and neurologic physical therapy. The recipient should also reflect Patti’s love of family, friends and social life.

Paul and Judy Rockar Endowed Student Scholarship

Paul Rockar, PT, MS, FAPTA, is a 1981 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Advanced Master’s orthopaedic and sports physical therapy program and one of the most distinguished leaders in the physical therapy profession, having served as president of the American Physical Therapy Association from 2012 to 2015 and later as president of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. He and his wife Judy established this scholarship in 2005 to support students who combine strong academic achievement with demonstrated financial need.

Awarded to a full-time second-year DPT student based on merit and financial need.

Pearl C. Mann Scholarship Fund in Physical Therapy

Pearl C. Mann, a 1945 graduate of D.T. Watson, established this scholarship in 1997 as a lasting investment in students who bring both academic excellence and financial need to their pursuit of a career in physical therapy.

Awarded to a full-time DPT student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and financial need. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund for Persistence and Determination

Established by Anthony Delitto and Ronna S. Delitto.

Awarded to a DPT student or students with financial need who have shown the ability to overcome obstacles.

PT Class of 2009 Award

The University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy graduating class of 2009 established this award to give back to the program that shaped them, honoring students who go beyond the expected in the classroom, in the clinic, and in the profession.

PT Leadership Development Award

The Physical Therapy Leadership Development Gift was established in 2013 by Debora L. Miller, a 1978 graduate of the Physical Therapy program, in honor of her mother, Dorothy Tear Lewis. Debora served as vice dean of SHRS for seven years and vice chair of the Department of Physical Therapy for 13 years, and her gift reflects a deep belief that leadership in the profession must be cultivated intentionally.

The purpose of the annual gift is to offset expenses associated with DPT student participation in the LAMP Institute for Leadership (Leadership Advocacy Management and Practice) of the Academy for Leadership and Innovation of the APTA. Second- or third-year DPT students in good academic standing with a minimum QPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply.

Robert and Mercedes Chase Student Award

Christine Chase (SHRS ’74, ’80) created this award in honor of Robert and Mercedes Chase, expressing her gratitude through a gift that directly supports students working toward their degrees. This award provides tuition support for students in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Valerie and Thomas Musselman Scholarship in Physical Therapy

Thomas Musselman (ENGR ’73) and Valerie Musselman (SHRS ’74) established this scholarship as a shared expression of their connection to the University of Pittsburgh and their commitment to supporting students who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need.

This scholarship provides tuition support for students in the Department of Physical Therapy who are in good academic standing and meet the eligibility requirements for financial need as determined by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Victoria Green Memorial Student Resource Fund

Mrs. Victoria Green is a D.T. Watson graduate of the 1950s who was faculty at D.T. Watson and at the Pitt PT program until the 1980s. This fund honors her decades of service to students and to the profession.