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Drexel University Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
60 North 36th Street Philadelphia PA 19104 United States
+1 267.359.5535
ptadmissions@drexel.edu http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/doctoral/DPT-Doctor-Physical-Therapy/
1979
Program Description

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is designed to prepare competent physical therapy clinicians who understand the delivery of patient care within the changing health care environment. The curriculum values the physical therapist as a health care provider who gives particular attention to the anatomical, physiological, and biopsychosocial aspects of the mind and body. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based examination, evaluation and intervention plans. The student will be competent in making diagnoses and prognoses, which affect optimal outcomes throughout the continuum of care. 

The program is 2.5 years and the curriculum spans 10 academic quarters and consists of integrated didactic and clinical study with an emphasis on adult learning methodology. The curriculum consists of foundational courses during the first year, with subsequent quarters sequenced to progress through the hierarchy of educational objectives from simple to complex. All didactic material is organized for synthesis and application to professional practice.

Consistent with Drexel's reputation as a leader in technology, the college affords cutting edge technology via the Center for Interdisciplinary Clinical Simulation and Practice (http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/about/CICSP), which is utilized throughout the DPT curriculum. Students use technology for "bedside" point of care, Standardized Patient Labs (SPL), and Human Simulation Labs to practice clinical skills. Point-of-care technology is infused throughout the curriculum and used in both academic courses and during clinical rotations. This allows students immediate access to information for clinical decision making. The SPL is designed to look like a typical physical therapy outpatient setting where professional actors play the role of the "patient." The SPL lab is equipped with state of the art video and audio equipment which allows students to be remotely monitored by faculty as they perform various examination and/or treatment interventions with the "patients." Through this technology, students can view themselves for self-critique as well as receive feedback from the actor and faculty. 

The Human Simulation Lab consists of two large labs, control and "prop" room, which can be transformed into an acute setting (ICU, OR, ED), medical surgical, or community environments (home, community centers, etc). These labs not only enhance clinical skills but also promote communication skills between physical therapists and patients, as well as with other health care providers. The use of advanced technology has become an invaluable resource for preparing students for real life patient interactions. 

Graduates of our program are able to function in a variety of heath care settings and are well-prepared to seek licensure by state board examination. In fact, the DPT program at Drexel University and its predecessor, Hahnemann University, have a 100% pass rate on the state board license examination, including first-time pass rate of over 98%. In addition, the program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
General
Program offers a guaranteed freshman admission pathway?
No
Dual Degrees
Will the professional (entry-level) PT program offer a satellite or branch campus to applicants during the upcoming admissions cycle?
No
Admission Interviews
Program conducts interviews as part of the admissions process?
Yes
Additional information about interviews
Interviews are scheduled throughout the fall. Interview days include an overview of the program, an interview with a faculty member or alumni, a meet-and-greet session, a tour, and a Q&A session with current students.
Deposits
Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?
Yes
Total cumulative deposit
$500
Deposit Refundable?
No
Deposits collected on a rolling basis after offer of admission made?
No
Due Date of First Required Deposit
03/01/2023
Incoming Class Profile
Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class
60
Size of Most Recent Entering Class
60
% of students from IN-STATE
24%
% of students from OUT-OF-STATE
75%
Sex
% Male
36%
% Female 
63%
Race/Ethnicity
% Hispanic 
3%
% American Indian/Alaskan Native
0%
% Asian
24%
% African-American/Black (Non-Hispanic)
3%
% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
% White (Not of Hispanic Origin) 
69%
% Two or More Races 
0%
% Declining to State 
0%
Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Status
Program housed at a Minority-Serving Institution No
Info
Founded1979