The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) enrolls a new class of 36 students annually in the spring semester (January). The program is completed in 9 semesters or 3 years with graduation occurring each December. Clinical education is integrated throughout the curriculum, including experiences in the first year of study. The ongoing inclusion of clinical experiences in the curriculum is considered a highlight and strength of our program by our students. 

The faculty includes an energetic team of physical therapist and professionals with a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds. All faculty hold either a terminal doctorate degree (PhD, EdD) or a clinical doctorate degree (DPT).  Many of our faculty have achieved board certification in specialty areas such as orthopedics, pediatrics, and neurologic physical therapy, and others have certifications in hand therapy and vestibular rehabilitation. All of our core faculty are engaged in clinical practice, teaching, research, and service.  Many of them also involved in the APTA and other professional associations as well as local and international service.

The Program of Physical Therapy is part of ETSU's Academic Health Science Center which includes the Quillen College of Medicine, the Gatton School of Pharmacy, the Veterans Affairs hospital, and the Colleges of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, Public Health and Nursing. The Physical Therapy Program is physically located on the Mountain Home Veteran's administration campus adjacent to the College of Medicine and the College of Pharmacy. Our location within the Academic Health Science Center affords our faculty and students many unique opportunities in education, service and clinical practice that enhance our program. Physical therapy students enroll in anatomy and neuroscience classes with medical students and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of optional interprofessional learning activities. 

The mission of the Physical Therapy Program at East Tennessee State University is to advance the practice of physical therapy through the provision of high quality professional physical therapy education, research and service, taking advantage of the unique opportunities and responsibilities provided by our location in within an Academic Health Science Center in a rural setting. East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, which is close to the Virginia and North Carolina borders between the Great Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This region offers a moderate climate encompassing all four seasons and is a recreational haven offering camping, fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking and snow skiing. The surrounding area offers many cultural/social events such as community festivals and fairs and is located in the heart of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee.

Deposit will be credited to tuition the first semester of enrollment.