Medical University of South Carolina

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the entry-level professional program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) that prepares students for an exciting and dynamic career in health care. Students enter the program in late May and continue for nine consecutive semesters until graduating in May three years later. The DPT curriculum is based on the latest evidence and addresses human movement dysfunction, health promotion, and disease prevention across the lifespan. Students also learn about research in physical therapy, delivery of physical therapy services and interprofessional collaborative practice.

As part of their education, DPT students complete four clinical practicums in locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. These clinical experiences are structured to require higher levels of performance with each subsequent rotation and are designed to foster application of didactic learning and development of entry level clinical competence. Clinical practicum opportunities enable students to examine and treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses and in a wide range of clinical settings such as acute care, subacute care, rehabilitation hospitals, home health, outpatient clinics, school settings, and specialized practice centers. Sufficient quantities of clinical sites are available to allow students to gain depth and breadth in their clinical education. Students also have the opportunity to practice in an interprofessional setting in a student run pro bono clinic that is offered two evenings a week on the MUSC campus. In addition, students may participate in adaptive sports clinics, a pediatric summer camp for children with movement dysfunction, and medical mission trips.

The Division of Physical Therapy is housed within the College of Health Professions at MUSC and has superb faculty and facility resources. The DPT program has 15-core faculty and numerous adjunct faculty. All core faculty have doctorate degrees, six have advanced specialty certifications (Cardiopulmonary, Neurology, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics), and seven are engaged in clinical practice. The collective core faculty are involved in teaching, scholarship, and service and average greater than 30 publications per year. The physical therapy program is housed in three state of the art buildings that have classrooms and clinical skill laboratories with contemporary technology to enhance the educational experience. Research facilities include several biomechanics/motion analysis labs, an exercise physiology lab, a neuromuscular performance lab, and a transcranial stimulation lab. Several DPT faculty have joint appointments with the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions and the Stroke Recovery Research Center. Students may have the opportunity to assist faculty members with grants or projects if interested in obtaining research experience.

Student outcomes are excellent for the DPT program. The pass rates for the national licensure exam range from 98-100% in recent years indicating that our graduates are well prepared to begin physical therapy practice. Of those graduates who become licensed, 100% are employed within the first year of graduation. In addition to employment in the clinical setting, a number of our graduates also pursue residency education, clinical specialization, or advanced certifications while working.

MUSC has approximately 2,500 students, and each physical therapy class currently has up to 68 students. About sixty percent of the accepted students are from South Carolina and forty percent are from out of state. There are a variety of scholarships available through the Division, College, and the University specifically for full-time health professions students. These scholarships are based on academic achievement, financial need, and non-cognitive factors such as community service, college involvement, and volunteerism. Students live off-campus with the average rent of $900 per month.

MUSC is located in downtown Charleston in close proximity to The Citadel and College of Charleston campuses. Charleston is a rapidly growing port city on the Atlantic coast that is consistently rated as one of the best small cities in America. The location and climate here are perfect for year-round outdoor activities. There are numerous cultural, sporting, and entertainment events available that make this area attractive to people of all ages and backgrounds. The city's historic background and architecture, arts, beautiful beaches, and fine dining make this a popular place to live and to vacation.

Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?

Yes

Total cumulative deposit

$500

Deposit Refundable?

Deposits collected on a rolling basis after offer of admission made?

Due Date of First Required Deposit

01/16/2023

The total cost of education is calculated by adding together the annual tuition, fees, and other required program expenses for the length of the program and does not include the cost of room and board or other personal costs.

Susan Johnson

Primary Contact

Associate Director of Student Services

+1 843.792.5377

johnsoss@musc.edu