Physical Therapy (PT) is a challenging and satisfying profession - one with many career pathways from which to choose. The wide range of clinical settings, the diversity of the patient populations, and the variety of specialty areas provide a vast array of employment and professional growth opportunities for the new graduate. Shenandoah University's (entry-level) Doctor of Physical Therapy professional degree program prepares students for the challenges of the profession and provides an superior foundation for aspiring clinicians and for continued professional development. The Physical Therapy Program at Shenandoah University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through December 31st, 2028. 

Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must have demonstrated success in academics and have a strong background in the sciences. A demonstration of well-developed problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and commitment to service is necessary. Those applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should be prepared to work closely with other students in the program, make contributions to the learning process of others and contribute to the enrichment of the curriculum and the profession. The Physical Therapy program is closely affiliated with Valley Health System and with INOVA Health System as part of the expansion of our program to the Scholar Plaza Loudoun (SPL) campus in Loudoun County, VA with the first cohort having entered in the Fall 2014. Both relationships provide extensive clinical opportunities, equipment, space and expert adjunct faculty.

DPT/MSAT (Doctorate in Physical Therapy/Master of Science in Athletic Training).  This dual-degree program is a 3.5 year program.  Applicants can visit SU's website at (https://www.su.edu/athletic-training/dual-degree-doctor-of-physical-therapymaster-of-science-in-athletic-training/) for more specific information about the program and about applying to the MSAT portion of the program.

Shenandoah University's Scholar Plaza Loudoun Campus (SPL) matriculated its first cohort in the Fall of 2014. Currently, there are 20 seats available at this location. SPL cohorts complete all programming and coursework in synchrony with the Winchester Campus cohort. To accomplish this, lecture classes are conducted utilizing Video Teleconferencing (VTC) so that both locations are in class simultaneously and are able to interact between campuses directly during classes. All practical, hands-on laboratory classes (anatomy lab, musculoskeletal therapeutics, neurological therapeutics, biomechanics, physical agents, cardiopulmonary therapeutics) are completed separately at each campus with live, in-person instruction from SUPT faculty and adjunct faculty. Loudoun County is a prominent suburb of the greater Washington DC area and the SPL campus works in conjunction with the INOVA health system in providing expert adjunct faculty and clinical placements for SUPT students.

Interviews are completed during the Fall of the admissions cycle (TBD). Selected applicants are invited to spend a half day at the respective campus where they are seeking admission (Winchester Campus or Scholar Plaza Loudoun Campus). During the session, applicants will interview with an SUPT faculty member and a current SUPT student. Applicants will also receive a tour of the facilities, and have ample opportunity to meet and speak with current SUPT students outside of their personal interview.

The deposit must be paid by the deadline indicated on acceptance letters from the Graduate Admissions Office to reserve a seat in the upcoming class. Applicants who fail to pay the deposit by their deadline date forfeit their offer of acceptance. Security deposits are credited toward the first semester tuition, but are non-refundable if an applicant declines an offer of acceptance after paying the deposit.

The program maintains articulation agreements with Bridgewater College (Va.), Ferrum College, James Madison University, Shenandoah University, Virginia Tech University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College and gives preference to applicants who meet the criteria of those agreements. Details of the articulation agreements with each School can be found on the Shenandoah University, Division of Physical Therapy website (https://www.su.edu/physical-therapy/admissions/su-dpt-articulation-agreements/).