The Physical Therapy Program at Seton Hill University embraces patient-centered care of the whole person in the tradition of Judeo-Christian values. Physical Therapy Program graduates are prepared to think and act critically, creatively, and ethically as highly competent clinicians committed to transforming the world. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Seton Hill University is a 33-month program that integrates clinical experience with classroom learning, service learning, and professional development.

The Topic-Based curricular model prepares graduates for success in any physical therapy setting. For every topic, students will delve into the specifics of:

Clinical Reasoning 

• Medical and clinical histories, interviewing patients, identifying risks, interpreting relevant tests, and diagnosis

Foundational Science

• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology

Physical Therapy Skills

• Hands-on techniques employed by physical therapists

Professional Responsibilities

• Ethical, legal, and professional considerations and requirements

Through this study method, students will develop a comprehensive knowledge base and skill-set, learn how to identify patterns and connections, and make sound, patient-centered clinical decisions.

The hybrid curricular model was selected for this curriculum because of its capacity for combining the necessary scientific foundational components of a systems-based curriculum during the first year, with a more clinically oriented life-span approach during the second and third years, tied together with the clinical reasoning necessary in physical therapy practice presented in case-based experiences throughout the program. The faculty are tasked with creating student-centered learning strategies, with a focus on patient-centered care with the goal of creating highly competent clinicians that think and act critically, creatively, and ethically.

This curricular model is well suited for a graduate professional program because of its emphasis on student-centered learning, which creates student responsibility for learning and fosters professional behaviors. It facilitates sharing students' and faculty members' diverse educational and experiential backgrounds. It promotes the use of a variety of learning styles and fosters creativity. The student-centered approach focuses on learning rather than on teaching. Student responsibility for identifying a need for information, locating and evaluating information, and assessing the performance of themselves and others is central to this approach. 

At Seton Hill, students will participate in frequent clinical education experiences, beginning in the second term. This provides the unique opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in various supported clinical settings, including Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Rehabilitation Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Sports, and other specialty clinics.

As an Apple Distinguished School, Seton Hill prepares faculty to incorporate the latest technological advances into classroom clinical environments. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction with state-of-the-art equipment in facilities like the Boyle Health Sciences Center and the Wukich School of Nursing. Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students are provided with a MacBook Air laptop. Physical Therapy faculty are licensed physical therapists and clinical researchers with advanced degrees in the sciences, education, and rehabilitation. They have dedicated their professional careers to the education of students in physical therapy.

Seton Hill is nationally recognized for the strength of its natural and health sciences programs and for its history of supporting women in the sciences. Students will become part of a supportive community that fosters interprofessional collaboration among healthcare providers. 

Learning and professional development will be bolstered by three levels of service activities embedded in the DPT Program at Seton Hill. Students will serve:

• The physical therapy profession, through participation in professional organizations
• Your fellow students by serving as an academic mentor after you have progressed in your studies
• The community through service-learning trips in the U.S. or abroad

The program conducts interviews in person and via zoom for candidates who are unable to travel for the scheduled interview dates. 

Program gives preference to applicants who are currently enrolled within the university.