Carlow Physical Therapy program mission statement

Carlow physical therapy program strives to develop evidence-informed, critically-thinking, skilled practitioners and leaders who advocate for healthcare equity for all, serve their communities with empathy and compassion, and actively contribute to creating a just and merciful world.

Carlow Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Description

Become a competent and confident practitioner and health professional leader through Carlow University???s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

You will join a diverse group of aspiring physical therapists on a journey through our carefully designed curriculum that provides equal emphasis on the habits of the head (cognitive knowledge), hand (clinical skills), and heart (professional formation/responsibilities). It is well documented that historically, the health professions??? education has placed emphasis on the habits of the head and hand (technical skill) but have lagged in the habits of the heart (non-technical skills). At Carlow, we believe that the non-technical skills are equally essential to your health professional training as the technical skills. It is the training in the habits of the heart that will allow you to act above and beyond your technical responsibilities and advocate for your patients. 

As part of your training, you will participate in 4, full time clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings (hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine, pediatrics). Our clinical partners are both local and throughout the United States.

Program length: 8 semesters/33 months (including summer)

Total Credits: 115

Clinical Education weeks: 36 weeks

Number of Clinical Rotations: 4 (two, 6 weeks and two, 12 weeks)

Class size: 28

Intake: Fall only

Curriculum Guide

Curricular highlights - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

1. Receive a well-rounded, employable healthcare education: With an equal emphasis on the technical and non-technical skills of healthcare practice along with the healthcare team-based, collaborative courses, you will be prepared to practice PT in a variety of healthcare settings.
2. Learn in a team-based, healthcare model: You will take several courses with aspiring nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physician assistants, speech-language pathologists, and MBA students which will directly prepare you for collaborative practice.
3. Practice in a simulation lab: You will build confidence in your clinical skill through life-like scenarios in our hospital and ICU simulation lab
4. Become proficient through clinical and field experiences: You may choose a location on Carlow???s campus, which provides access to a range of age groups, locally in Pittsburgh or internationally at one of our partner sites. All provide unique opportunities for you to fine-tune your clinical skills in real-world settings.
5. Build your resume while in graduate school: Through our dedicated teaching/learning lab, you will have the opportunity to offer pro-bono services for those in our local community. Not only will this build your resume but provide unique and valuable clinical experiences to elevate your skill.

The sooner you apply, the sooner you receive a decision from us. Applications will be reviewed within 2 weeks and, for qualified applicants, an interview will be granted within a month. Acceptance decision will be shared within a month after interview is completed.

Only if the program did not achieve candidacy status to launch the program in Fall 2023.