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Explore Physical Therapy at Duquesne University

The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates from 2006 through 2016 the demand for physical therapist will increase by 27%. The program in Physical Therapy in the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences prepares graduates at the doctoral level for this expanding job market. Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) are the practitioners of choice for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating functional limitations and disabilities related to illness or injury.

The Rangos School, with more than 800 students and 60 full-time faculty members, is one of the largest health sciences schools in the country with a national reputation for excellence in clinical instruction, research, and advocacy.

Why Our Program is Exceptional

A Balanced Curriculum

Review our comprehensive curriculum that provides a well-rounded education and professional training.

Multiple admission points

• Freshmen admission to a 6-year combined program of undergraduate and professional coursework resulting in Bachelor's of Science degrees in Biology and Health Sciences and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
• Freshmen admission to a 7-year combined program of coursework in athletic training and professional coursework in physical therapy resulting in Bachelor's of Science degree in Athletic Training and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
• Graduate Admission of post-baccalaureate students into the professional curriculum resulting in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

For all students admitted as freshmen, guaranteed admission into the professional curriculum without subsequent application. Maintenance of academic standards is required.

Professional Curriculum and Outcomes

• 100% job placement rate for graduates
• Two-semesters of anatomy with full cadaver dissection taught in a dedicated laboratory
• Twelve full-time and eight adjunct faculty
• Five full-time clinical experiences
• 99% first-time pass rate on licensing exam for past 4 years
• 100% ultimate pass rate on licensing exam for past 7 years

• Performance on licensing exam well above national averages for all sections of the exam.

 

 

Programmatic Outcomes

At the completion of the doctoral program in Physical Therapy the student will:

1. Practice autonomously in a competent, safe, ethical, legal, reflective and professional manner.
2. Use evidence-based principles and clinical reasoning skills to be autonomous practitioners who determine the physical therapy diagnosis of, and direct the prevention of and interventions for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions or changes in health status.
3. Perform effective patient examination.
4. Perform effective patient evaluation.
5. Determine correct diagnoses.
6. Develop a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.
7. Provide physical therapy interventions to achieve patient goals.
8. Utlize appropriate outcome measures.
9. Integrate prevention, health education, and wellness initiatives.
10. Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills
11. Provide healthcare education to patients, clients, families, peers, and society, using culturally appropriate teaching methods.
12. Demonstrate effective practice management.
13. Demonstrate social responsibility and altruism.
14. Demonstrate professional development, service and advocacy.
15. Apply the principles of the basic human sciences to clinical practice.
16. Apply principles of pharmacology to physical therapy practice.
17. Apply principles of medical and clinical science to physical therapy practice.

Boundless Opportunities in the Profession

Duquesne DPT graduates are in demand and are hired by hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and public schools. Many Duquesne University alumni have started their own private practices.

Starting salaries for physical therapists can vary considerably based on location, type of facility, experience level, and degree. A recent salary survey by APTA reported a median income of $56,000 for physical therapists with 0-3 years experience and median salary of $75,000 for experienced physical therapists.

A License to Practice

Students must graduate from an accredited physical therapy program to sit for state licensing examinations. Duquesne University has an ultimate pass rate of 100% over the past five years with a 99% first-time pass rate for the state licensing examinations.