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Program at a Glance

Program
Doctorate
College(s)
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Department(s)
Kinesiology&Phys Thpy, Schl of
2-3
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2025

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program educates students to become competent, compassionate, and ethical practitioners in a variety of health care settings. Graduates will be highly dedicated professionals with excellent patient care, communication, critical thinking, patient education and advocacy, management and research skills.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three-year (nine consecutive semesters) professional doctoral curriculum designed to prepare entry-level therapists to practice in a variety of clinical settings. The professional curriculum is a full-time "lock-step" program. The program includes multiple clinical education experiences (internships) ranging from eight weeks to twelve weeks in duration. It also includes focused interprofessional education activities involving students from other professional disciplines as well as research training and activities.

Students who successfully complete the course of study will be granted the Doctor in Physical Therapy degree (DPT), enabling the graduate to take the national board examination leading to state licensure as a Physical Therapist.

The UCF Doctor of Physical Therapy program promotes lifelong learning and professional development, which is attained through active involvement in professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association. UCF's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

Mission

The mission of the University of Central Florida's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to cultivate excellence in physical therapist practice through comprehensive and focused doctoral education. The program fosters excellence through its dedication to foundational sciences, clinical skill proficiency, research and evidence-based practice, service and professional duty, and lifelong learning. The program is committed to the development of a diverse and inclusive healthcare community in order to optimize patient care in the dynamic healthcare environment.

Vision

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Central Florida will be distinguished for:

  • Its breadth, depth, and collaborative approach to physical therapist education
  • Clinical excellence and advancement of clinical practice
  • Scholarly achievements and professional recognition of students, faculty, and clinical partners
  • Dedication to the health and well-being of the Central Florida community
  • Professional commitment and advocacy for the advancement of the practice of physical therapy

This program prepares students for state-regulated professional licensure or certification. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the licensure disclosure for the Physical Therapy DPT program.

Male and female looking at skeleton

Highlights

The UCF DPT program has a 100% licensure pass rate each year.
The field of physical therapy is projected to see a 21% job growth through 2030 (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
DPT graduates have a median salary of $91k (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Application Deadlines

Summer
November 1
Summer
November 1

Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Human Gross Anatomy

12 credits of cadaveric dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory to best learn human anatomy.

Contemporary examination of sources of pain and best practices in the treatment of patients with pain.

Evaluate and treat patients with neurologic impairments such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke.

Evaluate and treat patients with conditions and pathologies associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction common to active populations and athletes.

Application of scientific methodology into contemporary issues of physical therapy practice or movement science.

Screening of patients with conditions that results in differential diagnosis and referral to other medical or health care providers to optimize care.

Victoria (Morgan) Daacon

The clinical options UCF DPT students are provided with are completely invaluable, and I'm very thankful to UCF DPT for the wonderful opportunities I was able to take advantage of during my time as a student." ”

Victoria (Morgan) Daacon ‘10DPT

DPT Skills You'll Learn

  • Evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages and spanning the continuum of care.
  • Learn hands on evaluation and treatment of patients.
  • Develop skills to be an advance provider, able to manage patients with neurologic, musculoskeletal, or other pathologic conditions that impact function and quality of life.
  • Collaborate with a healthcare team in various settings within the healthcare system.

Where Physical Therapists Work

  • Acute, Subacute, and Rehabilitation Hospitals
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Outpatient Facilities
  • Private Practices
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Military Healthcare Facilities
  • Professional Sports
  • Schools
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Home Health Agencies

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all program requirements to be considered for admission. The following items MUST arrive to PTCAS by October 15. All necessary forms can be found at www.ptcas.org.

To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:

  • Completed PTCAS Application
  • All transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL and foreign transcript evaluation (if required)
  • Observation hours (must be completed and verified)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume upon request

Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed.

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