Doctor of
Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Program Overview

Revolutionizing Patient Care in Movement Sciences

Welcome to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Youngstown State University! Our program offers an innovative blend of comprehensive coursework and real-world clinical experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to serve as compassionate, effective physical therapists.

Overview of the Program

The DPT program at YSU is a three-year, full-time program focusing on integrating academic knowledge with clinical training. Our robust curriculum combines foundational science, clinical science, and research-based coursework, providing a deep and rigorous understanding of physical therapy practice.

Student learning extends beyond the classroom with integrated clinical experiences throughout the curriculum. Guided by experienced mentors, students have ample opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in varied clinical settings.

The course concludes with a comprehensive exam and culminates in a rigorous clinical internship, where students integrate their knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained throughout the program.

Who is this Program For?

Ambitious candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field who are keen to excel in physical therapy practice would benefit from our DPT program. Those with a commitment to enhancing patient health and well-being, a robust understanding of movement sciences, and a readiness to adapt to the constantly evolving healthcare environment will find our program aligns well with their career goals.

Job Outcomes and Market Outlook

A DPT degree equips graduates to serve as physical therapists in a variety of healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness venues, and more.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2019 to 2029, considerably faster than the average for all occupations. This promising employment landscape reflects the demand for physical therapy services given the increasingly active aging population and numerous health conditions requiring physical therapy treatment.

At Youngstown State University, we are here to guide your journey toward becoming a leader in physical healthcare. Join our Doctor of Physical Therapy program and begin your transformation.

Dr. Nancy Landgraff
Department Chair
(330) 941-2703
nlandgraff@ysu.edu

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Youngstown State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
http://www.capteonline.org.

Current accreditation was granted in 2014 for 10 years.  The next accreditation visit will be in 2025. 

The National Physical Therapy Examination pass rate is 98.3%.