Physical Therapy (DPT) | Springfield College

Physical Therapy (DPT)

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in May (summer semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete the program in 3 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Looking for an undergraduate degree in physical therapy?

You're looking for our early assurance/undergraduate entry for students completing high school offering a dual-degree program in which students earn a BS and Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years. Learn more about our undergraduate entry program.

Resources
Upcoming Events

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Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
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Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
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Springfield College physical therapy student Xavier Gibson participates in a lab

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Springfield college prepares highly qualified therapists for exemplary professional practice in physical therapy. As a student, you’ll become a physical therapist who is able to recognize and meet existing and emerging health care needs. 

The program seeks to give you values and skills for lifelong learning, ethical behavior in practice, and a commitment to the enrichment and promotion of the physical therapy profession. Courses in anatomy, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of health care, research methodology, and statistics enable you to develop advanced problem-solving skills, a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, and a clinically-based understanding of administration, research, and evidence-based practice. Part- and full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities round out the program. 

Our program offers unique experiences as you learn, such as opportunities to:

  • Participate in the on-campus Community Mobility Clinic starting in year one of DPT program
  • Engage in physical therapy service delivery with our campus partner LIVE EVERY DAY
  • Become a student health coach for a participant in our Walk With Ease program
  • Participate in student physical therapy organization activities, which include DPT students mentoring undergraduate students

Best of all? Our program outcomes back us up, so you can feel confident knowing your career is just around the corner.

“The DPT program provided a hands-on learning approach that facilitates learning and skills while maintaining smaller class sizes, which was important to me because I didn’t want to be ‘just a number.’” Allison Skinner, '19, DPT'21
Allison Skinner - Springfield College
“The Physical Therapy program at Springfield College has reinforced my desire to become a physical therapist, guided me on the best and most efficient path for this dream to occur, and has allowed me to grow as a professional through specifically tailored classes.” Olivia Schaub - Health Science: Pre-PT Class of 2025; DPT Graduate Class of 2027
Olivia Schaub - Springfield College
“At Springfield College, we have had real learning opportunities via simulation labs, leading community groups, writing community program proposals, and practical’s to apply what we are learning to real-life situations.” Nicole Sweeney '23, DTP Graduate Class of 2025
Nicole Sweeney - Springfield College

*The Springfield College physical therapy program is primarily an early-assurance/dual-degree BS to DPT program.  As a result, the number of graduate entry candidates we can enroll is limited. 

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Applications for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must be submitted through PTCAS

    In order to be considered, applications must be complete in PTCAS. Materials required are: Personal Statement, Resume, Official Transcripts, and Letters of Recommendation.

    Letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor. 
  2. GRE: This program does not require the GRE. 

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The staff in the Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Doctor of Physical Therapy candidates must submit applications via PTCAS here.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Domestic Students

  • Application Deadline: December 1
  • Supporting Materials Deadline:December 1

 

International Students

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: December 1
Student Stories

Inspired by her own physical therapist, Nisa Mann decided to follow her passion and study physical therapy at Springfield College.

Nisa shares her experience with her current sports an orthopedics clinical at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, talks about being motivated by faculty, and dives into why she chose Springfield College?

Are you ready for this type of experience?

Prerequisite Information Request More Information

Physical Therapy Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Springfield College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 413-748-3590 or email physicaltherapy@springfieldcollege.edu

The public or any other stakeholder of the DPT program at Springfield College has the right to make a complaint and receive a response from the institution. In Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards, this is referred to as a “complaint which falls outside the realm of due process.” If you feel that you need to let us know about an experience or encounter with any student, faculty, or staff member who is part of the DPT program, please use this form to provide all the relevant information. Springfield College will act on all program-related complaints in an expedient manner.

The New Health Sciences Center at Springfield College

The new Springfield College Health Sciences Center empowers transformative approaches to education, career enhancement, service, research, and leadership in healthcare. The Center builds on the success of the School of Health Sciences, and ensure its standing as the leading choice for the finest students, faculty, and staff.

An architect's rendering of the health science center at Springfield College

American Council of Academic Physical Therapy Member Institution

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.