Physical Therapy

DPT Program

Objectives of the DPT Program

The objective of the Department of Physical Therapy is to provide a quality education to enrolled students that requires accumulation of scientific knowledge, acquisition of essential physical therapy skills and the development of professional attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is designed to:

1. provide knowledge and competence in promoting optimal human movement and function based on the biological, behavioral, physical and medical sciences
2. prepare leaders in the multifaceted roles of clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators in individual, group, and community contexts
3. model and instill in students the values that promote professionalism and caring
4. facilitate student commitment to independent thinking and lifelong learning and to student realization of the intrinsic rewards of these attributes

Mission of the DPT Program

Consistent with the educational missions of UT Health Science Center, the overall mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to (1) secure well-qualified students and educate them under a highly qualified faculty in environments conducive to preparation of the best possible physical therapists; (2) maintain an environment that encourages honesty, trust, and fairness; (3) promote personal growth, development, satisfaction and achievement for all students, faculty, and staff; (4) improve human health through education, research, and public service; and (5) provide excellence in health care for clients and keep pace with advances in health care delivery. The fulfillment of that mission is exemplified by graduates who are empathetic, skilled, and safe general practitioners of physical therapy and who exhibit an intrinsic motivation for continued learning.

Job Market and Earning Potential

The U.S. Department of Labor projects a continuing increase in available jobs for physical therapists. Salaries vary depending upon one’s experience, geographical location and position. A recent graduate can expect to earn from $50,000 - $55,000. Experienced physical therapists, therapists in supervisory positions, and self-employed physical therapists earn more than $ 70,000 per year.

Educational Programs

Accredited entry-level physical therapy programs are generally three years in length preceded by 3 or 4 years of prerequisite coursework. The majority of programs require students to have a baccalaureate degree prior to admission to the program.. Entry-level programs, both master and doctoral levels, prepare students as generalists in physical therapy. UTHSC has a three-year professional program, which follows four years of prerequisite coursework which has culminated in a baccalaureate degree. Graduates of the program are awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

For physical therapists who have completed their basic physical therapy education and wish to specialize in a specific area, post–professional programs are available. These programs are developed for those physical therapists who seek advanced knowledge and/or skill in clinical practice, education, management, and/or research. UTHSC has a post-professional master degree program (MSPT) and a doctor of science degree program (ScDPT) with concentrations of study in Musculoskeletal Sciences and Neurological Sciences.

In addition to programs that prepare professional physical therapists, some universities and community colleges offer accredited two-year educational programs for physical therapist assistants (PTAs). PTAs are skilled technical health care workers who, under the supervision of physical therapists, assist in patients’ treatment programs. Graduation from a PTA program does not assure an individual’s admission into an educational program for the physical therapist.

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