Doctor of Physical Therapy - Hybrid
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid (DPT) program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) combines the excellence of a nationally ranked curriculum with the accessibility of hybrid learning. This program offers engaging online coursework, including required live synchronous classes and structured asynchronous learning, paired with 12 immersive lab sessions in Charleston, SC, over the first six semesters.
Application Timeline
- APTA PTCAS: June 16, 2025 – April 1, 2026
- MUSC: July 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026
Learning Experience
The program provides personal guidance from a dedicated faculty coach, a supportive cohort, and engaging online learning, along with hands-on labs in Charleston, SC. Key aspects of the learning experience include:
- Inside the Program
- Faculty Coaching
- Learning Online
- The Hybrid Campus
- Curriculum
- Clinical Education
- Research Opportunities
Inside the Program
The DPT – Hybrid program offers a prestigious, nationally ranked curriculum with geographic flexibility through hybrid learning. It combines dynamic online coursework with 12 immersive lab sessions in Charleston, SC, over the first six semesters. These hands-on sessions are led by expert faculty and clinicians from across the nation.
DPT Hybrid Structure
- Courses:
- Asynchronous content
- Interactive online lessons
- Instructional skills videos
- Recorded microlectures
- Weekly synchronous group discussions
- Asynchronous content
- Labs: Remote lab activities
Faculty Coaching
The program features an innovative coaching model designed to foster a supportive and collaborative community. Each student is paired with a dedicated faculty coach who provides support throughout their educational journey.
Learning Online
Using the MUSC learning platform, professors engage students in lively discussions through interactive presentations, videos, and real-world case studies, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
The Hybrid Campus
Twice each semester, students visit the Charleston, SC, campus for immersive, hands-on clinical lab experiences. The 21,000-square-foot clinical hybrid lab space is designed to provide a spacious, beautiful, and conducive learning environment.
Curriculum
The curriculum is intentionally designed around structured educational threads that guide students through specific areas of study or professional development. These threads provide a clear content sequence where courses build on one another.
Curriculum Threads
The DPT – Hybrid program curriculum has been designed around structured educational threads within the broader curriculum that guide students through a specific area of study or professional development.
Curricular Focus
The program has strong educational experiences in foundational sciences, with key curricular focuses identified during early learning. Examples include the functional application of anatomy, the use of evidence in practice, and interprofessional collaboration.
Clinical Education
Students gain experience in various settings, including immersive clinical experiences and observations as volunteers in community activities. The program includes three clinical practicums across the United States and Puerto Rico, providing a comprehensive clinical education experience.
Where do students go?
The DPT – Hybrid program has a significant number of clinical placement contracts throughout the country. Students should be prepared to complete clinical practicums in locations other than where they live and anticipate traveling to other locations across the U.S.
Become a Clinical Instructor
The Division of Physical Therapy at MUSC is always looking for new opportunities to provide clinical instruction for students. Clinical instructors can help prepare future physical therapists and make an impact on the profession.
Research Opportunities
At MUSC, students have the chance to work at the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions, focusing on neuro-rehabilitation and the prevention of adverse health outcomes. Students can engage in faculty-led projects and contribute to pioneering studies shaping physical therapy's future.
Join an Information Session
Join virtual or on-campus events for an in-depth look at the program experience, curriculum, application process, and what sets MUSC apart.
Your Path to Admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. by the time of enrollment
- Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Complete 39 hours of prerequisite coursework
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of experience directly related to physical therapy
- Have completed the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers and First Aid certification
Prerequisites
Prerequisite coursework includes:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
Application Process
The application process involves submitting the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) PTCAS application and the MUSC application.
Application Requirements
Requirements include:
- PTCAS Application: Completed application, GRE score, letters of recommendation, log of physical therapy experience, official transcripts, and personal statement.
- MUSC Application: Submission of the MUSC application.
International Applicants
The DPT – Hybrid program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa.
Funding Your Path Forward
Explore financial guidance, cost planning, and funding opportunities.
Tuition
- Application Fee: $0
- Matriculation Fee: $500
- Tuition and fees are listed per semester.
Cost of Attendance
View the DPT – Hybrid Program Financial Fact Sheet 2025 for additional information.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
Career Outlook
Physical therapy offers high career satisfaction, a median salary of $101,020, 9% job growth, and opportunities to specialize.
Program Outcomes
Gain confidence from strong program outcomes that reflect a commitment to preparing graduates for licensure, employment, and meaningful practice.
Graduation Rates
Graduate rate data will be available for the first cohort after they graduate in May 2028.
NPTE Pass Rates
National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rate data will be available for the first cohort after they graduate in May 2028.
Employment Rates
Employment rate data will be available for the first cohort after they graduate in May 2028.
Program Faculty
View the profiles of the program faculty, including their expertise and research interests.
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the admissions process.
Learning Experience Frequently Asked Questions
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Guided by Purpose & Principles
The program is guided by objectives, competencies, vision, mission, and values that drive its mission.
Objectives
The objectives of the Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid program are to recruit, educate, and graduate a diverse student population and prepare evidence-based, ethical, comprehensive, and compassionate graduates.
Competencies
Upon completion of the DPT – Hybrid program, graduates should be able to apply advanced knowledge, conduct and critically evaluate research, demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, and exercise effective clinical reasoning.
Vision
To advance the future of physical therapy through integration of research-based inquiry, ethical practice, and interprofessional leadership.
Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid program is to prepare evidence-based, ethical, comprehensive, and compassionate entry-level physical therapists.
Values
The program is guided by values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, integrity, and respect.
Accreditation & Recognition
The Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid program at MUSC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).