Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional entry-level degree program for students seeking a career as a physical therapist. The DPT program has been designed to prepare highly competent professionals to act as autonomous practitioners in health care settings that include direct access by the public to physical therapy services.

Program Overview

The DPT program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and is registered with the New York State Education Department. It is a 3-year, full-time program that spans over 11 academic terms and includes 35 weeks of clinical education. The program is a clinical doctorate that requires candidates to possess a baccalaureate degree upon entrance.

Program Goals

The DPT program enables the graduate to:

• Value individual diversity and respect the human dignity of patients, family members, and professional associates
• Provide physical therapy services as an autonomous practitioner, who is able to competently serve as a point of entry to, and collaborate within, the health care environment
• Integrate theory, academic knowledge, and clinical skills to practice physical therapy within the complexities of the current health care environment
• Assess the physical therapy or health care needs of a patient; establish optimum patient outcomes based on examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis; and plan and implement interventions to address the identified needs
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, policy makers, reimbursement representatives, and community members
• Apply critical thinking strategies and self-directed learning to the role of physical therapist
• Pursue and apply knowledge of the underlying science on which physical therapy practice is based
• Understand the contributing economic, medical, cultural, and psychosocial issues that impact delivery of health care services

Accreditation and Student Outcomes

The Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Student outcomes include:

• NPTE First Time Pass Rate:
  • Class of 2025: 83.8%
  • Class of 2024: 80.0%
  • 2 Year Average: 81.7%
• NPTE Ultimate Pass:
  • Class of 2025: 97.3%
  • Class of 2024: 100%
  • 2 Year Average: 98.7%
• Graduation rate:
  • Class of 2025: 86.0%
  • Class of 2024: 89.7%
  • 2 Year Average: 87.9%
• 12-month employment rate:
  • Class of 2024: 100%
  • Class of 2023: 100%
  • 2 Year Average: 100%

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the DPT program must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in any major
• Have a recommended total grade-point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• Have a recommended combined math and science grade-point average (G.P.A) of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0
• Have successfully completed the following prerequisite courses with no grades lower than C:
  • 1 semester of general biology with lab
  • 2-semester sequence of general chemistry with lab
  • 2-semester sequence of general physics with lab
  • 1 semester of human anatomy or part 1 of a 2-semester sequence of combined anatomy-physiology
  • 1 semester of human physiology or part 2 of a 2-semester sequence of combined anatomy-physiology
  • 1 semester of statistics
• Submit an official score report for the GRE revised general test
• Provide evidence of a minimum of 36 hours of work experience in 2 different physical therapy settings
• Submit two completed recommendation forms

Admissions Process

The Department of Physical Therapy at LIU Brooklyn participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Those applying to the DPT program must submit an application through PTCAS.

Curriculum

The Doctor of Physical Therapy curricular coursework includes:

• A three-year, 118 credit full-time entry-level degree program that spans over 11 academic terms
• A clinical education model including 35 weeks of full-time clinical experience in diverse practice settings

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff of the DPT program include:

• Birendra Madi Dewan, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor
• Kaitlin Kirker, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Clinical Education
• Danielle Long, PT, DPT, PCS, Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
• Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT, NCS, Associate Professor
• Michael Masaracchio, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, Associate Professor and Chair, Director of the Anatomy Lab
• Nia Irene Mensah, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Associate Professor
• Melanie O'Connell, PT, PhD, PCS, Assistant Professor, Director of Student Advisement and Engagement
• Mary Maloney, Senior Secretary

Resources and Facilities

The DPT program has access to various resources and facilities, including:

• Teaching laboratories with treatment tables and audio-visual equipment
• Physical Therapy Research Lab
• Anatomy Laboratory with human cadavers and models

Why Study Physical Therapy at LIU Brooklyn?

The DPT program at LIU Brooklyn offers students the opportunity to learn in a unique urban health care environment, with clinical placements and internships at top clinics and healthcare affiliates, and instruction from nationally recognized faculty who are professional and academic leaders in the field.

---

Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

---

Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

---

Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

---

Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

---

Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance