Program Overview

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Doctorate of Physical Therapy

The clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program is designed to prepare graduates to examine, evaluate, diagnose, and intervene in the management of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities of the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and integumentary systems.

Program Format

• In-person

Program Duration

• 107 credits
• The three-year curriculum requires 107 credits of graduate course work and completion of a capstone research project.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at The College of Staten Island/CUNY has been reaffirmed for 10 years by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Program Description

Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals focused on helping members of the community restore mobility through various treatment modalities. The Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), the entry-level degree required for Physical Therapists, has been offered by our program since 1995. Our program provides an excellent clinical foundation with the promise of a rewarding career as a physical therapist.

Admission Requirements

Students must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution by the end of the spring semester prior to admission. The degree of difficulty of the undergraduate coursework is considered when making admissions decisions.

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to apply, although this does not assure admission due to the competitiveness of the program.
• The following pre-requisite courses are required:
  • Two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology for science majors, with laboratories (within the past 10 years).
  • Two semesters of Physics for science majors, with laboratories.
  • Two semesters of Chemistry for science majors, with laboratories.
  • Two semesters of Psychology.
  • One semester of Mathematics (pre-calculus or college algebra and trigonometry).
  • One semester of Statistics (a course that includes computer applications is recommended).
  • One semester of English composition (e.g., expository writing).
• All prerequisite requirements must be met by the end of the Spring semester immediately preceding the start date of the program.

Application Procedures

• All documents must be submitted through PTCAS.
• The deadline for submission is October 1st of every year.
• A non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants.
• Applicants who are veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves, may obtain an application fee waiver.
• Clinical Experience: Applicants are required to complete observation hours under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
  • 100-hour requirement applies when hours are completed in two separate locations, ideally 50 hours in an inpatient setting and 50 hours in an outpatient setting.
  • 200 hours are required if all hours are completed only at one location.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Applicants are required to submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required.
• English Proficiency Examination: Required for students for whom English is a second language, with minimum scores for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exams.

Application Deadline

• Summer Admission Only: October 1
• Priority Consideration Deadline: September 1

Program Director and Admissions Coordinator

• Program Director: Dr. Zaghloul Ahmed, PT, PhD
• Admissions Coordinator: Dr. Michael Chiacchiero, PT, DPT

Eligibility for Admission

CUNY licensed health professions programs will consider students to be eligible for admission consistent with the regulations of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) that make professional licensure available not only to U.S. citizens but to non-citizens so long as they are "not unlawfully present in the United States," including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those who are permanently residing in the United States under color of law (PRUCOL).