Simmons University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a 3-year, full-time program that prepares students for a variety of career paths in physical therapy. The program emphasizes professional experience, clinical practice, and research, and graduates are ready to become dynamic leaders in the field. The program is accredited by CAPTE and has a high graduation and NPTE pass rate.

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Simmons University is a 3-year, full-time program designed for individuals who have completed three years of undergraduate work at Simmons or hold a bachelor's degree from another institution. The program emphasizes professional experience and prepares students to meet the challenges of the constantly evolving healthcare field. Students attend expert-led lectures, advance their technique in the skills laboratory, and participate in small-group discussions focused on clinical practice. They also build their skills during full-time clinical internships, which are carefully selected to give students the opportunity to be mentored by experienced clinical practitioners in a variety of patient populations. Graduates are ready to become dynamic leaders in physical therapy and excel in clinical practice in a variety of settings.

Outline:

The DPT program curriculum is structured over three years, with courses spread across fall, spring, and summer semesters. The program includes a total of 99 credits and is divided into the following:

Year 1:

• Summer:
• DPT621 Human Anatomy (7 credits)
• DPT631 Clinical Medicine (2 credits)
• Fall:
• DPT612 Professional Seminar (1 credit)
• DPT622 Movement Science I (3 credits)
• DPT632 Concepts & Skills in Physical Therapy I (3 credits)
• DPT652 Evidence Based Practice I (2 credits)
• DPT672 Frameworks of Physical Therapy: Musculoskeletal I (7 credits)
• Spring:
• DPT613 Professional Seminar (1 credit)
• DPT623 Movement Science II (3 credits)
• DPT633 Concepts and Skills in Physical Therapy II (3 credits)
• DPT653 Evidence Based Practice II (2 credits)
• DPT673 Frameworks of Physical Therapy: Musculoskeletal II (7 credits)

Year 2:

• Summer:
• DPT701 Clinical Experience I (5 credits)
• Fall:
• DPT712 Professional Seminar (1 credit)
• DPT722 Integument, Prosthetics, & Orthotics (2 credits)
• DPT732 Neuroanatomy (2 credits)
• DPT742 Health Promotion, Wellness, and Advocacy (3 credits)
• DPT752 Research Seminar: Proposal (1 credit)
• DPT772 Frameworks for Physical Therapy: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (7 credits)
• Spring:
• DPT713 Professional Seminar (1 credit)
• DPT743 Principles of Practice Management (3 credits)
• SNHS450 Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3 credits)

Year 3:

• Summer:
• DPT714 Professional Seminar (1 credit)
• DPT724 Advanced Topics (3 credits)
• DPT734 Complex Conditions (2 credits)
• DPT754 Research Seminar: Systematic Review II (1 credit) OR DPT764 Research Seminar: Faculty Directed Research II (1 credit)
• DPT784 Frameworks for Physical Therapy: Neuromuscular II (5 credits)
• Fall:
• DPT792 Clinical Experience II (5 credits)
• Spring:

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Expert-led lectures
• Skills laboratory practice
• Small-group discussions focused on clinical practice
• Full-time clinical internships with mentorship from experienced practitioners

Careers:

Graduates of the DPT program are prepared for a variety of career paths in the field of physical therapy, including:

• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists and audiologists
• Hospitals (state, local, and private)
• Home healthcare services
• Nursing and residential care facilities

Other:

• The DPT program at Simmons University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• The program facilitates a commitment to active life-long learning, leadership, advocacy, and service to others across a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic populations.
• Graduation rates are high, as are pass rates for the Student National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
• Simmons University is located near some of the top teaching hospitals in the nation.
• The program has a 733 square foot research laboratory equipped with advanced technology, including a 10-camera Vicon-Optical motion analysis system, a trakSTAR electromagnetic motion analysis system, an Electromyography system, and a Supersonic Imagine Aixplorer Ultrasound system.
• The program offers a 6-year accelerated program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
• The program emphasizes the importance of clinical and research experience.
• Students complete a capstone research course, where they work in small groups on faculty-directed research or a systematic review.
• The program has a strong faculty with expertise in various areas of physical therapy.
• The program is committed to diversity and inclusion.
• The program is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical practice.
• The program is committed to critical inquiry through problem-based learning.
• The program is committed to wellness and health promotion through the lifespan.
• The program is committed to the ability to adapt and contribute to the changing landscape of healthcare.
• The program is committed to empathy, compassion, and resilience.

Simmons University

Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.