Program Overview

Physical Therapy, DPT

Department Chair: Daniel Lee

Physical therapists help improve quality of life through movement. They examine each person and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore function, reduce pain, improve movement capabilities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Individuals who wish to practice physical therapy in the United States must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program in an accredited institution of higher education.

The three-year graduate program at Stony Brook University consists of 95 didactic credits and 35 clinical credits. Upon completion of the program, graduates consistently demonstrate the skills needed to practice physical therapy in a variety of settings. The program cultivates leaders who develop skills in evidence-based practice, critical inquiry, and clinical decision-making that are needed for differential diagnosis and autonomous practice. In addition to direct patient care, graduates can pursue careers in research, administration, consultation, and community health. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain licensure. In addition to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, the school’s Certificate of Professional Achievement in Physical Therapy is awarded upon satisfactory completion of all coursework.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must have a completed baccalaureate degree prior to enrollment in the program. Candidates must meet the school’s natural science requirement by successfully completing two courses each of chemistry, physics, and biology. Each course must be designated for science majors and have a laboratory component. One course in anatomy and one course in physiology or two courses of anatomy and physiology are also required. Completion of required science courses must be within the past ten years. No more than two science prerequisites maybe outstanding at the time of application; outstanding science cannot be in the same subject area. In addition, the program requires one course in psychology and one course in statistics. Candidates must complete required course work by the end of the spring term of the year for which the application is made. Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required. A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is preferred. At least 100 hours of volunteer or work experience within a physical therapy facility is required. A varied exposure to the field is recommended.

Program Requirements

Professional Courses (Year One) 45 Credits

• HBA 540 - Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists 5 credits
• HAY 500 - Neuroscience for Physical Therapy 4 credits
• HAY 515 - Foundations of Kinesiology 1 credit
• HAY 517 - Exercise Physiology 1 credit
• HAY 518 - Foundations of Exercise and Movement in PT 3.5 credits
• HAY 519 - Kinesiology 4.5 credits
• HAY 526 - Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology I 4.5 credits
• HAY 527 - Foundations of Patient Care 4 credits
• HAY 528 - Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology II 5 credits
• HAY 534 - Motor Learning and Motor Control 3 credits
• HAY 543 - Integumentary and Vascular Physical Therapy 2 credits
• HAY 544 - Biophysical Agents in Physical Therapy 3 credits
• HAY 552 - Research Methods for Physical Therapists 3 credits
• HAY 560 - Professional Practice I: Foundations 1.5 credits

Professional Courses (Year Two) 39.5 Credits

• HAY 501 - Growth and Development Across the Life Span 3 credits
• HAY 502 - Psychosocial Aspects of Disability 2 credits
• HAY 504 - Neurological Physical Therapy I 2 credits
• HAY 505 - Neurological Physical Therapy II 2 credits
• HAY 506 - Neurological Physical Therapy III 4.5 credits
• HAY 507 - Orthopedic Physical Therapy I 2 credits
• HAY 508 - Orthopedic Physical Therapy III 4 credits
• HAY 509 - Pediatric Physical Therapy 4.5 credits
• HAY 513 - Orthopedic Physical Therapy II 2 credits
• HAY 557 - Introduction to Evidence Based Practice 1.5 credits
• HAY 561 - Professional Practice II: Clinical Education 1.5 credits
• HAY 589 - Case Studies I 0.5 credit
• HAY 595 - Clinical Education I 8 credits
• HAY 620 - Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy I 2 credits

Professional Courses (Year Three) 45 Credits

• HBA 542 - Advanced Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists 0 credit
• HAY 512 - Prosthetics and Orthotics in Physical Therapy 3 credits
• HAY 524 - Health, Wellness and Prevention in Physical Therapy 2 credits
• HAY 525 - Advanced Therapeutic Exercise 3 credits
• HAY 545 - Ethics and Health Care for Physical Therapists 2 credits
• HAY 558 - Evidence Based Practice Seminar 1-3 credits
• HAY 590 - Case Studies II 1 credit
• HAY 602 - Issues in Health Care Administration 1-3 credits
• HAY 621 - Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy II 2 credits
• HAY 692 - Clinical Education II 9 credits
• HAY 693 - Clinical Education III 8 credits
• HAY 694 - Clinical Education IV 8-12 credits

Special Academic Requirements

In addition to the academic policies of the school, a minimum grade of C- in HBA 540 - Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists is required for continued matriculation in the physical therapy program. For the remaining courses, each student must achieve a minimum grade of C+. Additionally, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing.