Program Overview

Doctorate of Physical Therapy: DPT Program

Overview

The Widener University Institute for Physical Therapy Education aims to produce excellent, diverse, globally-minded physical therapists who lead with integrity and compassion to enhance the health and mobility of all individuals and communities.

Program Details

At a Glance

• Offered as: Doctorate
• Format: On Campus
• Credits: 115
• Avg. Time to Completion: 3 years
• College/School: College of Health & Human Services
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Information

Curriculum & Coursework Requirements

The doctor of physical therapy curriculum sequence builds from general to specific, normal to abnormal function, and simple to complex problem-solving with clients across the lifespan.

• View the academic catalog for DPT curriculum and coursework requirements.

Licensure by State

To practice as a physical therapist in the United States, individuals must earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

• The Widener DPT program is accredited by CAPTE, and graduation from the program allows graduates to sit for the NPTE in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for DPT Students

• Avg. Salary: $95,620 per year (2021 median pay)
• Recent Employers:
  • A & E Physical Therapy
  • Main Line Health
  • Christiana Health
  • Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children
  • NovaCare
• Potential Careers:
  • Geriatrics
  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Sports and more
• Industry Growth: Overall employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 17% by 2031, much faster than average for all occupations.

Why Study Physical Therapy at Widener?

Build Clinical Competence

You will complete one part-time and three full-time clinical experiences throughout the three-year doctoral in physical therapy program, exposing you to inpatient and outpatient settings and individuals with various health conditions.

Serve Clients at Our Chester Community Clinic

At Widener, you'll give back to the community by working at our interprofessional, student-run, pro bono Chester Community Clinic.

Develop Real-World Skills Through Special Programs

From leading weekly sustainable physical activities, to holding mobility clinics on MLK Day of Service, to hosting a variety of conferences and professional education opportunities, you'll get ample hands-on experience while engaging with clients in the community.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

• Admissions Pathways:
  • Widener Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway
  • Enter with Bachelor's Degree
  • Enter with a PTA Associate's Degree
  • Enter through an Articulation Agreement with a partnering institution
• Admissions Requirements:
  • Complete online application and pay application fee through PTCAS
  • GPA for combined science courses is expected to be at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Transcripts must be sent to PTCAS
  • Applicants must have 40 hours of volunteer or work experience in the field
  • Three letters of recommendations should be submitted through PTCAS
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Biology (3 semester hours)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (6 semester hours)
  • Chemistry (8 semester hours)
  • Physics (6 semester hours)
  • Humanities (9 semester hours)
  • Social Science (9 semester hours)
  • Statistics (3 semester hours)

Financial Aid

• Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student:
  • Submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants
  • Our school code is
• Paths to Savings:
  • 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
  • Widener Scholarships
  • 20% Discount for Widener Alumni

Program Cost

• Physical Therapy Doctorate: $1,200 per credit, 115 total credits, $138,000 total cost

Next Steps to Apply

• Visit Us
• View Admissions Events
• Request Information
• Apply via PTCAS