Physical Therapy (DPT)

Doctorate in Physical Therapy 

The Division of Physical Therapy offers a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program.  The DPT degree is a 3 year, 9 term curriculum totaling 115 credits.  The program has a June start date and students complete the degree in May.  Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the FSBPT licensing examination. (The DPT is currently a Candidate for Accreditation with CAPTE.  Eligibility for students in the 2024 and 2025 cohorts is pending successful accreditation review Fall of 2025 and as determined by State Professional Licensing regulations.) 

Admission 

Applicants for admission to the DPT program must hold a baccalaureate degree and have completed the necessary prerequisite coursework. Applications for admission are received through the .  Consideration of most applicants will be completed before the final official transcripts are available. Successful applicants will be offered regular admission contingent on meeting all prerequisites including minimum GPA upon completion of undergraduate coursework. All admissions requirements must be met before a student will be permitted to register for fall semester courses.


The Division of Physical Therapy recognizes that applicants can demonstrate their potential for success in more ways than just traditional measures of academic success; therefore, we employ a holistic review process. The Division's admission process is designed to identify students who align with our mission, vision and values. The Binghamton University DPT program believes that the interview process will provide an avenue to gain that insight and applicants who have met the prerequisite requirements will be invited for an interview.

Admission Criteria for Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program 

Although each applicant is considered on an individual basis, the general admission criteria are: 

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • A GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite courses (see below)
  • Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite coursework (see below) 
Course Minimum Credit Hours

Anatomy + Lab and Physiology + Lab

                -or-

Anatomy and Physiology I and II + Lab

 4 credits each (8 credits)
General Biology I and II + Lab 4 credits each (8 credits)
General Chemistry I and II + Lab 4 credits each (8 credits)
Physics I and II + Lab 4 credits each (8 credits)
Psychology 3 credits
Statistics 3 credits

Additional courses/electives (2 courses total) in psychology and/or social/behavioral sciences

3 credits each x 2

(6 credits total)
English Composition, Writing, Communication or Speech Communication 3 credits
  • For international students:
    • Proof of English proficiency, (such as official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores)
    • International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
    • Supporting financial documentation, such as official bank statements or official scholarship or sponsorship letters, are required

Transfer of Credit Policy 

The Division of Physical Therapy does not consider or accept transfer credits to be applied to the DPT degree.  

Part-Time Study

All students in the DPT degree program are full time and there is no option for part time study.  Students must progress through the curriculum on a full time basis.

Additional Requirements and Expenses 

All students in the DPT program must maintain both term and cumulative GPA at or above 3.0 at all times.  Failure to maintain these standards will result in a student being placed on Academic Probation.  Failure to resolve the Academic Probation status at the end of the next term will result in the student being subject to dismissal.  Per Policy 6.1 Student Handbook, all students must successfully complete (C- or better) all DPT coursework in the sequence and term indicated in the DPT degree curriculum requirements (below) for their respective year of matriculation into the program. Failure to satisfactorily complete required courses will result in the student being subject to suspension for a period of 1 year and must successfully repeat the course(s) that were not successfully completed.  Students that earn a C-, C, C+ in a required course will be placed on Academic Probation for the next subsequent semester or term.  

Graduate students of DCNHS must adhere to the following policies related to professional practice. Students should expect to incur costs for additional items related to clinical practice and preparation. These costs are in addition to the standard University tuition and fees. Failure to comply and/or maintain professional/health practice requirements will negatively impact your time to degree.

Fees:

In addition to the standard fees charged by the Graduate School, students in the DPT program will be charged the following fees: 

  • PT-601 Clinical Human Anatomy  - Lab Fee $195.00
  • PT-616 Integumentary I: Patient Management & Mobility - Simulation Lab fee of $330 for activities in the Innovative Simulation and Practice Center (ISPC)
  • PT-622 Physical Therapy Management of the High Acuity Patient - Simulation Lab fee of $330 for activities in the Innovative Simulation and Practice Center (ISPC)
  • PT-692 Clinical Education I, PT-694 Clinical Education II, PT-696 Clinical Education III - : All students in Full Time Clinical Education Courses (FTCEE) are billed $12 per semester for Malpractice and Liability Insurance. The malpractice and liability fee is subject to change each semester.

Other requirements:

Health Insurance: Students are required to have and to submit proof of current, personal health insurance coverage. If you submit your health insurance card (front and back) and your name is not imprinted, you must also submit supporting documentation for verification. (Documentation of health insurance must be resubmitted annually.  Student insurance is available through ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ (https://shs-nn.com/binghamton-university/). This documentation must be submitted prior to beginning any clinical experience. Failure to demonstrate evidence of health insurance will prevent the student from beginning clinical experiences in any semester.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification: All students are required to submit evidence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification by the American Heart Association: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.

Note: The course must have a hands-on component; purely online courses will not be accepted. Students are required to resubmit proof of certification biennially.

Student Membership in APTA: Students are strongly encouraged to maintain membership in the APTA.  

Prior to enrollment in FTCEE courses, all students are required to submit:

  • documented evidence of current immunization to tetanus-diphtheria;
  • documented evidence of immunization or serologic evidence of immunity to MMR (measles, mumps and rubella);
  • proof of varicella (chicken pox) immunity as documented by varicella immunizations, diagnosis of history of varicella diseases or a varicella titer report, prepared by a healthcare provider;
  • documented evidence of immunization to Hepatitis B, prepared by a healthcare provider. Those electing not to receive the Hepatitis B series must sign a Statement of Declination;
  • As of September 2021, all healthcare facilities regulated by New York State Department of Health require that all students completing clinical experiences must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Documented evidence of flu vaccine
  • Students are required to sign a waiver authorizing the release of this information by the DCNHS. Failure to sign a release may lead to a delay/denial of clinical placement. 

Training in Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens and HIPAA: Clinical agencies require that students have annual training in infection control, bloodborne pathogens and HIPAA. Graduate students who are employed in healthcare agencies and who have received the above training through their places of employment and can provide documentation of such, may satisfy this requirement. Some agencies have very specific training that they require the student to participate in prior to the beginning of a clinical experience and students are expected to comply with such requests. Students who are not currently employed may receive this training through the DCNHS. The Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences HIPAA policy may be reviewed online. 

Professional Ethics and Academic Honesty: 

In accordance with the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences mission to prepare future providers and managers of care, physical therapy students are required to adhere to the following rules and regulations while enrolled in the program:

Violation of Physical Therapy Standards (VPTS) Graduate Policy: A Violation of Physical Therapist Standards (VPTS) report may be filed any time a student is not compliant with the bulleted items above. Records of violations are tracked and recorded internally. Immediately following a violation, the VPTS Incident Report will be completed and submitted by the issuer of the violation.  Once a VPTS Report Form is submitted, the student will receive the following information to his/her official ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ email: 

1. Description of the violation 

2. Consequences 

3. Required remediation instructions, if necessary 

4. Instructions for submitting comments (optional) 

Course faculty or administration may request remediation to address the VPTS. A plan for remediation may be offered that could include counseling concerning specific professional behaviors.

Failure to complete the assigned remediation(s) will result in more severe consequences (and may include immediate dismissal). A student who successfully completes required remediation may be allowed to continue in the program. If a student accumulates three violations, despite successful remediation, the student will be subject to Academic Probation. If the student is currently on Academic Probation, the student will be subject to Suspension. Four cumulative violations may result in Academic Suspension. A single incident that is determined to have produced serious actual/potential harm may also result in dismissal. Dismissal from the physical therapy program as a result of a VPTS is final and may be recorded on the student's official ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ transcript.

Violations of federal, state and/or local laws will result in a report to law enforcement officers. Refer to Section 8.3 of the PT Student Handbook to initiate the Division of Physical Therapy's Appeals Policy as a formal appeal process. Future readmission of students who have been dismissed due to a VPTS will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Questions about this policy should be directed to the Program Director.

Release of Personal Information: Some agencies, in order to protect clients, require information related to students’ past employment and documentation as to whether or not they have ever been convicted of a criminal offense, including misdemeanors and felonies. Students may be asked to respond to such questions. 

Criminal Background Checks: Students who have a felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences and/or to meet licensure requirements for physical therapy. Students who have concerns about this are advised to contact the director of clinical education, the program director or the dean's office. Students are required to report felony convictions while enrolled in the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences as it may change their progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact their ability for licensure, students should check with the State Board of Physical Therapy in the state in which they plan to practice.

All students are required to complete criminal background checks biennially. The extent of the background check varies by clinical placement facility, with some requiring more extensive federal clearances and fingerprints. Note, for clinical experiences in the state of Pennsylvania, ALL STUDENTS should complete a free then upload the certificate to your Exxat account (resubmit biennially). Students may have to complete other background checks for specific, as well

Disclaimer: The Criminal Background Screening procedure does not ensure the security of students, patients, faculty or staff. 

Drug/Alcohol Screening

Students may be required to be screened for use of drugs to fulfill mandates from Clinical Sites or to participate in Clinical Affiliations. If a drug screen is required, it will be in the list of health requirements in Exxat for the site.   

If a drug screen is required at the clinical site, the student may be provided with the following option(s): 

  • The clinical facility will perform an on-site drug screen  
  • The clinical facility will recommend off-site facility to perform the drug screen
  • The academic program will recommend an off-site facility to perform the drug screen 

The student will be responsible for costs associated with the drug screen.  

Results of the drug screen will be sent to the SCCE of the clinical site. If the student’s drug screen is positive, the SCCE will notify the DCE immediately. The findings will be forwarded to the Program Director.  Students will be required to meet with the Program Director. After further review, the Program Director in conjunction with upper administration may decide: 

  • If additional drug screen(s) is necessary 
  • To refer the student to the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Campus Support Services

The student will be removed from the clinical affiliation and required to meet with the DCE and may be subject to changes in academic standing. 

Fingerprinting

Students who are required to obtain fingerprinting prior to a clinical education experience can reference to identify a location that meets their needs.

Medical Document Manager: All DCNHS physical therapy clinical education health requirements are housed on EXXAT. Instructions for this process will be provided to students during their onboarding to clinical education. 

The DCNHS will not provide opportunities for clinical experiences to students who fail to meet the requirements/responsibilities. 

Curriculum

Year 1
Summer Session
 Credits
PT 600 Professional Development I - Learning & Teaching 2
PT 601 Clinical Human Anatomy 6
Summer term credit total 8
Fall Semester Credits
PT 610 Kinesiology & Applied Biomechanics 3
PT 611 Cardiopulmonary I - Exercise Physiology 3
PT 612 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy I 3
PT 613 Professional Development II - Clinical Reasoning 2
PT 614 Introduction to Psychosocial Aspects of Rehabilitation - ICE I 3
PT 615 Clinical Examination Skills & Documentation 2
PT 616 Integumentary I - Patient Management & Mobility 2
Fall semester credit total 18
Spring Semester Credits
PT 620 Cardiopulmonary II - Clinical Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions 4
PT 621 Musculoskeletal (MSK) I: Examination Skills 4
PT 622 Special Populations I - Physical Therapy Management of the High-Acuity Patient 3
PT 623 Essentials of Therapeutic Exercise 2
PT 624 Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy 3
PT 625 Special Populations II - Physical Therapy Management of the Older Adult - ICE II 2
Spring semester credit total 18
Year 2
Summer Session Credits
PT 692 Clinical Education I (10 weeks) 4
PT 630 Professional Development III - Ethics & Moral Agency 2
Summer session credit total 6
Fall Semester Credits
PT 641 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy II 2
PT 642 Physical Agents and Electrotherapeutic Interventions 2
PT 643 MSK II: Management of the Lower Quarter/Lumbopelvic Spine 4
PT 644 Advanced Psychosocial Aspects of Rehabilitation 3
PT 645 Foundations of Neurorehabilitation I - Central Nervous System 3
PT 646 Integumentary II 2
PT 647 Special Populations III - Rural and At-Risk Populations 1
Fall semester credit total 17
Spring Semester Credits
PT 650 Foundations of Neurorehabilitation II - Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System 3
PT 651 Neurorehabilitation I (CNS) 4
PT 652 MSK III: Management of the Upper Quarter/Cervical Spine 4
PT 653 Integumentary III - Prosthetics & Orthotics 2
PT 654 Special Populations IV - Health & Wellness Promotion  2
PT 655 Healthcare Systems  2
Spring semester credit total 17
Year 3
Summer Session Credits
PT 694 Clinical Education II (10 weeks) 4
PT 660 Introduction to Physical Therapy Clinical Management 2
Summer session credit total 6
Fall Semester Credits
PT 670 Physical Therapy Management of Complex Patients 2
PT 671 MSK IV - Advanced Spine and Manual Physical Therapy 3
PT 672 Neurorehabilitation II (SC, ANS, PNS) 4
PT 673 Special Populations V - Physical Therapy Management of Pediatric Conditions 3
PT 674 Clinical Administration, Marketing, Management 3
PT 675 EBP III - Capstone 2
Fall semester credit total 17
Spring Semester Credits
PT 696   6
PT 680   2
Spring semester credit total 8
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION 115

List of Faculty

Addendum: Lab fee for PT-601 Clinical Human Anatomy added, 7/28/2023

Lab fees for PT-616 and PT-622 updated, 8/01/2023