physical therapist working on a patient

DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy

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Become a physical therapist! Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2.5 Years

The mission of the Program is to prepare entry-level physical therapy practitioners through dynamic engaged learning experiences and equip them with skills to provide patient-centered, evidenced-based care, and have a positive impact on the community.

You'll build the skills and experience necessary to launch a successful physical therapy career in one of the nation's top-rated, fastest-growing professions.

  • 36 weeks of full-time practicums
  • 108 semester credit hours

 
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Apply through PTCAS in June 2023 for our Fall 2024 cycle

CAPTE Statement

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Dr. Nancy Nuzzo at 863.680.5126 or email nnuzzo@flsouthern.edu.

Top Reasons to choose DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy at florida southern college

Know your Professors

Our Doctor of Physical Therapy classes are all face-to-face, with 36 students in each cohort. The ratio of 4 students per faculty member provides the benefit of hands-on learning and individualized attention from your professors.

Learn More about Know your Professors

Accelerated Program - 7 Semesters in 2.5 Years

You'll complete your Doctor of Physical Therapy in just two and a half years so you can get a head start on taking your licensure exams and applying for jobs.

Immersive Learning in the Community

Faculty lead students through engaged learning community experiences, working with clients across the lifespan prior to clinical practicums.

State of the Art Facilities

Florida Southern College has invested millions of dollars in constructing brand new classrooms and laboratories featuring the most up-to-date physical therapy technology and equipment.

Extensive NPTE Board Exam Preparation

Our Program design features intentional National Physical Therapy Board Exam preparation embedded in the curriculum to prepare you for success on your academic journey to become a Physical Therapist.

Faculty and Students Community Service

The Integrated Professional and Community Education course series provides students the opportunity to work alongside Faculty serving the needs of our local community through pro-bono clinics and outreach.

Employment Outlook

$95,620*
Median salary for Physical Therapists with a DPT in 2021.
*Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.
21.6%
of Physical Therapists become owners or partners in their practices.
17%
Growth in demand for physical therapists is expected by 2031.

DPT 7110 Human Anatomy for Physical Therapy

In DPT 7110 Human Anatomy for Physical Therapy, you will have hands-on learning experiences in small groups using a variety of plastinated cadaver prosections. The high-tech camera system provides the professor the ability to zoom into small structures that would otherwise be hard to explore, allowing for less time spent dissecting and more time spent learning. The individualized attention you will receive from the professors creates a dynamic learning environment.

View Academic Catalog

State of the Art Facilities

Florida Southern College has invested millions of dollars in constructing brand new classrooms and laboratories featuring the most up-to-date physical therapy technology and equipment.

Meet our Mocs

Emily

Emily

I chose Florida Southern because, when I interviewed, I could really tell that the faculty cared about us as people. They are so genuine and authentic, I felt like they could really take us in as a class and make it more of a family feel. Instead of teacher vs. students, it’s more of a comprehensive and cohesive feeling.

Adriel

Adriel

I think the selling point of two and a half years for a program, the fact that we finish half a year early, is very beneficial because we get a head start compared to other students in other PT programs. I have six months over everyone else. If you want to have a personal educational experience, this is where you need to be.

Sylvia

Perseverance. I feel like this is a quality that each and every student in our inaugural class holds. Being the first was a risk that we were all willing to take, one that pushed us all out of our comfort zone to grow personally so that we can succeed professionally. These past few years have flown by so fast, but I could not imagine a better group of individuals to continue with this journey!   Being in my first clinical rotation has already provided me with so many opportunities to apply what we have learned throughout our coursework, and I have found that there are still so many aspects of Physical Therapy that I have yet to explore! At this moment I find that I am leaning towards an interest in either Pediatrics or Neuro, but we will see where these experiences will direct my focus! I am excited to continue growing throughout this profession and cannot wait to join my colleagues in making a difference through healthcare!

Will

As a Lakeland native and SEU graduate in 2018, it was incredible to see a DPT program get its start here in my hometown the very year after I completed my degree. The reputation of Florida Southern College alone, along with their promise to be invested in my community, made FSC the only place I wanted to learn to become a therapist. What was even more incredible was seeing FSC DPT’s investment in the Lakeland community come to life, and to see myself and my classmates truly have an impact on the Lakeland community as we grew together and faced so much adversity.
 

Program Details

A high quality physical therapy doctoral program in central Florida designed to meet your professional goals to be the best physical therapist.

On-Campus

State-of-the-art physical therapy practice labs and classrooms can accommodate up to 36 students.

  • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution may be in progress at the time of application. However, the degree must be awarded prior to matriculation into the Florida Southern College School of Physical Therapy Program.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00 (on 4.00 scale) in the last 60 credit hours of college course work. The average GPA for our accepted students in the last 60 credit hours is a 3.44.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00 (on 4.00 scale) for all prerequisite courses. No more than one "C" grade will be accepted in all of the prerequisite coursework. Please see the Prerequisite GPA section below for additional details. The average GPA for our accepted students for all prerequisite courses is a 3.29.
  • A minimum of 25 hours of demonstrable exposure to PT as evidenced by volunteer and/or paid work experience in a PT setting. Please make sure to include the Physical Therapy license number of the Physical Therapist verifying your Observation hours. Please note, we do not accept observation hours verified by a PTA. The median number completed by all PTCAS applicants last year was 362.
  • Three letters of recommendation: 1 from a licensed physical therapist (from applicant’s volunteer or work experience in a PT setting); 1 from a college level faculty member who has had you in class or was a program advisor; and 1 from either of the following: a licensed physical therapist or a supervisor/employer.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission. Please note, the GRE must be taken within five years prior to the time of application. GRE scores must be received by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete. Our program "superscores" the GRE if multiple attempts have been taken.
  • An on-campus interview by invitation only.
  • If admitted, a background check is required prior to matriculation. Our program participates in the PTCAS Background Check process through Certiphi Screening.

Additional International Requirements

  • Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
  • Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
  • Sponsor's Guarantee Form
  • Valid Passport
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Application materials should be submitted electronically via PTCAS.

Applicants failing to meet all of these minimum requirements will not be considered for admission to the School of Physical Therapy. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an applicant interview or admission to the program. All applicants and admitted students to the School of Physical Therapy must certify in writing that they are able to perform certain Essential Functions in order to participate and complete program requirements.

Approximately, thirty-six (36) students will be admitted to the School of Physical Therapy each year.

Don't forget to send all GRE results directly to Florida Southern using the GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code 4525.

Prerequisite Requirements

No more than two prerequisite courses may be in progress during the spring semester prior to FSC School of Physical Therapy’s start date. Courses older than ten years will not be accepted.

The program recommends that all prerequisite courses are taken in a face-to-face (F2F) format; however, we will accept online courses. Pass/Fail for prerequisite courses is not accepted.
 

Minimum Required Semester Hours Prerequisite Courses Acceptable Courses Florida Southern Course Equivalent
4 Total Semester Hours General Biology I with Lab Cell Biology or General Biology I BIO 1500 – Biology I: Biological Essentials
4 Total Semester Hours General Biology II with Lab Cell, Embryology, General Biology II, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular, Zoology, Botany. BIO 1600 – Biology II: Biological Diversity
4 Total Semester Hours Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab OR Human Anatomy with Lab Human Anatomy and Physiology I OR Human Anatomy
**Either option MUST be completed in biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology department
BIO 2215 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4 Total Semester Hours Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab OR Human Physiology with Lab Human Anatomy and Physiology II OR Human Physiology
**Either option MUST be completed in biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology department
BIO 2216 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4 Total Semester Hours General Chemistry I with Lab General Chemistry I CHE 1111 – Principles of Chemistry I
4 Total Semester Hours General Chemistry II with Lab General Chemistry II, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, OR Organic Chemistry CHE 1112 – Principles of Chemistry II OR CHE 2221 Organic Chemistry I
4 Semester Hours Physics I with Lab Physics I PHY 2010 – General Physics I (algebra based) and PHY 2051 – General Physics Lab I OR PHY 2110 General Physics I (calculus based) and PHY 2051 General Physics Lab I
4 Semester Hours Physics II with Lab Physics II PHY 2020 – General Physics II (algebra based) and PHY 2052 – General Physics Lab II OR PHY 2120 General Physics II (calculus based) and PHY 2052 General Physics Lab II
3 Semester Hours General Psychology General Psychology PSY 1106 – Psychology and The Social World
3 Semester Hours Additional Psychology course Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Lifespan Development, etc. must be taken in the Psychology department PSY 2209 – Developmental Psychology OR refer to current FSC Academic Handbook for other courses in the Psychology department
3 Semester Hours Statistics Math Statistics, Biostatistics, OR Psychology Statistics – but course must include both descriptive and inferential statistics MAT 2022 Elementary Statistics; MAT 2032 Biostatistics; PSY 2210 – Tests and Measurements

Coursework Petitions

An applicant can petition any of their previous coursework for acceptance to the School of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee utilizing the following procedure:

  1. An applicant writes a formal letter to Dr. Tyler Love. The formal letter and any supporting documentation should be submitted as an attachment to an email (tlove@flsouthern.edu).

    • Supporting documentation may include items such as course syllabi, course assignments, and letters from the course instructor. The GPA calculation spreadsheet (available via the FSC website) must be included for Last 60 and Prerequisite GPA completed to date.
    • Note: Only the formal letter and accompanying attachments will be reviewed. Any requests made in the body of an email will not be considered for review
  2. The letter and any attachments will be presented to the Admission Committee at the next meeting (meetings typically convene every 2 weeks, however, this depends on the time of year).
  3. Each letter is reviewed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis and a decision will be communicated to the applicant via email.

If you have questions about how your individual coursework applies to our policy, please contact us at FSCDPTAdmissions@flsouthern.edu for further review.

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Year 1

Fall - 18 Credit Hours (16 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7110 Human Anatomy for Physical Therapy - 6 Credit Hours
DPT 7120 Kinesiology/Biomechanics for Physical Therapy - 3 Credit Hours
DPT 7130 Physical Therapy Clinical Assessment I - 3 Credit Hours
DPT 7140 Pathophysiology for Physical Therapy - 3 Credit Hours
DPT 7150 Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Practice I - 1 Credit Hour
DPT 7160 Integrated Professional & Community Education (PCE) I - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7190 Information Hour I - 0 Credit Hours

Spring - 16 Credit Hours (16 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7210 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7220 Physical Therapy Clinical Assessment II - 3 Credit Hours
DPT 7230 Acute Care Physical Therapy - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7240 Pharmacology for Physical Therapy - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7250 Cardiopulminary Physical Therapy - 3 Credit Hours
DPT 7260 Integrated Professional & Community Education (IPCE) II - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7290 Information Hour II - 0 Credit Hours

Summer - 14 Credit Hours (15 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7310 Physical Therapy Rehabilitation I - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7320 Neuroscience for Physical Therapy - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7330 Administration for Physical Therapy - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7350 Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Practice II - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7360 Integrated Professional & Community Education (IPCE) - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7390 Information Hour III - 0 Credit Hours

Year 2

Fall 1 - 10 Credit Hours (10 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7480 Physical Therapy Clinical Education Practicum I - 10 Credit Hours

Fall 2 - 5 Credit Hours (4 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7410 Physical Therapy Rehabilitation II - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7460 Integrated Professional and Community Education (IPCE) IV - 1 Credit Hours
DPT 7490 Information Hour IV - 0 Credit Hours

Spring - 18 Credit Hours (16 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7510 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7520 Geriatric Physical Therapy - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7530 Pediatric Physical Therapy - 4 Credit Hours
DPT 7540 Advanced Clinical Lifespan Problem Solving - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7550 Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Practice II - 2 Credit Hours
DPT 7560 Integrated Professional & Community Education (IPCE) V - 1 Credit Hours
DPT 7570 NPTE Review - 1 Credit Hour
DPT 7590 Information Hour V - 0 Credit Hours

Summer - 10 Credit Hours (10 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7680 Physical Therapy Clinical Education Practicum II - 10 Credit Hours

Year 3

FAll - 17 Credit Hours (16 Weeks)

Course Number Course Name
DPT 7780 Physical Therapy Clinical Education Practicum III - 16 Credit Hours
DPT 7790 Physical Therapy Seminar - 1 Credit Hour

Program Total - 108 hours

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules. $250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition balance.)

2023-2024
Total Estimated Costs (28 months)

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline to know if I’m accepted into the program?

We will have multiple interview dates with our first interview being in January and our final interview session being in the late Spring semester. Initial offers will be made in late spring and we will continue to make offers until the class size is filled. This will vary per year but is typically in March – May.

Are there any additional costs associated with the DPT program?

  • Cost for Tuition for the 28-month program*: $105,300 (actual tuition paid at the beginning of each semester based on $975 per credit hour.)
  • Books and Supplies: $4,500
  • Room: $28,000 (based on $1,000/month for 28 months)
  • Board: $11,200 (based on $400/month)
  • Transportation**: $5,000
  • Misc/Personal: $3,150
  • Background Check for Clinical Sites***: $250
  • Estimated Total Cost of the Program: $157,400

*Tuition paid at the beginning of each year.

**Estimated transportation costs may vary for student clinical education practicum based on the clinical site location.

***Estimated according to clinical site requirement.

What sets your program apart from other DPT programs?

One of the innovative parts of our curriculum is the Integrated Professional and Community Education (IPCE).  The purpose of the IPCE course series is to provide students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned during didactic coursework while meeting essential community needs.  On a weekly basis, all of our students will provide volunteer services at one of four community organizations the program partners with.  This is a unique opportunity that exposes the students to work with patients/clients across the lifespan, within the environment in which they live, work and age;  and better prepares them to deliver physical therapy services that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and evolving society.

Do you have any out of state clinical opportunities?

Yes, we have clinical agreements with many states throughout the United States. Additionally, if you have a specific area or location that you would like for your clinical practicum, we are very open to facilitating a new agreement that would be a good fit for the program and the student. Please feel free to discuss this more with our Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Elizabeth Kuba (863-680-4952 or FSCDPTClinicalEd@flsouthern.edu).

How many people apply each year?

While each admission cycle varies, we typically have a range of 400 – 800 applicants apply to our program.


Download Full Frequently Asked Questions PDF

Program Contact

Kimberly Smith

Admission Counselor and Advisor
 863.680.3090
863.777.4434