Potential Careers
- Geriatrics
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Widener's doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program pairs high-quality clinical experiences and faculty mentorship to prepare you for a successful career as a physical therapist.
Doctorate
On Campus
115
3 years
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.
The Widener University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program’s mission is to graduate physical therapists who demonstrate clinical competence and exemplary character, while embracing responsibilities of citizenship.
Expect to complete your doctoral degree in physical therapy in three years of full-time study, which includes three full-time clinical education experiences.
You will have the opportunity to serve the community while participating in meaningful, hands-on practice with clients at our student-run, pro-bono clinic.
You'll also work and learn interprofessionally through collaboration with Widener's occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant, clinical psychology, and social work programs.
This program is accredited by CAPTE.
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 Loading... for DPT curriculum and coursework requirements.
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. Students are encouraged to visit their state licensing board website for further information.
Overall employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 17% by 2031, much faster than average for all occupations.
per year (2021 median pay)
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. With each of the four clinical practice courses, you'll experience elevated expectations so you're ready for entry-level physical therapy practice before graduation.
At Widener, you'll give back to the community by working at our interprofessional, student-run, pro bono Chester Community Clinic. The clinic provides compassionate and cost-effective physical therapy and occupational therapy care to uninsured and under-insured members of the Chester community.
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.
"My time in the clinic has put me on the inside track to succeed as a socially and clinically competent physical therapist."
"Widener gave me opportunities after opportunities. Every position I’ve had is because of the experiences I had."
for our Class of 2022 physical therapy students
for the Ultimate National Physical Therapy Exam
for our physical therapy students
100% of physical therapy students participate in community service.
The Widener University DPT Program intentionally infuses clinical excellence, cultural humility, community partnerships, health advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration throughout the curriculum. As such, our graduates are well-equipped for success as practitioners who provide patient-centered care to a myriad of individuals and communities in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
A partnership between Widener and the Coalition of Culturally Competent Providers invites new conversations about community care and creates opportunities for health and human services students.
As Widener’s relationships with new and existing clinical partners deepen, so do clinical and field work experiences for students across and beyond health sciences programs.
From residence halls to classroom and learning spaces, a number of campus facilities underwent upgrades over the summer months to enhance the Widener student learning experience at every level.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Widener Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway
First-year students with exceptional high school transcripts who have demonstrated strong performance in science courses and on the SAT may be offered a reserved seat in the 3+3 or 4+3 DPT program. These undergraduates are students in the College of Arts & Sciences, selecting one of several degree paths that help to prepare them for graduate study in physical therapy.
Enter with Bachelor's Degree
Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from Widener or another university may apply to the program under the entry-level DPT pathway. Students entering under this option usually include recent graduates and students seeking a career change.
Enter with a PTA Associate's Degree
Students who have earned an associate's degree in a physical therapy assistant program may transfer up to 60 credits to Widener University to complete their undergraduate degree in the Extended Learning divisions of the Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning. After completion of the undergraduate degree and all prerequisite courses, these students apply through the regular application process.
Enter through an Articulation Agreement with a partnering institution.
Students are encouraged to contact the program early to assess the need for completion of prerequisite coursework, which includes:
Students must receive a C or better in prerequisite courses. Students are strongly discouraged from taking these courses for non-letter grade such as Pass/Fail, Satisfactory, or similar.
Students taking prerequisite courses in the summer prior to application should send transcripts to PTCAS after summer course grades have been recorded.
All students outside the reserved seat program must apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) website. Upon completion and verification of the application, you may be asked to come for an interview day.
Our soft deadline is November 1, and our hard deadline is December 1.
Widener University's doctor of physical therapy program maintains the following articulation agreements:
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Academic Center North (ACN)
ACN
Room 122