Pursue your goal of becoming a physical therapist with Widener. Here, you'll engage with expert faculty and undertake high-quality clinical experiences in our DPT program.
Our doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program's mission is based on what we affectionately call "The 3 Cs". You will graduate as a competent physical therapist who demonstrates exemplary character while assuming the 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 give back to the community while participating in meaningful, hands-on practice with clients at our interprofessional student-run pro-bono clinic beginning in your very first semester.
You will work and learn interprofessionally through collaboration with Widener's other health & human service profession programs including occupational therapy, clinical psychology, social work, and soon-to-come speech and language pathology.
This program is accredited by CAPTE.
View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements regarding the doctoral degree in physical therapy.
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.
Widener Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway
Freshmen 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.
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.
Here, you'll learn by doing through clinical and community-based experiential learning in the field of physical therapy. Don't just study it, experience it!
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 clinic, the Chester Community Clinic, which 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 will go hands-on working and engaging with community clients.
To prepare students to be contemporary practitioners, faculty remain active in clinical practice, scholarly inquiry, and professional engagement serving as role models and mentors for students.
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.
In this podcast interview, Dr. Julie E. Wollman reflects on her service as president of Widener University since 2016.
The expansion of health science programs in the College of Health & Human Services and School of Nursing is bolstering Widener’s interprofessional learning approach that has set the programs apart and put students on track to becoming competent and compassionate clinicians.
You graduate well prepared to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and launch your professional practice. As a well-known and prestigious doctoral in physical therapy program, we have connections with a plethora of alum and employers across the nation.
Academic Center North (ACN)
ACN
Room 122
