The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a professional doctorate designed to educate highly competent and compassionate healthcare providers who are ready to meet the needs of those in our community, state and around the globe. Physical Therapists are trained to use a variety of methods to help patients reduce pain or increase mobility, as well as develop life-long fitness and wellness habits. Located in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is part of the College of Health Professions.
Why study Physical Therapy at Marshall?
The Physical Therapy Degree at Marshall University is a 115 credit hour program that is a modified case-based model, designed in a “builds on, leads to” manner that is delivered in a full time, in-house format using lecture, labs, small group discussion, case seminars, and clinical visits and internships, all occurring in state-of-the-art facilities.
Faculty with Marshall’s DPT program are diverse with many holding clinical specialization in acute care, geriatrics, neurology, orthopaedics, pediatrics and sport. Marshall University also boasts a medical school, pharmacy school and nursing school leading to robust interdisciplinary opportunities for physical therapy students. The Huntington, West Virginia community is home to a 700-bed hospital system, a Veterans Affairs Medical Center and several rehabilitation hospitals, allowing physical therapy students many experiential options.
Outstanding student achievement is a cornerstone of the program-the Class of 2018 scored a 100% first-time board pass rate, surpassing the national average of 92.3
Career Outlook for Physical Therapists
According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow at an accelerated rate of 28%, much faster than the average rate for other positions. National labor information says demand for physical therapy will come from aging baby boomers, who are not only staying active later in life, but are more susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. With a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marshall University in West Virginia, students will find an affordable education that leads to an in-demand career in hospitals, outpatient facilities, athletic field, rehabilitation facilities, skill nursing care units and school system.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marshall University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email:accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 304-696-5614 or email davis1090@marshall.edu.
Opportunities
Some Form of Financial Aid