PhD in Physical Therapy

Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania is a private Catholic university founded in 1925 that emphasizes values-driven education and student-centered learning. With a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, Gannon balances rigorous academics with community engagement, ethical leadership and practical experience. The campus culture supports close faculty mentoring and a focus on career-ready skills across healthcare, engineering, business and liberal arts.

Academic programs at Gannon prioritize experiential learning through internships, labs and real-world projects that connect classroom theory to professional practice. Small class sizes allow individualized support and meaningful connections with faculty, while the university’s network of local and regional partners helps students secure placements and employment. Service, justice and community involvement are woven into many programs and extracurricular activities.

International students find a welcoming environment in Erie with services for academic advising, visa support and cultural integration. Campus life includes student organizations, volunteer opportunities and events that build community and professional networks. Gannon’s emphasis on holistic development aims to produce graduates who are technically prepared, ethically grounded and ready to contribute in diverse professional settings.

The PhD in Physical Therapy at Gannon University is a doctoral program for individuals who want to become experts in physical therapy. This 3-year program helps students develop advanced skills in evaluative, rehabilitative, and preventive health care services. The main advantage of this program is that it prepares students to work with individuals of all ages who demonstrate movement dysfunction.

The curriculum focuses on the preservation, development, and restoration of optimal human movement and function. Students learn about the neurological, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. They also gain hands-on experience in hospital settings, home health agencies, nursing homes, and private physical therapy clinics.

Graduates of this program can work as Physical Therapists, Rehabilitation Specialists, Orthopedic Therapists, Pediatric Therapists, or Geriatric Therapists. They can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, industrial settings, public health agencies, or private physical therapy clinics.