Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Tuition fees for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) are 13,932 USD per year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Slippery Rock University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program prepares students for licensure as highly skilled clinicians through a rigorous blend of academic study and hands-on clinical training. It is one of the first programs nationally to offer the doctoral degree, featuring an eight-semester curriculum with 32 weeks of clinical experience. The program emphasizes integrating foundational science with real-world practice, offering diverse clinical placements and elective specialization opportunities.

The program consists of 112 credits distributed across an eight-semester curriculum that includes 32 weeks of clinical experience.

Graduates become licensed Physical Therapists working with patients of all ages in settings like hospitals, private practices, sports facilities, schools, and rehabilitation centers, with opportunities for leadership in clinic management, research, and academia.

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree or completion of the first three years of the SRU 3+3 program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and prerequisite courses. Applicants need official transcripts, 50+ hours of physical therapy experience, three references (including one from a licensed PT and one from faculty), and completed essay questions. Prerequisites must have been completed within the last 10 years, and non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency.

The programme totals about 112 credit hours. On-Campus, full-time, with a typical completion time of 33 months. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 75% of applicants.

Teacher preparation is a defining academic focus at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. The university identifies itself as a statewide leader in preparing highly qualified, workforce-ready certified teachers, with a pathway toward long-term professional success. Its academic offer includes career-driven programs designed for graduate study and professional success. Students can search undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, biological sciences, business, communication, computers and technology, education, engineering, environment, health and medicine, humanities, language and culture, management, mathematics, physical sciences, professional programs, social sciences, and wellness and fitness.

Located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, the university offers campus experiences that include housing, dining, campus recreation, esports, student organizations, and ROTC/Military Science. University, student, and athletics calendars provide information about campus events. Butler County is part of the university's surrounding area, connecting campus life with the wider community.

International students can compare undergraduate, graduate, accelerated, certificate, and online options when planning their studies. Academic experiences include study abroad, summer sessions, and winter sessions. Student-life resources include housing, dining, recreation, organizations, and events, while support services are listed alongside academic resources. Admissions can be contacted at asktherock@sru.edu or 800.778.9111 for questions about applying, visiting, or requesting information.