Doctor of Physical Therapy - D.P.T.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students for entry-level clinical practice in the doctoring profession of physical therapy. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination and to practice as doctors of physical therapy. Students are prepared to provide physical therapy services to a wide variety of individuals with injuries, diseases and disorders involving the major body systems, across the lifespan and continuum of care.

Upon completion of the program graduates are expected to:

• Apply clinical decision making skills to effectively develop and implement a physical therapy examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
• Evaluate evidence to facilitate best patient outcomes by effective use of the professional literature and current information technologies.
• Adapt delivery of physical therapy services with consideration for patients’ differences, values, preferences, and needs.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of patients, healthcare professionals, para-professionals, and community members to provide patient-centered and socially responsible care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional Physical Therapist practice, consistent with the core values of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Develop scholarly work that informs evidence-based practice for clinical decision making or investigates innovative physical therapy interventions utilizing solid theoretical constructs.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

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Students are required to take 4 credits in DPT8250 Special Topics but may take up to 6 credits inclusive of Physical Therapy outreach to underserved populations.

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Effective November 12, 2024, Johnson & Wales University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (401) 598-1375 or email JWUDPT@jwu.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses.  Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.