Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Program Mission

The mission of the Alvernia University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) is to provide an educational experience that seeks to prepare the next generation of autonomous physical therapist clinicians, researchers and educators by challenging students to think critically, act professionally and serve altruistically. The DPT Program seeks to prepare graduates to assume a leadership role in today’s health care environment as Doctors of Physical Therapy who are committed to the application and perpetuation of evidence-based knowledge. Represented within the mission of the program is the vision of the American Physical Therapy Association and the core values of Alvernia University.

Program Description

Alvernia University is currently in the pre-candidacy stage and will be in the process of developing the entry-level DPT degree. The DPT is a clinical, post-graduate doctoral degree deemed as the preferred credential for optimally preparing graduates to make significant contributions to the profession. The degree will be offered in either a 4 year + 3 year format where students with a bachelor’s degree, who have successfully completed all required coursework at Alvernia, or another institution, will enter the program. A 3 year + 3 year option will also be available at Alvernia University, where students are admitted as undergraduate freshman into one of several majors designed to potentially culminate in admission into the professional education phase. Upon maintaining the required GPA, these students will have the option of entering the program in their final year of undergraduate study.