Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Master the clinical decision-making, hands-on skill, and person-centered mindset to help patients regain mobility and reclaim their lives. The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum at Sacred Heart emphasizes clinical decision-making, self-directed learning, and hands-on, real-world experience. Students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a successful career.

At SHU, hands-on learning is the center of teaching. DPT students work closely with faculty and clinical sites to bridge the curriculum with industry standards, making sure graduates leave with real-world experience, comfort in various settings, and a strong foundation of person-centered care.

Learn more about tuition rates and payment options for the DPT program.

Why Choose Sacred Heart University for Your Doctor of Physical Therapy?

When you graduate from Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you’ll have the knowledge and experience to help people regain mobility and reclaim their health. As a physical therapist, you'll work directly with patients to optimize movement, promote wellness, and prevent further impairment. These are skills you'll start building well before your first clinical rotation.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is organized around carefully designed patient or professional practice problems that you’ll study, discuss, and research in small groups. As a result, you’ll graduate with the experience, confidence, and communication skills needed for a successful career.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Sacred Heart University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. DPT students may qualify for a range of financial support options, including:

More Details

Lauren Foster Petisce Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy

To be eligible for the Lauren Foster Petisce Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Incoming female graduate student enrolled full-time in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
• Demonstrated high academic achievement and financial need
• Priority consideration will be given to candidates that completed their undergraduate education at Sacred Heart University in a 3+3 or 4+3 track and have been a member of an NCAA Division I sports team

What Makes Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Different

World-Class Facilities and Clinical Partnerships

Train in the Center for Healthcare Education, where musculoskeletal and neuro labs put you in direct contact with the equipment and scenarios you'll encounter in practice. Strong partnerships with local and national clinical sites mean you're never learning in a vacuum.

Expert Faculty, Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Learn from accomplished faculty with deep academic and clinical expertise, including board-certified specialists in orthopedic, neurological, and geriatric care. Local clinicians and orthopedic residents also bring their real-world experience into small-group tutorials and labs, connecting classroom learning with current clinical practice.

Real Patients, Real Practice

During your didactic semesters, you'll be paired with expert physical therapists from the local community for in-depth, hands-on training. Patient volunteers regularly participate in classroom and lab activities, giving you practice with real people, not just case studies, even before your clinical rotations begin.

In the DPT Program, You'll Also:

• Have opportunities to participate in national and international full-time clinical education experiences with partner health care facilities spanning the full scope of PT practice
• Choose a required elective in an advanced practice area to sharpen your career focus
• Complete a capstone research project (PT 760 and PT 861) and a community practice project (PT 845) that makes a real difference in local patient care—projects that often go on to publication or conference presentation
• Take part in local and international service-learning experiences rooted in social responsibility
• Use state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories designed to optimize your learning

Program Duration

The DPT is a clinical doctoral degree and is the entry-level degree for professional practice. The program is three years in length, including eight to 10 weeks of full-time clinical work during the summers following your first and second academic year.‌

CAPTE Accreditation

Study at a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program that has been in continuous good standing since its inception.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; or website. To contact the SHU program directly, call 203-396-8078 or email petrosinoc@sacredheart.edu.

Where Can a Sacred Heart DPT Take You?

Sacred Heart’s DPT program prepares you for various field settings depending on which population interests you the most. Graduates go on to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and within school districts.

Some of the companies and facilities where SHU graduates are working include:

Lifetime Career Support

DPT students benefit from a dedicated career team with industry experience and employer partnerships that connect top talent with prospective employers across a range of health care and educational settings. Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement.

2025 SHU DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education requires all Doctor of Physical Therapy programs to provide the public with current, accurate, reliable, and easily available information about the cost of attendance. The 2025 SHU DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet is provided for review. Student debt data was gathered by direct survey of the DPT students.

Degree Options for Incoming Students & Current SHU Undergraduates

Incoming First-Year Students: 3+3 Accelerated or 4+3 Undergraduate Pathway to DPT

The 3+3 Accelerated or 4+3 Undergraduate Pathway to DPT options allow incoming first-year students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree and a doctorate degree in physical therapy in either six or seven years.

Current SHU Undergraduates: 4+3 Combined Degree Program

Sacred Heart undergraduates can fast-track their future by earning a bachelor’s and a doctorate degree in physical therapy in seven years. You’ll work with your adviser to develop your seamless 4+3 plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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