Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement and Sports Science at Sacred Heart University. The Department offers vibrant programs in Physical Therapy, Human Movement and Sports Science, and Geriatric Health and Wellness. The Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program
The Doctorate program is a professional educational program leading to a clinical doctorate (Doctor of Physical Therapy or DPT) as the entry-level degree for professional practice. The program is three years in length, including 8-10 weeks of full-time clinical work in each of the summers between the first and second years. A Bridge Option to the DPT is also offered to provide new or more advanced concepts in contemporary practice for licensed physical therapists who received professional education at the BS or MSPT levels.
3+3 Physical Therapy Program Option
This program offers qualified University undergraduates the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in Physical Therapy within 6 years. The ability to take advantage of the “3+3” option (3 years of undergraduate course work and 3 years of graduate course work) is available only to students who choose undergraduate majors in Exercise Science, Psychology, or Biology.
Human Movement and Sports Science Program
The Human Movement and Sports Science program is designed to allow students to foster the development of human values, effective interpersonal skills and a scientific foundation for major areas of study in allied health professions. The program consists of two distinct majors, a major in athletic training and a major in exercise science. The athletic training and exercise science majors are based on strong science-oriented core curriculum, providing students the necessary framework to build on during their professional coursework. Both majors consist of didactic and clinical components that provide students with not only the knowledge base necessary to work in allied health professions, but also an opportunity to enhance their knowledge through practical experience and application.
Master of Science in Geriatric Health and Wellness
The graduate program in Geriatric Health and Wellness is designed for the adult learner who is a health or human services health professional wishing to pursue advanced preparation focused on topics and skills relevant to older adults, their health and wellness promotion, and rehabilitation. This innovative interdisciplinary, 36-credit graduate program uses a combination of internet-based online learning, onsite symposia and workshops, and guided scholarly inquiry and research to facilitate each student's professional development.
Our faculty and staff are committed to working with you to develop your specific interests and talents. Should you have any questions, please call (203) 365-7656.