Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT
Degree: DPT
Location(s): Rhode Island
Start Date: June
Length: 30 months (8 semesters)
Clinical experiences: 90 hours
Credits: 126
Improve Quality of Life Through Functional Movement
Imagine helping a patient recover mobility after a stroke or rebound from a painful sports injury. Physical therapists (PTs) work collaboratively with doctors, surgeons and healthcare providers to develop treatment plans for preventive, rehabilitative and functional patient care. JWU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program trains the next generation for entry-level clinical practice in this growing field.
Building upon JWU’s expertise in healthcare, wellness and nutrition, this 8-semester, full-time program prepares graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and to practice as doctors of physical therapy. Over the course of the program, learn to effectively develop and implement a PT exam, diagnosis, prognosis and care plan while keeping patients at the center of your practice.
Individual states may require specific licensing or professional certification in addition to earning a degree in order to practice in the field. Review Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures for more information.
Admissions is contingent upon meeting the essential functions for this program.
What Makes JWU’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy Unique?
As the second program in the state and the only program in northern Rhode Island, JWU’s DPT program takes advantage of the state’s economic strengths in health services and education.
The DPT program is housed in the Bowen Center for Science and Innovation, an applied learning hub where you will work collaboratively with students from the College of Health & Wellness, including those in occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, clinical nutrition and dietetics, exercise and sports science, health science and public health.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects this field to grow by 15% through 2032 (an average of 13,900 projected annual job openings). As of May 2024, the BLS reports $101,020 as the median pay for physical therapists.
Interdisciplinary work is built into the curriculum, including:
- Exploring the preventive benefits of nutrition with the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT).
- Assessing movement and working conditions in CFIT kitchens as a way to reduce workplace injuries.
- Working with hospitality students to refine their ability to interpret communication cues.
- Providing adaptive sport exercise and recreation offerings to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair rugby and sled hockey.
Physical Therapy Labs
Housed within JWU’s Bowen Center, the DPT program uses a range of customized labs and spaces.
- 2 dedicated physical therapy labs
- Simulation labs:
- Hospital room, ICU and emergency room
- Labor and delivery rooms
- Home setup with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom
- Cadaver lab
- Pediatric lab
- Human performance lab with Olympic lifting platforms and Biodex isokinetic devices
- Assessment lab featuring human physiology testing equipment, including the BOD POD, a motion-capture system, Quark Metabolic Cart, Robotic Cycle Ergometer and a 25 mph/25° incline treadmill
Our Expert Faculty
Our highly experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty have an average of two decades of clinical experience. Their dedication to the profession’s advancement includes involvement in organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), among others.
Our faculty have also:
- Conducted critical research assessing relevant clinical/legislative issues and the efficacy of PTs ordering imaging.
- Helped revise the official Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.
- Helped develop international guidelines on concussion for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
- Written line items for inclusion in the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Offered services and support to such organizations as American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) House of Delegates, RI APTA, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), the Veterans Administration (VA) and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Faculty Contact
Elke Schaumberg, PT, M.S., DPT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and DPT Interim Program Director
College of Health & Wellness
401-598-1385
JWUDPT@jwu.edu