Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences—Physical Therapy Pathway (BS/DPT)—Direct Entry
School of Arts and Sciences
Location: Boston, Worcester
Start Term: Fall, Spring
This 3+3 pathway allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BS) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from MCPHS in six years instead of the traditional seven.
Help People Heal and Live Better Lives
Your Three-Year Undergraduate Journey
Build a strong foundation in the medical sciences, social sciences, and healthcare policy and practice to prepare for a successful and versatile career.
First-Year Experience
- study biology, chemistry, and health sciences and attend associated labs
- learn statistics and calculus and attend a first-year seminar
- develop an understanding of human psychology and American culture and how they impact the healthcare system
Second-Year Experience
- gain an understanding of health psychology, healthcare ethics, health psychology, healthcare delivery, and health promotion
- hone your interpersonal communication skills and explore public health and policy
- study medical microbiology and attend associated labs
Third-Year Experience
- learn healthcare informatics and research analysis and methods
- study advanced anatomy and physiology and exercise physiology and attend associated labs
- complete a health sciences practicum
- To qualify as direct-entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from the Health Sciences BS program, students must have an overall and science GPA of 3.2 by the end of their third undergraduate year, with grades of at least a C in the following courses: PHY 270, PHY 274, BIO 110, BIO 210, BIO 345 and a GPA of 3.2. Students may only repeat one course once. Meeting these criteria allows them to start the DPT program in the following fall, partially fulfilling the BS in Health Sciences requirements. Students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.1 can apply for the DPT program but are not guaranteed admission. If not admitted, they can complete their bachelor's degree in Health Sciences.
- You will earn the remaining 16 credits for completion of the BS degree during the first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
The MCPHS Physical Therapy Program Experience
A Powerful Platform for Launching your Career
Earn the deep knowledge necessary to advance on your DPT journey.
MCPHS Community Voices
The lived experiences of MCPHS students, partners, and faculty tell an eloquent story. They illustrate just how our student-centered, teaching-first approach keeps us in the top tier of the country’s “most transformative colleges.” Money magazine 2020).
Rachel Prendergast-Tombeno, '23
| BS/DPT“MCPHS was the best place for me given my passion for healthcare and desire to form personal connections with faculty. I love the small class size….”
MCPHS Health Sciences Students Pursue Internships at World-Class Institutions
Additional Options for Degrees in Health Sciences
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences—Physical Therapy Pathway (BS/DPT), we offer six degree programs covering general studies as well as training in a specific discipline.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences — Acupuncture Pathway (BS/MAc)
Spend the first three years at MCPHS-Boston before transitioning to our Worcester campus for the duration of the program.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science — Occupational Therapy Pathway (BS/MSOT)
Five-year, full-time program on the Boston and Manchester campuses.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences — Degree Completion
Study full time or part time and choose a concentration in public health or health education.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Full-time, four-year program at our Boston campus. Choose among three tracks: general, health education, or healthcare management.
Master of Science in Health Sciences
Complete this part-time online program in as little as two years.
Doctor of Health Sciences
Complete this part-time online program in as little as nine semesters.
Download a Program Fact Sheet
Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences—Physical Therapy Pathway.