Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Maximize Movement. Improve Quality of Life.

In this full-time, three-year doctoral program on the Worcester campus, work with expert faculty who are certified specialists in their respective fields to gain knowledge, skills, and a robust network. You’ll interact with patients in clinical settings and at our on-campus Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center. After sitting for the PT licensing exam, you can begin your career in any number of roles and environments, from physical therapy practice to patient education to research. The program starts in the fall. If you haven’t yet earned your undergraduate degree, we offer accelerated pathway programs.

Your Three-Year Journey

Work closely with expert faculty and put your new knowledge and skills to the test at field placements in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community-based settings. All students become members of the American Physical Therapy Association while enrolled in the program.

First-Year Experience

gain foundational knowledge in anatomy and acute care
begin providing physical therapy to members of the community
build on classroom learning with integrated clinical experiences

Second-Year Experience

learn to improve patients’ strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and overall wellness through classes that focus on patients’ individual needs
gain hands-on experience working in specialty clinics, post-surgical management, and intensive care settings
provide care to real patients in our on-campus, pro-bono Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center

Third-Year Experience

participate in three full-time, off-campus clinical education experiences
spend 10 weeks each in an outpatient orthopedic setting and a complex medical setting
devote another 10 weeks to a setting of personal interest to you

Learn more about undergraduate pathways to a career in Physical Therapy.

Explore Research Opportunities

The MCPHS Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program gives you a chance to explore unique research projects that may shape your career.

Treat Injuries and Optimize Movement

Diagnose and treat the wide variety of physical conditions you will encounter in today’s intense clinical settings.

Early Integrated Clinical Experiences

The MCPHS DPT program ensures early and frequent hands-on learning by immersing students in real-world clinical settings within the first month of the program, providing invaluable practical experience and fostering early development of essential clinical skills.

Robust Academic Resources

Students enrolled in the DPT program gain access to both expert faculty and peer tutors, offering students the resources and guidance to thrive academically.

Increasing opportunity

Potential job growth for the physical therapy profession is 22% by 2028.

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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).

Anthony Videtto, DPT, '23 in front of University of Colorado stadium.

Anthony Videtto, ’23

| DPT

"I've been through it, so I can relate to the people I treat. Not many people can say 'Hey, I literally know what you're going through, and we're going to do this together.'"

Read about Anthony's journey

What’s the difference between PT and OT?

Physical therapy versus occupational therapy—how are they different? Bottom line: PT focuses on improving patients’ ability to move their bodies whereas OT focuses on improving patients’ ability to perform everyday activities.

Undergraduate Pathway to a Career in Physical Therapy

A doctoral degree is necessary to be licensed as a physical therapist. Still, if you have not yet earned your undergraduate degree, we offer an accelerated pathway that enables you to earn both a bachelor’s and a doctoral degree in six years.

Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Physical Therapy Pathway (BS/DPT)

Six-year, full-time program—three at the Boston campus and three in Worcester.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Doctor of Physical Therapy.