Quinnipiac University Physical Therapy Department

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Quinnipiac prepares students to be outstanding clinicians equipped for contemporary practice through a three-year, 12-month graduate program. Students develop the essential skills of a 21st-century health care professional by having access to expert academic and clinical faculty and the benefit of learning in state-of-the-art facilities. Students learn the foundation of movement science through full body dissection in the Human Anatomy Lab and application in the Motion Analysis Lab. The learning environment for clinical skills, clinical decision-making and professionalism is supported in classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and progressive technology. Students can practice and are assessed on skills utilizing simulation, standardized patients and cumulative practical examinations. The program integrates frequent client-based opportunities throughout the curriculum in addition to three full-time clinical experiences completed at various domestic or international clinical sites. Although the goal of the program is to prepare entry-level physical therapists, faculty value establishing close mentoring relationships through in-depth research or innovative projects that allow students to grow intellectually and professionally. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program cultivates critical and reflective thinking, clinical decision-making and lifelong learning by utilizing an evidenced-based learning model, authentic assessments and a variety of learning experiences that include interactive technology. This learning model features small lab sizes, hands-on activities, visits to area clinics and opportunities to engage in professional development forums and community interdisciplinary collaboration. The program provides both in-class and in-clinic opportunities for students to engage in the essential elements of patient/client management.