Program in Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for examining and evaluating patients/clients, developing and implementing intervention programs, patient education, and supervising other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as teachers, researchers, consultants and administrators.
Begin your journey toward Saint Louis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy in one of three ways:
- Freshman-Entry (early assurance 3+3 graduate professional program)
- Transfer Student
- Post-Baccalaureate Student
Program in PT Highlights
- SLU physical therapy students have unique opportunities to pursue study abroad, access to international clinical education sites, engagement with research faculty, and additional curricular goals such as minors, including interprofessional education, and certificates.
- Throughout the program, SLU physical therapy students can engage in pro bono physical therapy care for the St. Louis community. Working with a licensed faculty member, the students further develop skills learned in class by providing physical therapy treatments free of charge. Physical therapy students in the second and third year of their professional phase of education collaborate with each other and the faculty to deliver care.
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About the SLU Program in PT
Saint Louis University's program in physical therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. There are three paths of entry into the program including transferring into the program as an undergraduate, admission as a post-baccalaureate, and freshman entry. The early-assurance program, or freshman-entry, is a six-year curriculum, including two summers.
Students admitted as freshmen receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (B.S.E.S.-P.T.) concentration after successfully completing the first four years of coursework, and the D.P.T. degree after completing the additional two post-baccalaureate years. Students who have already earned an undergraduate degree may enter as a post-baccalaureate for three years of graduate coursework including two summers.