Degree(s): Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Pre-Physical Therapy
                Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) with a major in Physical Therapy

(a minimum of 120 credit hours at the undergraduate level)
(a minimum of 115 credit hours at the graduate level)
 Requirements are subject to change.

The program in physical therapy is a six and one-half year program in which students earn a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.  Students enter as first-year students and immediately begin undergraduate preparatory studies that incorporate foundational sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities coursework.  At the end of the third year of studies, students enter the first year of doctoral work while completing undergraduate credits.  After four years, the student earns a bachelor of science degree in pre-physical therapy and continues with professional coursework.  Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is eligible to apply for state licensure.

Professional level coursework includes content in anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities.  The curriculum is subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest possible quality.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a basic understanding of administration and research. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

Note: For students entering the program prior to the Fall of 2005

The program in physical therapy is an entry-level master’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a basic understanding of administration and research. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

The program in physical therapy requires five and one-half years for completion. Students enter as first-year students and immediately begin a two-year, preprofessional component. This is followed by three and one-half years of professional preparation. After four years, the student earns a bachelor of science degree in pre-physical therapy and continues with the professional component. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Master of Science degree in physical therapy and is eligible to apply for state licensure.

The preprofessional courses include preparation in the basic sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. The professional component includes courses in anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities. The preprofessional and professional components are subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest possible quality.

Admission to the Program
Candidates applying for admission to the physical therapy program are required to have a rigorous background in the sciences and mathematics along with exposure to physical therapy practice in a healthcare setting. December 1 is the admissions deadline for all admissions materials for physical therapy applicants. Further details about the application procedure are available from the Admissions Office. Students already enrolled at Springfield College may transfer into physical therapy as undergraduates following an application and review by the department. Applicants from other colleges and universities are considered for admission into the professional component of the program on a space-available basis only; such applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and satisfied all program prerequisites.

For more information about the physical therapy major, contact Dr. David Miller, chair of the Physical Therapy Department at (413) 748-3369 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Physical Therapy Program Checksheet