Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Overview | Curriculum | Experiential Learning | Scholarship

Overview
As an Entry-level student, you will be accepted directly into the Physical Therapy program as a freshman, so you can start taking related courses during your first semester. A unique feature to the NU DPT program is the inclusion of 2 six month cooperative education experiences that allow you an opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings.  During the last two years of this six-year program, you will complete 36 weeks of full time Clinical Education at three different clinical sites. These will include inpatient, outpatient and specialty environments.

Curriculum

The Physical Therapy program at Northeastern will prepare you to work as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in a variety of clinical settings. Here is a sample of the curricular offering in the DPT program. Read the sample curriculum.

A course of study in the DPT program offers several opportunities to minor or concentrate your studies in various many areas. Some of these opportunities include

• Minors in - Business, Languages, Psychology
• Concentration in Early Intervention, Sports Conditioning and Management of the Athlete

You may also consider the concentration in Early Intervention (EI), for work with infants and toddlers with known disabilities or those who are at risk for developmental delay because of a difficult birth or the presence of certain environmental risk factors.

The Early Intervention concentration academic courses are offered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with classroom meetings. The program of study consists of four courses, an EI project, and a practicum (all integrated within the DPT curriculum), leading to the required state certification for early intervention personnel.

Read the DPT/EI curriculum.

The concentration is Sports Conditioning and Management of the Athlete offers you the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and in a variety of settings.  A Sports Strength and Conditioning Concentration will prepare students to pass the sports and conditioning certification (CSCS) and enhance a graduate’s ability to work with athletes in various venues from gyms to the athletic field improving collaboration with multiple medical disciplines.

Read the Sports Concentration curriculum

Experiential Learning
A unique feature to the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum includes two 6-month cooperative education rotations working in the clinical environment as a full time paid employee. Rotations could be at acute care or rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, K-12 schools, nursing homes, pediatric care facilities, and even camps for children with disabilities. NU is the only program in the United States with co-operative education embedded into the educational experience.

You may also take advantage of our numerous partnerships with our urban neighbors, including community health centers, Boston Public Schools, the YMCA, eldercare centers, and many others. These culturally-diverse volunteer opportunities offer you experience providing services as you work to improve your own understanding of urban health issues and the physical therapy profession.

Scholarships
Read about the Polly Cerasoli Scholarship Fund named for a former faculty member and alumna.

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Contact Info

Dr. Maura Iversen
Department Chair
Tel: 617-373-3908
Fax: 617-373-7930