Physical Therapy

In the Doctorate in Physical Therapy program, students explore evidence-based physical therapy and use growing skills to complete a clinical research project. Students may sit for the national physical therapy licensure exam upon completion of the program. 

What to Expect

The physical therapy program from the Arnold School of Public Health offers students a unique opportunity to develop clinical physical therapy skills in an intimate learning environment in preparation for careers in hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings and nursing homes. 

Within the program, you'll learn to diagnose and treat individuals who have health-related conditions that compromise movement and mobility as well as help to restore their function and prevent the progression of mobility limitations due to injury, disease or health conditions. 

Graduate Degree

The Arnold School of Public Health offers a doctorate-level degree in physical therapy.

D  Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

This program instills skills in diagnosing, managing, restoring and preventing movement dysfunctions with the ultimate goal of optimizing movement to improve the human experience. Studies are rooted in evidence-based practice and provide the foundation for a research project focused on clinical practice. Students are eligible to sit for the national physical therapy licensure exam upon successful completion of the program.

Students who complete the D.P.T. program at the University of South Carolina have the option of applying, and if accepted, enroll in an accelerated Ph.D. degree in one of three areas: rehabilitation sciences, applied physiology or health aspects of physical activity.

Interim Program Director: Shana Harrington, 803-777-8422, DPTinfo@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.

Apply to Graduate School 

Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.