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Doctor of Physical Therapy

Our program incorporates the latest in physical therapy technology, exposing you to and involving you in cutting-edge research.

Shenandoah University’s Division of Physical Therapy (PT) prepares students as doctorally educated physical therapists who are reflective, collaborative practitioners that provide evidence-based, compassionate and ethical care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction across the global community.

Our program prepares you for the provision of physical therapy service through direct access (non-physician referral), enables you to incorporate the latest evidence into your clinical decisions, and prepares you to become a leader of a health care team.

Shenandoah’s program enjoys a strong local and national reputation, and our graduates and faculty are recognized within the health care community as knowledgeable, capable and able to excel in the workplace.

The Traditional Doctorate in Physical Therapy is for the entry level student and allows the graduate to enter the physical therapy profession and to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain state licensure. This program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Natalie Nichols '24 portraitThe physical therapy program at Shenandoah University fosters a supportive learning environment that challenges students and molds us into top-tier clinicians. We are not a number, and we have the opportunity to form strong relationships with peers and faculty.

Natalie Nichols ’24 | Doctor of Physical Therapy

Get to Know Shenandoah University’s Physical Therapy Program

When you enter Shenandoah University’s graduate program in physical therapy, you become part of a family – one whose members learn together and support one another, as they become colleagues. Once you start this program, you’ll have taken your first step in helping others take theirs.

Clinical education is a core element of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Shenandoah University. From the second semester of the first year, students begin hands-on clinical experiences that continue throughout the program. SU PT students are mentored by leading clinicians across a wide range of practice areas, including both ambulatory and non-ambulatory care.

With a network of over 900 clinical affiliates, SU PT places students in local, regional, national, and international settings. Clinical partnerships include prestigious institutions such as The Shepherd Center, Georgetown University, The Cleveland Clinic, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the U.S. Naval Academy, FX Under Armour, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Students also have the opportunity to travel to international clinical sites in countries like Italy and Australia, gaining valuable global experience.

In alignment with Shenandoah’s mission of service, SU PT continues to expand clinical service opportunities that benefit both students and the communities they serve.

SU PT Thrive: Making a Global Impact

SU PT Thrive is a student-led service organization that provides rehabilitation services and health education to medically underserved international communities. Its mission is to improve quality of life through compassionate care and service learning. Thrive fosters the development of culturally aware, globally minded physical therapists through service trips to Guatemala and Kenya.

These partnerships not only offer meaningful clinical experiences but also broaden students’ cultural competence and clinical skills. Thrive is committed to helping patients go from surviving to thriving.

Future plans include expanding outreach within the United States and strengthening our international clinics. Whether you’re treating patients abroad or organizing efforts at home, there’s always room to get involved.

Join us—just be prepared: the experience may change your life.

Physical Therapy alumna Shannon Riek Davis ’03, ’04 knew there had to be a better way for her daughter to learn to walk. Davis used her knowledge of body mechanics and her experience constructing orthotics and wheelchair modifications to create the Little Balance Box! She was featured on The Today Show’s “Mompreneur” segment to celebrate International Women’s Day. Davis continues to strive to create accessible products for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as the CEO of Inspiration Physical Therapy Inc. and Inspire Create LLC in San Diego, California.

Leigh Celeste Roberts ’99, ’04 is a physical therapist at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland where she uses manual therapy and exercise to rehabilitate patients back to their prior level of function. “The SU education was vigorous, but instilled a commitment to professionalism. Physical therapy is a great profession. It has so many facets and patient populations that you have the opportunity to find and work with one that gets you excited.

You will have opportunities to network and expand your leadership skills through our professional organizations.

We are committed to advancement of the profession and have 100% student membership in the APTA.

Our academic focus is on student learning.

The curriculum consists of three years of coursework in both the classroom and clinical environments. The didactic curriculum consists of courses in the foundational and clinical sciences taken at the campus in Winchester. 

  • skills to practice physical therapy
  • skills to succeed in the emerging health care environment
  • appreciation for being a good global citizen

You’ll have access to relevant, cutting edge technology and our Integrated Mobile Technology program, which connects students and teachers in versatile, dynamic communities of learners and provides creative linkages and connections throughout our academic and co-curricular environments.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting edge equipment, including a 3-D motion analysis system, Neurocom and diagnostic ultrasound.

Course Description

Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum

Admissions Requirements

Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Requirements

Our faculty mentors are available in and out of the classroom to guide you through the program.

Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate physical therapist, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.

DavinaShenandoah has such an active and supportive alumni network that is not present at any other university. I feel like I am a part of a huge family here at SU!”

Davina Lane ’24 | Doctor of Physical Therapy 

Meet The Physical Therapy Faculty

Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must have demonstrated success in academics and have a strong background in the sciences. Completion of the bachelor’s degree is required. A demonstration of well-developed problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and commitment to service is necessary. Those applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should be prepared to work closely with other students in the program, make contributions to the learning process of others and contribute to the enrichment of the curriculum and the profession.

Physical Therapy Application Information

Register for an Information Session

Virtual Physical Therapy Open House

Physical Therapy faculty and students answer your questions about the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program – everything from applying and class schedules to complementary fields of study and clinical education opportunities.

100 percent of our graduates have passed the licensure examination with first-time pass rates consistently above the national average (90 to 95 percent the past five years). See our NPTE Exam results.

Spotlights

Shenandoah’s Physician Assistant Studies Program Remains Highly Ranked By U.S. News & World Report

PA program named No. 1 in Virginia; SU’s physical therapy program jumps 41 spots in latest grad school rankings

School Of Health Professions News: Summer 2024

Faculty Earn Humanitarian Award, Train CPTIs In East Africa, And Publish Research

First Buzzy’s Race for Research Held

PT Students Help Raise Money for Foundation for Physical Therapy research