Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
Prepare for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession with hands-on clinical experiences.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, a future in the physical therapy profession may be right for you. Oakland University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning to empower you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this highly rewarding and fast-growing field.
Physical therapists play a vital role in helping people recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries, and promote overall health and well-being. With Oakland’s physical therapy degree program, you’ll develop the expertise to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages and abilities through practicum, research and hands-on clinical experiences.
Our physical therapy graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through 2031, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of education and professional preparation. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, a future in the physical therapy profession may be right for you. Oakland University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning to empower you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this highly rewarding and fast-growing field.
Physical therapists play a vital role in helping people recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries, and promote overall health and well-being. With Oakland’s physical therapy degree program, you’ll develop the expertise to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages and abilities through practicum, research and hands-on clinical experiences.
Our physical therapy graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through 2031, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of education and professional preparation. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist.
Doctor of Physical Therapy: The Oakland University Advantage
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Oakland University, you’ll join a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating environment. Our physical therapy graduate program will prepare you to provide effective care in the areas of prevention, screening, rehabilitation and community reintegration for your clients. Guided by our dedicated faculty, you’ll collaborate with health-enthusiastic peers in cutting-edge research and practices, equipping future physical therapists for successful careers.
Additional features of our Doctor of Physical Therapy include:
- Experiential, career-focused learning: Our physical therapy graduate program includes theoretical, clinical practice, research courses and hands-on learning that provide real-world experience for the physical therapy profession.
- Accreditation: Oakland’s Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that you receive a high-quality education.
- Licensure across the nation: Our physical therapy degree meets the educational prerequisites for professional licensure as physical therapists in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Financial aid opportunities: Stipends and some scholarships are available for Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Details are provided at the time of DPT orientation. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
What Can You Do With a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a rewarding and in-demand career with strong job growth and competitive earning opportunities. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked physical therapist as the #3 best job in health care and #6 best job overall. This recognition aligns with a strong career outlook for physical therapists, driven by robust job growth and competitive earning opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for physical therapists by 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, the field of physical therapy offers high earning potential, with a median annual salary of $97,720, according to BLS wage data. With a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Oakland University, you’ll be well-prepared for these sought-after opportunities across a wide range of practice settings, such as:
- Acute care hospital-based facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Orthopedic outpatient clinics
- Pediatric facilities
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Research institutions
- Sports medicine centers
Doctor of Physical Therapy: What You’ll Learn
OU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy degree offers a broad curriculum covering key aspects of the physical therapy profession. You’ll start with foundational courses such as human pathology and functional anatomy, gaining essential knowledge of the human body and its pathologies. As you progress in your DPT program, you’ll explore specialized areas such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy and pharmacology, while also focusing on clinical examination, patient management and psychosocial aspects of care.
Real-world clinical experiences and courses in professional issues and practice management will prepare you for diverse patient needs. Your physical therapy graduate program will culminate in a capstone examination and research practicum, ensuring you’re well-rounded and ready to excel as a physical therapist.
- Highlights of our Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum include:
- Foundational courses: Human Pathology, Functional Anatomy
- Specialized areas: Biomechanics, Neuroanatomy, Pharmacology
- Clinical skills: Clinical Examination, Patient Management, Psychosocial Aspects of Care
- Real-world experiences: Clinical Experiences, Professional Issues, Practice Management
- Capstone: Examination and Research Practicum
Doctor of Physical Therapy Resources
- Academic requirementsAcademic Requirements
- Department of Human Movement Science
- School of Health Sciences
Related Programs
Not sure if the Doctor of Physical Therapy is right for you? Check out these other graduate degree programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.