Doctor of Physical Therapy - School of Health Sciences

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional graduate program in the Department of Human Movement Science, which prepares individuals for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession. Through practicum, research and hands-on clinical experiences, students develop skills to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages who have disabilities or changes in physical function resulting from injury, disease or other causes.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Oakland University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100. Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The program is accredited through 2031.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Oakland University satisfies educational prerequisites for professional licensure as a physical therapist in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

*Prospective students should apply to the program through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). No supplemental application is required.

Curricular Requirements Advising

Curriculum

The DPT program includes theoretical, clinical practice, and research courses and experiences to prepare graduates to function in a variety of settings in physical therapy. For information regarding the application process, admission, degree requirements and curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Please view the Doctor of Physical Therapy brochure for more information about the program. All potential students should be aware of the Essential Functions Guidelines, additional qualities and standards necessary to be successful in the field of physical therapy.

Resources

Oakland University 2021-2022 DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet

Financial Aid
There are stipends and some scholarships available for students enrolled in the program. Specific information is given to students at the time of DPT orientation. Information concerning financial aid and financial resources can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services, 120 North Foundation Hall, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, (248) 370-2550.

Tuition and Books
Estimated cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks for in-state students entering the DPT in 2020 is $99,233.50 for the three and one half year program. The estimated cost for out-of-state students is $133,510.

Graduation, Pass and Employment Rates

Graduating Class Year	Graduation Rates
2021	100%
2020	100%
2019	100%

Graduating Class Year	Board First Time Pass Rate	Ultimate Pass Rate
2021	97.2%	100%
2020	91.4%	100%
2019	94.4%	100%

Graduating Class Year	Employment Rates
2021	100%
2020	100%
2019	100%

2 Year Averages (Graduating Classes 2020 & 2021): Graduation Rate: 100%, Employment Rate: 100%, First Time Pass Rate: 94.3%, Ultimate Pass Rate: 100%.

Career Information

Physical Therapists are employed in a variety of practice settings which include, but are not limited to, orthopedic outpatient clinics, acute care hospital-based facilities, acute and sub-acute rehabilitation hospitals, sports medicine centers, research institutions, long-term care facilities, pediatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities, transitional care units, school-based facilities, and home health care.

Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Average Salary
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 in 2021.