The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program at the University of Vermont (UVM) consists of 102 graduate credits offered in a 2.5-year full-time program format, over 8 semesters inclusive of summers, that leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. The program is well recognized for preparing D.P.T. graduates as primary care movement system experts who translate evidence into contemporary best practice. Graduates advocate to improve health outcomes and well-being at the individual and community level.
The movement system is the foundation of the curriculum design. Organized in a systems-based model, the curriculum integrates the basic and clinical sciences across the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular/pulmonary, integumentary and endocrine systems to facilitate student ability to develop as movement system experts. Additionally, the study of evidenced based practice, leadership and professional formation, health policy, business management, and social responsibility shape the students’ professional role and identity as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Students engage in an array of active learning experiences with multiple opportunities for interprofessional education and community engagement. Integrated clinical experiences and 32 weeks of full time clinical internships broaden student professional preparation. Internships are offered throughout the U.S. in a variety of specialty areas and settings and assignments are based on students' educational needs and clinical site availability. Students are responsible for all costs associated with clinical internships.
Exceptional faculty role model clinical and research expertise across each of the specialty areas of physical therapist practice to facilitate student development as movement system experts.
Comprehensive Examination
The examination takes the form of an individual written student portfolio. Should students not pass the comprehensive examination, they will have one additional opportunity to remediate and provide evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes of the comprehensive examination prior to being able to graduate from the program.
Minimum Degree Requirements
The UVM D.P.T. program requires successful completion of 102 graduate credits; the passing of all clinical internships and clinical education coursework expectations during their clinical experience and receiving no more than one U grade in a clinical education course (that was successfully retaken for a S grade); and illustrating evidence of professional behaviors commensurate with professional doctoral practice in physical therapy. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.