Doctor of Physical Therapy

Degree Requirements

The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) provides the scope, depth, breadth, and rigor of scholarly activity to prepare an entry-level physical therapy practitioner for current and future practice trends. The program comprises 106 s.h., including 80 s.h. of didactic course work, 10 s.h. of clinical specialty and research experience, and 32 weeks of clinical education (16 s.h.). Students begin the program in the first term of the summer and continue for nine continuous semesters. At the end of the final semester, the student will take a written comprehensive examination and provide both an oral defense and written documentation related to clinical specialty and research concentration. The departmental chairperson’s verification of the completion of all degree requirements is necessary to meet physical therapy practice licensure statutes of the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Admission guidelines to the Department of Physical Therapy are available at www.ecu.edu/pt.