Physical Therapy

One University – Two DPT Programs

Franklin Pierce University offers two full-time DPT programs with distinct formats, both are fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy. The faculty in both programs stay clinically relevant by engaging in clinical work. Each program establishes a distinct mission, goals, and outcomes tailored to the unique needs of its institutional context and key stakeholders.

Students in both DPT programs are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university and complete all prerequisite courses and requirements prior to matriculating into the program. The Essential Functions provide specific core performance standards that every student must be able to meet, with or without reasonable accommodation, for admission and progression in the DPT program.

The New Hampshire DPT program is an on-site program that is 30 months in length in Manchester, New Hampshire. It has 38 weeks of clinical experience in 10 graduate terms. 

The Arizona DPT program uses the hybrid mode of delivery and is 25.5 months in length (8 terms). The curriculum is a blend of online learning (synchronous and asynchronous) and intensive 4–5-day lab sessions, held in Goodyear, Arizona. In addition to the 30 weeks of full-time clinical experiences at the end of the didactic portion, the student participates in early hands-on Integrated Clinical Experiences during the didactic phase of the program.

The Physical Therapy Profession

Physical Therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists:

• Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
• Restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function, wellness, fitness, and quality of life as it relates to movement and health.
• Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes (apta.org). Franklin Pierce University offers Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in Manchester, New Hampshire, and in Goodyear, Arizona. Both facilities are newly renovated with state-of-the-art equipment and learning technologies. Clinical experience is a vital part of the program and is conducted at sites throughout the country.

Graduates of both Franklin Pierce University DPT programs will:

• Have the knowledge and skills of a PT capable of working as an autonomous practitioner
  • Achieve 100% ultimate pass rate on the NPTE
  • Employed as autonomous practitioners in a variety of practice settings
  • Integrate current research, clinical expertise, and patient values into practice
• Demonstrate empathetic and compassionate practice
  • Adhere to the APTA Code of Ethics
  • Respect and treat each patient as an individual, without regard to gender, race, color, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation
• Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession
  • Promote the profession through education
  • Possess skills to advocate for the profession

For more information regarding Admissions requirements and process, visit the DPT Admissions section.

For more information regarding the DPT Promotion Policy, visit the Doctoral Academic Standing section.