Physical Therapy/Health Sciences or Exercise Science (DPT + BS)

Doctor of Physical Therapy (6-year DPT)

Physical therapists help injured or sick patients improve their quality of life through movement, exercise and pain management. As a career field, physical therapy is quickly growing and is considered by U.S. News and World Report to be one of the top healthcare jobs. While many doctoral-level health care degrees can take seven or more years to complete, you can earn your DPT through Husson University’s School of Physical Therapy in just six years.

Program Overview

Through Husson’s Physical Therapy program, you can earn either a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in addition to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in just six years.

Husson's 6-year DPT program offers several advantages:

• Direct Entry Into DPT Program: Our early assurance six-year doctoral program allows students to directly enter the professional phase of the program without reapplying if they meet all progression requirements in the preprofessional phase.
• Earn Your Degree Faster: Through Husson's 6-year DPT program, you can save both time and money on your education while pursuing a fulfilling and engaging career in physical therapy.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: You'll train and study in cutting-edge educational environments such as the Kenduskeag Institute's Human Performance Lab and high-tech simulation labs.
• Student-Centered Approach: Husson prioritizes the student's experience every step of the way, which means you'll receive guidance and assistance throughout your time in this program.
• Hands-On Learning: Through clinicals, internships and engaging classroom instruction, you'll graduate from Husson with the confidence and hands-on experience needed to succeed and thrive early in your career.

Each DPT pathway consists of three years of preprofessional coursework, followed by a three-year professional phase, which includes three clinical affiliations and preparation for professional licensure. Whichever path you choose, you will have the potential to progress into the graduate phase of the DPT program at Husson as long as progression criteria are met.

Exercise Science pathway

The B.S. in Exercise Science/DPT pathway provides students with in-depth knowledge on the scientific study of exercise and its impact on health, wellness and performance. This bachelor’s degree focuses on the study of human movement, assessment of fitness and health data, and creation and implementation of exercise plans that are based on research. This pathway will provide you with a solid foundation in areas such as human anatomy and physiology, disease and injury prevention, rehabilitation, and more - each of which is important to know about as you pursue your DPT. Upon completing your fourth year and undergraduate requirements in this program, you will earn a B.S. in Exercise Science. You will then complete an additional two years of study before receiving your DPT.

Health Sciences Pathway

The B.S. in Health Science/DPT pathway is a versatile option that allows aspiring health professionals to receive a bachelor’s degree that will prepare them for a rewarding career in healthcare. This tract focuses on biology, chemistry, physiology and other health-related subjects. Upon completing the fourth year of this pathway in addition to the undergraduate requirements, you'll receive a B.S. in Health Science. You’ll follow this up with two more years of study before earning your DPT.

Admissions Requirements for Health Sciences/DPT and Exercise Science/DPT degrees

Regardless of the undergraduate degree a student chooses (Health Science or Exercise Science), there are two paths of admission as first-year undergraduates into the DPT program:

1. Undergraduate "early assurance" option (3 + 3)
2. Undergraduate "standard" option (3 + 3) 

Students may be accepted into the Early Assurance option directly from high school if they have:

• a high school GPA of 3.6 or greater
• taken the following courses in high school: 4 years of science (including biology and chemistry, physics is recommended); 4 years of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; 4 years of English

To qualify for the Standard Option students must

• Have at least a 3.2 high school GPA
• Have taken three years of science and English classes in high school

Requirements for progression from the preprofessional to the professional phase of the DPT program 

To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) without reapplication, early assurance students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 by the end of the spring semester of their third year, and must complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better.  The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.

Core Science prerequisite courses include:

• Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
• Precalculus with Trigonometry (4 credits)
• General Psychology (3 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (6 credits)
• Chemistry I and II (6 credits)
• Physics I (4 credits)
• General Biology (3 credits)
• Cell Biology (3 credits)

Students who begin in this category, but do not meet the requirements for assured progression will be able to follow the procedure for the Undergraduate Standard option for progression. 

Students who do not obtain an early assurance seat and were admitted according to the Standard Option may apply for admission to the professional phase, though admission is not guaranteed.  

To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) these students must complete an application indicating their desire to continue in the DPT program.  They must also

• Have a 3.2 overall GPA by the end of the spring semester of their third year
• Complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better.  The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses (listed above) must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.
• Complete an interview with the DPT Admissions Committee
• Submit a recommendation from their academic advisor

If students are not admitted into the professional phase of the DPT program, they may continue to finish their undergraduate degrees.

THE CURRICULUM

During your first three years in the six-year DPT program, you'll take liberal arts courses in addition to coursework that focuses on your chosen undergraduate tract. During the next three years, you'll participate in clinical experiences and coursework that prepare you for professional PT licensure and a career in physical therapy.

SEE DPT/EXERCISE SCIENCE COURSES

SEE DPT/HEALTH SCIENCES COURSES 

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