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Students studying human anatomy in a PT lab

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:

  • physicaltherapy_therapeutic-skills-2024.jpgDirect 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.


Admission Requirements

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

Transfer Students

Transfer students are accepted into years 1 and 2 of the program if they meet the requirements listed above for first year student admission.

  • A transfer must have an overall GPA of 3.5 based on college transcripts to be admitted to the early assurance option
  • A transfer student with a college GPA between 3.2 and 3.49 may be admitted to the standard option.

All other requirements for early assurance and standard option students apply to transfer students.

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 

Outcomes

97%

ULTIMATE LICENSING EXAM PASS RATE OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS

100%

EMPLOYMENT RATE AS PTS WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PASSING LICENSING EXAM

91%

FIRST-TIME LICENSING EXAM PASS RATE OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS

Students work in a simulation lab at the Research and Education Center

Three Things You Need to Know

  1. You’ll learn from expert faculty in small class sizes. The DPT program features a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio.
  2. Physical therapy students have access to high-quality facilities such as the Therapeutic Skills Lab, Dahl Gross Anatomy Laboratory and Kenduskeag Research Institute, which houses the Human Performance Labs.
  3. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),in 2023 the median annual salary for physical therapists was $97,700. The BLS also projects employment for physical therapists to grow by 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is considered much faster than average.

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