Doctor of Physical Therapy – FAQ

Students who graduate from Harrisburg University Exercise Science PTA Pathway program and meet the academic entrance requirements, 3.0 GPA and 2.8 science GPA, receive priority consideration for admission into the DPT program. After Harrisburg University Exercise Science graduates are accepted into the program, external candidates with an undergraduate degree, the required prerequisites, and the academic GPA requirements will be considered for the remaining seats.

The DPT program is designed to allow students to work part time while going to school. The program is designed in an asynchronous (recorded) model so you can learn when it’s convenient for you, with intensive lab sessions planned to minimize travel and time off of work. The 99 credits are spread out over nine semesters (three semesters over three years) with no more than 12 credits each semester. Given the rigor of the program, it is NOT recommended for a student to maintain full-time work hours. 

A good measure of time to complete a course is based on the number of credits. For example, if you take nine credits a semester, plan for 2-3 hours per credit per week (~27 hours of study/work time). 

The DPT program has on-site immersive labs each semester. With the working adult in mind, the DPT program designed the on-site lab sessions to maximize the student’s time on campus. Students should plan to be on campus two weeks a semester. The labs are on the Harrisburg University Campus at 222 Chestnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

The DPT program’s full-time clinical rotations in the last two semesters are a practical and effective way for students to complete their education. Clinical education experiences contribute to a student’s preparation for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and their transition into a career as a Physical Therapist.

See the Tuition and Financial Aid Page 

1. Effective October 29, 2025, the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology DPT Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Tonya Y Miller PT, DPT, PhD (717-901-5100 ext. 1630) or email tmiller2@HarrisburgU.edu.
   Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
2. Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT’s website. 

The DPT program is a cohort-based model, with all courses scheduled in a defined sequence. There is no option to complete the program in less than three years.

Attendance is required at all lab immersions for all students. Lab schedules can be found on the DPT Academic Calendars: 2025 – 2026 ACADEMIC CALENDAR – 2026 – 2027 ACADEMIC CALENDAR