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. 

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.

A good measure of time to complete a course is based on the number of credits. You should allot 2-3 hours per credit per week of study time. Most didactic semesters contain 12 credits 

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. There will be two one-week on-campus lab immersions per 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 

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is a specialized accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to help assure the quality of physical therapy education programs. CAPTE grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 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.

Because CAPTE considers candidacy an accredited status, the program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org

Contact:

Federation of State Boards for Physical Therapy FSBPT
124 West Street South, 3rd Floor
Alexandria, VA 22314

License to practice physical therapy is administered through individual states. Successful completion of this examination (NPTE), along with individual state board requirements, grants the status of licensed physical therapist (PT). Each state has a State Physical Therapy Licensing Board. Contact the State Physical Therapy Licensing Board in your state for more information. State licensing board contact information can be found here Licensing Authorities Contact Information | FSBPT

Key Dates:

1. CAPTE site visit scheduled for the penultimate term (Summer 2028) of the inaugural cohort.
2. Graduation of the inaugural cohort in December 2028.
3. First licensure examination available to graduates in January 2029.
4. CAPTE accreditation decision expected in Fall 2028.

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