[Skip to Content]
Physical Therapy students practicing techniques on fellow students

Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists are movement system experts. They use advanced clinical decision-making to improve the human experience and enable people to fully participate in their lives.

 


Admissions Pathways:

3+3 and 4+3 Early Assurance Programs, Early Assurance for College Freshmen and Regular Admissions.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists work directly with people to enhance movement and foster optimal health and function. Patients include those who have sustained injury or illness, have developmental deficits, have age-related problems, or need preventive care.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists help patients improve their health by addressing issues related to the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. They provide care in the following ways:

  • Assist individuals with injuries, illnesses, developmental deficits, age-related problems or those needing preventive care.
  • Assess patients’ physical condition, including strength, sensation, joint mobility, endurance, pain, reflexes and movement skill across different body systems.
  • Use interventions such as education, exercise, and manual therapy to support recovery and maximize function in the affected systems.
  • Develop personalized programs to enhance movement and function, focusing on the comprehensive well-being of the patient.

If it wasn’t for Upstate, it is safe to say I wouldn’t have a career in the exact field I want to be in, and I wouldn’t be able to provide for my children in the manner I am able to now. So, in a way, Upstate didn’t just help me become the kind of doctor I didn’t know I wanted to be, but they helped me be the kind of mother I always wanted to be.

Erin Reid, DPT '22

Why Choose Upstate for Physical Therapy?

5 reasons to choose the Physical Therapy program at SUNY Upstate College of Health Professions:

  1. A culture of excellence and community
  2. Exceptional faculty
  3. Supportive and dedicated clinical educators
  4. Modern classrooms & research spaces
  5. Leadership & research opportunities
Expand all

Degree Outcomes

Graduates of this program receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. They're eligible to apply for licensure as physical therapists throughout the United States.

Career Opportunities

SUNY Upstate graduates are highly sought after by employers and work in nearly all healthcare settings. These include:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Private practices
  • Schools
  • Home health
  • Professional athletics
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Accreditation

The Department of Physical Therapy Education at Upstate Medical University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Accreditation & Program Data

Have Questions

Need more specifics about the program? Questions about admissions requirements? Contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Counselor:

Maggie Moore
Graduate Admissions Advisor

Request Advisement

Wendy Meyer
Undergraduate Admissions Advisor

Request Advisement

Virtual Information Sessions

The Office of Admissions is conducting virtual information sessions for those who are interested in College of Health Professions programs.

Admissions Events
Top