Mission
The mission of Drexel’s DPT program is to prepare skillful, innovative and compassionate Doctors of Physical Therapy who embody and promote health equity, excellence, evidence-informed practice, and lifelong learning in diverse healthcare and community environments.

Program Description

The Drexel DPT program is 2.5 years and spans 10 academic quarters (11 weeks each). For those who need or want a less intense and more flexible program a 3.5-year option is available. The Drexel DPT curriculum consists of integrated didactic and clinical study within our 2 faculty clinics and surrounding clinics, with an emphasis on adult learning methodology. The course sequence consists of foundational courses during the first year, with the following quarters progressing through the hierarchy of educational objectives from simple to complex. The curriculum aims to create physical therapists who give particular attention to the anatomical, physiological, and biopsychosocial aspects of the mind and body. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis is placed on evidence-informed examination, evaluation, and intervention plans. With this knowledge, students will be skillful, innovative, and compassionate doctors of physical therapy, leading to optimal outcomes throughout the continuum of care.  
 
Consistent with Drexel's reputation as a leader in technology, the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (PTRS) department recently moved to the new, state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building (HSB). This building provides students with access to leading technology, which enhances both didactic and clinical education preparation.  

For example, Drexel DPT students complete anatomy in technologically adapted lab spaces that allow students to conduct their own hands-on dissection, as well as watch live streams within lectures and labs to enhance the curriculum. Additionally, students have access to the Digital Anatomy and Imaging Lab, which provides 2D resources for review of radiographs, CT scans, MRI imaging, and diagnostic US and 3D interactive anatomy and CT/MRI reconstructions.  

Additionally, Drexel DPT students complete a variety of Standardized Patient Labs (SPL) to prepare them for clinical experiences. The SPL labs within the HSB are equipped with high-fidelity video and audio equipment, which allows students to be remotely assessed by faculty and review the interaction after it ends for self-reflection.  

The HSB houses the full College of Nursing and Health Professions, which the PTRS department is under, and the College of Medicine. This central location provides the program with unique access to collaborate with other health professional programs and complete activities that prepare students to work as part of an effective interdisciplinary healthcare team. 

These advancements in educational spaces and curricular offerings complement our program's already successful student outcomes. Graduates of the DPT program at Drexel University have a history of 100% overall pass rate on the state board license examination and 100% employment rate.  

The Drexel DPT program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).