Doctor of Physical Therapy

duration

2 year, 8 months (8 terms)
format

Hybrid
location

Charleston

Program Overview

The University of Charleston’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a cutting-edge program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled physical therapists in the greater Appalachian region and beyond. Our program is built on a foundation of excellence, compassion, and community engagement, equipping future physical therapy professionals as productive members of the healthcare community. A prominent and guiding theme that permeates the curriculum is the development of effective and efficient skills and abilities to help manage people living with painful conditions. The graduate will develop a deep appreciation for the unique lived experiences and values that shape each patient’s journey. Our rigorous curriculum combines advanced theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address the diverse physical healthcare requirements of individuals across the lifespan. We believe that combining technical expertise with compassion is key to providing exceptional physical therapy services and improving overall patient outcomes.

By choosing the University of Charleston’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, you’re taking the first step towards a rewarding career as a physical therapist. Our program will empower you with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and compassion needed to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities in the Appalachian region and beyond. Join us in our mission to elevate the standard of physical therapy care and become a productive member of the healthcare community.

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Accreditation Status Update

The University of Charleston has submitted documentation to the accreditor and is pending HLC (The Higher Learning Commission; https://www.hlcommission.org ) approval to become a new physical therapist education program.

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. 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 | http://www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards. A list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT’s website: https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Licensing-Authorities-Contact-Information

The University of Charleston is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on November 1, 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

CAPTE Fact Sheet

Program Licensure Determination (DPT 2024)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of Charleston plans to participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS, in the 2025-26 admissions cycle. Applicants applying to the University of Charleston physical therapist education program for the 2026 entering class will apply online using the PTCAS application beginning in June 2025. To learn more about PTCAS, visit https://www.apta.org/cas/ptcas.

Prerequisites standards establish a minimum requirement to be eligible for admission consideration. However, the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The following includes the required admissions prerequisite standards:

Bachelor’s degree
GPA: 3.00 Prerequisite
GPA: 2.75 Overall (or 3.25 in last 60 hours may be considered for overall)
GRE: Not required
References: 2 letters from appropriate sources which include the following: physical therapist, academic, supervisors, physical therapist assistant, coworker, coach, and/or clergy
Observation Hours: Recommended, but not required
Background Check: No
Interviews: No, but campus visit, in person or virtual, are highly recommended.
Course Work Required:
- Anatomy with lab (either standalone or combined) or equivalent
- Physiology with lab (either standalone or combined) or equivalent
- Biology with lab (1) or equivalent
- Chemistry with lab (full sequence) or equivalent
- Physics with lab (full sequence) or equivalent
- Psychology (1) or equivalent
- Statistics or equivalent

Additional Information

Our program values the opinions of our community and welcomes feedback from people both within and outside our program. Any compliments or concerns may be sent directly to the program by email stevenlesh@ucwv.edu or by traditional mail:

University of Charleston Doctor of Physical Therapy
Attn: Steven Lesh, PhD, PT, AT Ret. Program Chair
2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE
Charleston, WV 25304

or through the university online portal.

If any person wishes to file a formal complaint about the program with our accrediting body, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), they can find information about the process on the CAPTE website. Retaliation against anyone who may file appeal, complaint or grievance in any form is prohibited.

Does UC have full-time housing options?
Yes. Housing designed with the graduate student in mind is conveniently located on campus full-time at very affordable rates (all utilities included; meal plan optional). This opportunity may help the cost-conscious student manage overall cost of attendance by eliminating some periodic travel expenses commonly associated with hybrid DPT programs.

Do I have to live on campus?
No. As a student in a hybrid DPT program you can live anywhere that fits your personal and financial needs. You must travel to campus at least once a semester for labs as well as travel to clinical education assignments. You will be responsible for costs of travel and temporary housing during these periods of time within the curriculum.

Does UC have temporary housing options?
Maybe. Depending on space availability, some graduate housing units may be available on a first-come basis for short-term, temporary use when a DPT student travels to campus.

Learn more about UC Housing

What does the term “hybrid” mean?
The term “hybrid” in our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Charleston refers to an innovative educational approach that combines online learning with in-person on-campus experiences. Coursework is delivered remotely through online platforms including interactive, live class sessions with faculty via video conferencing. In-person components feature attending integrated lab immersions at least once per semester for up to two weeks where you gain hands-on experience and refine your clinical skills.

What are some benefits of a “hybrid” model?
Flexibility to live anywhere while pursuing your DPT degree. Maintaining connections to your current community. Building strong relationships with peers and faculty through collaborative online learning. Experiencing the best of both worlds with the convenience of online learning and the crucial hand-on experience necessary to become a skilled physical therapist.

How long is the “hybrid” model at UC DPT?
Our program is 8 consecutive terms starting in the summer and ending a little over 2.5 years later in late fall (120 graduate credit hours).

Will I attend clinical rotations? Yes.
You will experience real-life full-time patient care as you participate in clinical education experiences that are strategically placed during terms six (6) through eight (8). These rotations may be local to you in your current community or nationwide for a total of 30 clinical weeks.

Why do students take MBA Courses as part of the DPT?
The integration of MBA courses into the DPT curriculum is designed to equip students with essential business and leadership skills needed to excel as managers, administrators, and innovators in healthcare. This approach supports our mission to shape the future of healthcare delivery, meet accreditation standards, and develop leaders who will advance the field throughout greater Appalachia.

What are some benefits of a taking MBA Courses?
Healthcare is a complex and evolving industry. By gaining expertise in business principles, leadership, health informatics, marketing, and ethics, DPT students position themselves at the forefront of physical therapy. These skills enhance professional growth, open new career opportunities, and provide a competitive edge in the healthcare marketplace.

How long will it take me to complete an MBA?
All DPT students complete four MBA courses as part of their degree. To earn the full MBA, students must complete seven additional graduate-level courses, which can be taken online with no on-campus requirements. Students may choose to complete these courses concurrently with the DPT program or after finishing their DPT degree, offering flexibility based on individual goals and schedules.
(for more information about the UC MBA follow this link: https://www.ucwv.edu/academics/majors-degrees/master-of-business-administration-mba/)