The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides the required education necessary for graduates to take the professional license examination and embark on a professional career in physical therapy.
The program embodies a strong foundational background in the biological, kinesiological and behavioral sciences, incorporation of principles of logical and scientific reasoning throughout the curriculum, and the philosophy that the practice of physical therapy is empowered by the collaborative efforts of the team, ensuring a partnership of people working towards a common goal.
The DPT Degree
The DPT is the degree endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. The DPT graduate possesses clinical competence consistent with the preferred outcomes of evidence-based practice and is prepared for collaborative practice, capable of evaluation and treatment without the need for referral from another practitioner, but ready to work in collaboration with members of the health care team.
Ranking and Accreditation
The Department is ranked sixth in the nation among graduate programs in physical therapy at public universities by U.S. News and World Report.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Florida is accredited by the The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Any student graduating from a CAPTE accredited program is eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Each person who passes the NPTE becomes eligible for licensure in any US jurisdiction upon 1) submitting an application for licensure to the Board of Practice in that jurisdiction and 2) completing the laws and regulations examination for that jurisdiction. More information regarding individual states’ law and regulation examinations is accessed through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Licensing Authorities webpage. View our Financial Fact Sheet.
The DPT Curriculum
The curriculum is an eight (8)-semester plan of study, which incorporates 32 weeks of full-time clinical internship and several weeks of integrated part-time clinical experiences. The students are awarded the DPT degree after completing 113 credit hours of professional course work.
The curriculum had been established along three basic educational principles that are instilled in the philosophy and mission of the program. First, it is necessary that a strong basic science background in the biological, kinesiological, and behavioral sciences be established as the foundation upon which the curriculum is developed. Secondly, incorporation of principles underlying logical reasoning and the scientific method shall be woven throughout all aspects of the curriculum. These principles shall be implicitly stated in the faculty’s behavior as role models through their incorporation of their research and clinical practice experiences in the classroom setting. Thirdly, students will recognize that the practice of physical therapy is empowered by the collaborative efforts of the team, ensuring a partnership of people working toward a common goal. This principle is instilled in the students throughout the content of the curriculum and is exemplified by the faculty’s collaborative teaching and research efforts.
Connect with us!
Office Hours and Student Led Tours
If you have a Doctor of Physical Therapy admissions-related questions, we will be offering Virtual and in-person Office Hours weekly via Zoom.
DPT Events
Open Houses and Information Sessions
All applicants and prospective students are highly encouraged to attend one of our DPT Open House Events or Information Sessions.
Program News
DPT alumna uses social media, new book to break silence about pelvic health
Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, D.P.T., has built her internet presence by combating stigma and misinformation with humor and positivity.
Four PHHP alumni-led businesses named to 2025 Gator100 list
Gator100 recognizes the world’s fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UF alumni.
PHHP Days 2025 celebrates college’s range of research, innovative ideas
PHHP Days higlighted the breadth of teaching, research, service and clinical work across the college.
Andrew Judge named UF Research Foundation Professor
The UF Research Foundation has named Dr. Andrew Judge as one of 35 of the university’s most productive and promising faculty members as UFRF Professors for 2025.
