Why Choose Nazareth for Physical Therapy?

Physical therapists today must be more than clinicians with excellent hands-on skills. They must be effective communicators, reflective and analytical professionals, and compassionate and engaged caregivers. Nazareth College’s physical therapy degree program stresses all of these, giving students the knowledge and skills to treat the whole client. 

Physical therapy majors in our D.P.T. program combine classroom studies with hands-on clinical experiences beginning in their first full semester, allowing them to practice skills under the supervision of faculty and community-based physical therapists. These clinical experiences both provide authentic learning environments and supply much-needed services to the community. All students complete a full, two-year research project with a faculty member, and more than 70% of these are accepted for presentation at state and national professional conferences.

Program Highlights

  • The only one of its kind in Rochester, Nazareth’s physical therapy program attracts students from all over the country.
  • Outcomes are excellent: a high graduation rate, a 98% licensure exam pass rate, and 100% job placement.
  • Graduate assistantships are available for more in-depth experiences in research, teaching, and health promotion.
  • The physical therapy degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Graduates are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states.
  • Students use cutting-edge equipment to help patients/clients regain mobility. Research at Nazareth guided the development of Gorbel's SafeGait trainer.

Program Option

B.S./D.P.T. in Physical Therapy (6-year program)

Typical Class Schedule

Program Information
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
First Graduate Year
Second Graduate Year

Contact Information

Mary Ellen Vore

Mary Ellen Vore

Clinical Associate Professor & Chair in Physical Therapy
585-389-2906
mvore9@naz.edu
Carroll Hall 164
Jeanette Brown, alum of the physical therapy degree program, physical therapy major in Rochester NY

Alumni Spotlight: Jeanette Brown ’07, D.P.T., NCS, COS-C

Therapy educator, HCR Home Care

“Unique to Nazareth's physical therapy program were the extensive opportunities to work with patients, both on and off campus, alongside faculty who have incredible clinical skills. These helped me to find my passion for neurologic rehabilitation and ultimately achieve my board certification in neurology.” 

Examples of PT Employers

  • Elementary and high schools
  • Hospitals, clinics, and medical groups
  • Home care agencies
  • Medical equipment companies
  • PT schools and research laboratories
  • Long-term care settings

Internships/Field Experiences

  • Genesis Rehabilitation/Long-Term Care
  • Healthsouth Rehabilitation, Birmingham, AL
  • Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC
  • Fort Drum, Jefferson County, NY

Graduate Schools/Employers

  • Strong Memorial Hospital
  • Rancho Los Amigos, CA
  • University of Rochester