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.
Our D.P.T. program combines classroom studies with hands-on clinical experiences beginning in the first full semester, allowing students 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 major attracts students from all over the country.
- Outcomes are excellent: 91% graduation rate (2017-2018), 98% licensure exam rate (2017-18), and 100% job placement within six months (2017-18).
- Graduate assistantships are available for more in-depth experiences in research, teaching, and health promotion.
- The 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 Options, Requirements, and Courses
Undergrad Admissions Standards: View physical therapy admissions standards.
Contact Information
Andrew Opett, PT, DPT, OCS
Clinical Associate Professor, Department Chair
For questions, contact PT@naz.edu
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
The Physical Therapy Program at Nazareth College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Nazareth College curriculum is designed to help students complete the CAPTE-accredited Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy and meets educational requirements in New York to apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Nazareth College has determined that the curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to is accreditation by CAPTE. Students graduating from Nazareth College’s CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
For questions regarding the program, please contact Mary Ellen Vore, PT, Ed.D., MSCD, mvore9@naz.edu