Physical Therapy
Bachelor of Science / Doctorate of Physical Therapy
The only one of its kind in Rochester, Nazareth’s physical therapy major attracts students from all over the country.
Our 3+3 program integrates classroom learning with clinical experiences beginning in your first semester, under the supervision of faculty and community-based physical therapists. By years 4 and 5, you'll conduct screenings, evaluations, and interventions in our on-campus, student-run pro bono PT clinics. You'll also gain experience and explore different settings — such as pediatrics, acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient, and home care — during four full-time clinical education experiences, anywhere in the country. You have multiple opportunities to use and enhance your skills while supporting community organizations, such as Fun Fitness Special Olympics, WNY Wreckers Wheelchair Basketball, and the MS Society’s Free from Falls program. Opportunities include clinic co-treatment with Naz students in music therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. You will learn to treat the whole client with excellent hands-on skills, effective communication, and reflective and analytical approaches. All PT students complete a two-year research project with a faculty member.
Highlights
Enter the 3+3 DPT program as a freshman
Choose one of four minors to add to your expertise: Psychology, Developing Child and Families, Public Health, or Social Welfare
Faculty specialty practice areas include orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, stroke rehabilitation, and more
Cutting-edge equipment and research
Career Paths
- Physical therapist or clinic manager in hospitals and clinics
- Pediatrics
- Acute rehabilitation
- Home care
- Outpatient
- Nursing facilities
- Schools and research laboratories
Employers
- Pediatrics: Rochester City School District, Clinical Association of the Finger Lakes
- Hospitals, clinics, and medical groups: University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, Upstate Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center, Dignity Health (CA)
- Acute rehabilitation: Golisano Brain Injury, TIRR Memorial Hermann Brain Injury (Houston, TX)
- Home care: HCR Home Care, University of Rochester
- Outpatient: Lattimore PT, Onondaga PT, Limitless PT, Epic PT (Raleigh, NC)
- Skilled nursing facilities: Highlands Living Center, Episcopal Senior Life
- Schools and research laboratories: San Diego State University (Extremity Trauma Amputation Center of Excellence)
Advanced Degrees / Residencies
Our graduates are well prepared for, and have pursued, residencies and advanced degrees such as:
- Boston University (Ph.D.)
- University of Rochester Medical Center Neurology physical therapy residency
- Golisano Neurological physical therapy residency
- University of Rochester Sports Medicine physical therapy residency
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center women's health residency
- University of Central Arkansas pediatric physical therapy residency
98%
two-year graduation rate, 2023–24
97%
ultimate two-year licensure exam pass rate (89% first-time pass rate), 2023-24
100%
employed (of those seeking employment) within six months of passing the licensure exam, 2023–24
Field Experiences
In addition to on-campus clinical experiences, field experiences include:
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (pediatric oncology)
- Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (neurological rehabilitation)
- EXOS (sports and human performance)
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
- University of Rochester Medical Center
Admissions Standards
The Physical Therapy Program at Nazareth University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
Preparing changemakers
Through faculty mentorship and collaboration, hands-on integrated clinical experiences, and interprofessional teamwork, you'll learn how to advocate for patients in the healthcare environment and empower them to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. You learn the value of using evidence-based evaluation and intervention strategies.
At a clinical experience at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, physical therapy student Reilly Smyth worked with an 18-year-old who needed help after a car accident that obstructed his breathing, tore his liver/spleen, and caused multiple fractures. At that acute care hospital, Smyth worked with him on treadmill training with overhead harness systems, gait training with music, therapeutic activities with the facility dogs, and dual-task activities toward his goals to get home, finish his senior year of high school, and apply to colleges. "By the end of his stay at Kessler, he was independent with walking and stairs using one axillary crutch," says Reilly. She writes about that memorable experience and more in a post on the PT blog. Read about her experience >
Contact Information
Andrew Opett, PT, DPT, OCS
Clinical Associate Professor, Department Chair
For questions, contact PT@naz.edu
Alumni Spotlight
CJ Rose '17, '19G, physical therapist at Monroe Community Hospital and a clinical instructor in Nazareth's Neuromuscular Clinic
"One of the biggest strengths of Nazareth's DPT program, which sets Naz apart, is the hands-on learning in the on-campus clinics throughout the program. I felt much more confident going out on my clinic placements knowing I had already practiced valuable hands-on skills with the support of my professors and clinical instructors. Nazareth provides an excellent environment and exposes students to an array of experiences — to prepare you for whichever path you choose in the profession. I am thankful for the knowledge as well as excitement for the profession that Naz instilled in me. I continue to be passionate about treating patients with neurological diagnoses, which started during my time at Naz. I would highly recommend the DPT program.