Our program incorporates the latest in physical therapy technology, exposing you to and involving you in cutting-edge research.
Shenandoah University’s Division of Physical Therapy (PT) prepares students as doctorally educated physical therapists who are reflective, collaborative practitioners that provide evidence-based, compassionate and ethical care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction across the global community.
Our program prepares you for the provision of physical therapy service through direct access (non-physician referral), enables you to incorporate the latest evidence into your clinical decisions, and prepares you to become a leader of a health care team.
Shenandoah’s program enjoys a strong local and national reputation, and our graduates and faculty are recognized within the health care community as knowledgeable, capable and able to excel in the workplace.
The Traditional Doctorate in Physical Therapy is for the entry level student and allows the graduate to enter the physical therapy profession and to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain state licensure. This program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The physical therapy program at Shenandoah University fosters a supportive learning environment that challenges students and molds us into top-tier clinicians. We are not a number, and we have the opportunity to form strong relationships with peers and faculty.
Natalie Nichols ’24 | Doctor of Physical Therapy
Clinical, Internship, and international Service Opportunities
Clinical Education is an integral part of the curriculum of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Shenandoah University. Our students begin clinical practice in the first year, and clinical practice opportunities continue to graduation. SU PT students are mentored by some of the most accomplished clinicians in all practice areas of ambulatory and non-ambulatory care. With over 250 affiliates, SU PT is able to place our highly prepared students in local, regional, national and international settings. Joining the mission of the university, we have clinical service opportunities that are continuing to expand. Graduates of the SU PT program are entry-level generalist clinicians, and are well prepared to assume the multifaceted and evolving role of the physical therapist.
You’ll have the opportunity to complete your clinical rotations at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, the Mayo Clinic, Rancho Los Amigos, Walter Reed Military Medical Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, and more.
You’ll enjoy opportunities to travel to international clinical sites in Germany, Japan, Italy, and Australia.
SUPT Thrive is a student-led service organization that seeks to provide rehabilitation services and education to medically underserved international communities in hopes to improve quality of life. Our vision is to foster the development of global citizens within the Shenandoah University Physical Therapy (SU PT) program by providing service learning opportunities in international settings such as Guatemala, Haiti, Ecuador, and Kenya. The relationships with these communities provide opportunities for participating students and clinicians to expand their cultural awareness and medical competence. Thrive hopes to transform the lives of patients from surviving to thriving by providing necessary medical services. Future plans of growth include setting up outreach programs in the United States and further solidifying our clinics abroad. Join us on our journey! We can always use an extra hand. We only warn you that the experience will leave a lasting impact on everyone involved!
Career Possibilities
Physical Therapy alumna Shannon Riek Davis ’03, ’04 knew there had to be a better way for her daughter to learn to walk. Davis used her knowledge of body mechanics and her experience constructing orthotics and wheelchair modifications to create the Little Balance Box! She was featured on The Today Show’s “Mompreneur” segment to celebrate International Women’s Day. Davis continues to strive to create accessible products for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as the CEO of Inspiration Physical Therapy Inc. and Inspire Create LLC in San Diego, California.
Leigh Celeste Roberts ’99, ’04 is a physical therapist at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland where she uses manual therapy and exercise to rehabilitate patients back to their prior level of function. “The SU education was vigorous, but instilled a commitment to professionalism. Physical therapy is a great profession. It has so many facets and patient populations that you have the opportunity to find and work with one that gets you excited.
You will have opportunities to network and expand your leadership skills through our professional organizations.
We are committed to advancement of the profession and have 100% student membership in the APTA.
Classes
Our academic focus is on student learning.
The curriculum consists of three years of coursework in both the classroom and clinical environments. The didactic curriculum consists of courses in the foundational and clinical sciences taken at the campus in Winchester.
You’ll learn:
- skills to practice physical therapy
- skills to succeed in the emerging health care environment
- appreciation for being a good global citizen
You’ll have access to relevant, cutting edge technology and our Integrated Mobile Technology program, which connects students and teachers in versatile, dynamic communities of learners and provides creative linkages and connections throughout our academic and co-curricular environments.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting edge equipment, including a 3-D motion analysis system, Neurocom and diagnostic ultrasound.
Course Description
Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum
Admissions Requirements
Meet the Faculty
Our faculty mentors are available in and out of the classroom to guide you through the program.
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate physical therapist, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Shenandoah has such an active and supportive alumni network that is not present at any other university. I feel like I am a part of a huge family here at SU!”
Davina Lane ’24 | Doctor of Physical Therapy
Application Information
Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must have demonstrated success in academics and have a strong background in the sciences. Completion of the bachelor’s degree is required. A demonstration of well-developed problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and commitment to service is necessary. Those applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should be prepared to work closely with other students in the program, make contributions to the learning process of others and contribute to the enrichment of the curriculum and the profession.
Physical Therapy Application Information
Virtual Physical Therapy Open House
Physical Therapy faculty and students answer your questions about the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program – everything from applying and class schedules to complementary fields of study and clinical education opportunities.
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
100 percent of our graduates have passed the licensure examination with first-time pass rates consistently above the national average (90 to 95 percent the past five years). See our NPTE Exam results.
