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Physical Therapy

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College of Allied Health Physical Therapy
Degree Level
Doctoral
College
Allied Health
Format
On Ground
Credit Hours
110 hours
Average Time to Degree
3 years

Doctor of Physical Therapy at Harding

The curriculum is a three-year program consisting of 110 credit hours delivered over eight consecutive semesters. The course of study is designed to develop the skills of critical thinking and evidence-based physical therapy practice in the context of a Christian worldview. The first two years of the curriculum are largely classroom (didactic) work, and the third year of the program consists of full-time clinical experiences. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the physical therapy licensure examination.

Learn more about Physical Therapy

Why study Physical Therapy at Harding?

Real Experience

Students will complete five, eight-week, full-time clinical education internships throughout the United States and in a variety of settings (outpatient orthopedics, acute care, adult neuro rehab, pediatrics or an elective). Students will integrate patient evaluation and management skills and develop competency in all skills necessary for entry into the profession of physical therapy.

Medical Missions Track

The curriculum includes a medical missions track that aims to develop the specific skills required to work in medical missions. This track culminates in a required international medical mission practicum.

Accelerated Dual Degree

This accelerated degree track provides students with the necessary prerequisites for PT school in the first three years and allows them to earn a B.S. in exercise science after completion of the first year of physical therapy education. Graduate coursework will be completed in years five and six. Students will earn a doctorate in physical therapy and will be eligible to sit for the physical therapy licensure examination.

More Information

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Harding University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

What can you do with a Doctor in Physical Therapy?

Hospitals

A Doctor of Physical Therapy from Harding University prepares individuals to work in hospital settings where they apply their extensive knowledge of physical therapy to treat patients with acute and chronic conditions. The program's rigorous curriculum, which includes 1,600 hours of supervised clinical experience, ensures that graduates are adept at assessing, diagnosing and creating comprehensive treatment plans for patients. In a hospital environment, DPTs work alongside other health care professionals to deliver multidisciplinary care, promoting recovery and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and advanced therapeutic techniques.

Rehabilitation centers

Graduates with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Harding University are well-equipped to work in rehabilitation centers where they focus on helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries and neurological conditions. The program emphasizes a service-oriented Christian worldview and extensive clinical experience, which prepares DPTs to design individualized rehabilitation programs. In rehabilitation centers, they use advanced therapeutic interventions and technologies to restore function, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for patients, guiding them through the rehabilitation process with compassion and expertise.

Home health care

A Doctor of Physical Therapy from Harding University also prepares professionals to provide high-quality care in home health settings. With comprehensive training in contemporary physical therapy practices and a strong ethical foundation, DPTs can effectively deliver personalized therapy to patients in their homes. This setting allows therapists to address functional limitations and mobility issues within the context of the patient's everyday environment. Home health DPTs are equipped to implement tailored treatment plans that promote independence and improve the overall well-being of their patients through compassionate, patient-centered care.

I truly don’t think I could have been better prepared through the didactic work, having an open door policy with our professors, and a pretty great class dynamic. I would say I have come out of the program as a confident, yet humbled learner.
Candace B., Ph.D., PT (2020)

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Contact Information


Physical Therapy
501-279-5990
pt@harding.edu