Entry-Level DPT Programs in Pennsylvania

If you’re preparing for a career in physical therapy, choosing the right Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For students in Pennsylvania, �첥��’s entry-level DPT program offers a rigorous, clinically integrated pathway to licensure.

With a curriculum that blends foundational knowledge and extensive hands-on training, graduates are prepared to provide expert, ethical care in a variety of settings—from outpatient rehab and hospitals to pediatrics, geriatrics, and beyond.

Choose the Right Path: Two Entry Routes to the DPT Program

�첥�� offers two entry points for students at different stages of their academic journey:

3+3 Accelerated Pathway

Designed for academically strong undergraduate students at �첥��, this format allows you to complete both a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in just six years. Students begin the DPT curriculum in their senior year, provided they maintain a 3.5 overall and science GPA, along with a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses.

4+3 Traditional Pathway

Ideal for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, either from �첥�� or another institution, this option requires an overall GPA of 3.25, a 3.0 in science and prerequisite coursework, and GRE scores of 150 (Verbal and Quantitative) and 3.5 (Analytical).

Both pathways are competitive and require observation hours, recommendations, essays, and an interview with DPT faculty. These high standards ensure incoming students are prepared for the academic rigor and clinical demands of the program.

Preparation for Real-World Practice

The DPT program spans eight semesters and includes 121 total credits, with 75 weeks of didactic coursework and 39 weeks of part-time and full-time clinical experiences. The curriculum builds from foundational science to advanced, specialized clinical practice across four primary areas:

Musculoskeletal
Neuromuscular
Cardiopulmonary
Integumentary

Hands-on labs and psychomotor training are a core part of the learning process, helping students translate theoretical knowledge into practical care. Repetitive practice and skill-building are emphasized to ensure graduates are clinically competent and confident.

Clinical Experience Across Practice Settings

Throughout the program, �첥�� students complete four full-time clinical internships and multiple part-time placements, gaining experience in diverse settings such as:

Acute care hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Outpatient clinics
Skilled nursing facilities
Pediatric and home health care

�첥�� works to place students within 25 miles of campus when possible, though some clinical sites may require travel. Regardless of location, each placement is strategically aligned to reinforce classroom learning and support broad professional readiness.

Exceptional DPT Outcomes

At �첥��, our DPT program boasts strong, consistent outcomes in graduation, licensure, and employment, demonstrating its commitment to preparing students for success in the physical therapy profession. According to the most recent two-year averages (2023–2024), the program has a graduation rate of 98.2%, a first-time National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rate of 92.6%, and a 100% employment rate among graduates within one year of program completion.

Kickstart Your PT Career at �첥��

Located in Reading, PA, �첥�� combines the resources of a larger institution with the personal attention of a tight-knit academic community. Small class sizes, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and a strong emphasis on ethics and service create an environment where students thrive academically and professionally.

If you're looking for an entry-level DPT program in Pennsylvania that will challenge, support, and prepare you for success, �첥�� offers a proven path. To learn more, please call 610-568-1546 or email soo.sun@alvernia.edu or pamela.unger@alvernia.edu.

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