Doctor of
Physical Therapy

Prepare for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession with hands-on clinical experiences.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, a future in the physical therapy profession may be right for you. Delivered fully in person by expert faculty who are leaders in the field, Oakland’s DPT program blends academic rigor with hands-on training, preparing you to provide personalized, patient-centered care from day one of your professional journey.

Physical therapists play a vital role in helping people recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries, and promote overall health and well-being. With Oakland’s physical therapy degree program, you’ll develop the expertise to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages and abilities through practicum, research and hands-on clinical experiences.

Our physical therapy graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through 2031, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of education and professional preparation. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist.

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Doctor of Physical Therapy: The Oakland University Advantage

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Oakland University, you’ll join a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating environment. Our physical therapy graduate program will prepare you to provide effective care in the areas of prevention, screening, rehabilitation and community reintegration for your clients. Guided by our dedicated faculty, you’ll collaborate with health-enthusiastic peers in cutting-edge research and practices, equipping future physical therapists for successful careers.

Why choose Oakland University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program:

Expert and caring faculty: Our expert and caring faculty and clinicians are dedicated to each student’s success and professional growth. Our DPT program was designed with YOU, each student, in mind – you will benefit from a thoughtfully-designed academic calendar that includes summer breaks in the first two years to support reflection, readiness and well-being.
Innovative laboratories: Our state-of-the-art Anatomy Lab provides an in-depth understanding of human anatomy through immersive, hands-on experiences, while our cutting-edge Acute Care Simulation Lab allows each student to build confidence and competence through simulated clinical scenarios in complex care environments.
Experience-based, career-focused learning: Our hands-on teaching philosophy enables you to develop your clinical reasoning and manual skills through experience-based learning embedded throughout the curriculum. Furthermore, through community-engaged learning, you will apply your knowledge in real-world settings that benefit local populations and reinforce person-focused care. You will also have the opportunity to engage in faculty-mentored research projects that enhance your critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
Whole-person approach: Prepare to care for individuals across the lifespan by studying all major body systems, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, oncologic, geriatric and pediatric populations.
Career connections: Through OU’s robust clinical network, students have access to hundreds of contracted clinical sites, developing strong health care partnerships across Michigan and beyond even prior to graduation. With diverse practice preparation, you will graduate ready for entry-level practice in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, acute and rehabilitation hospitals, and more.

What Can You Do With a Doctor of Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a rewarding and in-demand career with strong job growth and competitive earning opportunities. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked physical therapist as the #3 best job in health care and #6 best job overall. This recognition aligns with a strong career outlook for physical therapists, driven by robust job growth and competitive earning opportunities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for physical therapists by 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, the field of physical therapy offers high earning potential, with a median annual salary of $97,720, according to BLS wage data. With a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Oakland University, you’ll be well-prepared for these sought-after opportunities across a wide range of practice settings, such as:

Acute care hospital-based facilities
Long-term care facilities
Orthopedic outpatient clinics
Pediatric facilities
Rehabilitation hospitals
Research institutions
Sports medicine centers

Doctor of Physical Therapy: What You’ll Learn

OU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy degree offers a broad curriculum covering key aspects of the physical therapy profession. You’ll start with foundational courses such as human pathology and functional anatomy, gaining essential knowledge of the human body and its pathologies. As you progress in your DPT program, you’ll explore specialized areas such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy and pharmacology, while also focusing on clinical examination, patient management and psychosocial aspects of care.

Real-world clinical experiences and courses in professional issues and practice management will prepare you for diverse patient needs. Your physical therapy graduate program will culminate in a capstone examination and research practicum, ensuring you’re well-rounded and ready to excel as a physical therapist.

Highlights of our Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum include:

Foundational Sciences: Gross Human Anatomy, Functional Anatomy, Clinical Medicine, Movement Science (Biomechanics), and Neuroanatomy
Core Clinical Skills: Clinical Examination and Evaluation I & II, Patient Management, Psychosocial Aspects of Care, and Differential Diagnosis
Specialized Interventions: Therapeutic Exercise, Educational Interventions, Modalities and Electrotherapeutic Interventions, Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular and Cardiopulmonary Interventions, Pediatric and Medical-Surgical Care, and Prosthetic/Orthotic Management
Professional Development: Professional Issues I & II and Administration & Practice Management
Real-World Learning: Health Promotion and Wellness, Bridge the Gap, and Four full-time clinical education experiences integrated throughout the program, beginning as early as the second year
Research and Capstone: Evidence-Informed Practice Foundations, DPT Research Practicum, and a comprehensive Capstone Course.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Resources

Related Programs

Not sure if the Doctor of Physical Therapy is right for you? Check out these other graduate degree programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.

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