Expand the section navigation mobile menu
Physical therapist elevating a man's arm to shoulder height

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Prepare for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession with the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). In this professional graduate program in the Department of Human Movement Science, you will develop the skills to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages and abilities through practicum, research and hands-on clinical experiences.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Oakland University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100. Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The program is accredited through 2031.

CAPTE accreditation badge

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Oakland University satisfies educational prerequisites for professional licensure as a physical therapist in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. 

*Prospective students should apply to the program through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). No supplemental application is required.

Program OverviewCurricular RequirementsApply Now

The DPT program includes theoretical, clinical practice, and research courses and experiences to prepare you to function in a variety of settings in physical therapy upon graduating. For information regarding the application process, admission, degree requirements and curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog (see curricular requirements).

Please view the Doctor of Physical Therapy brochure for more information about the program. All potential students should be aware of the Essential Functions Guidelines, additional qualities and standards necessary to be successful in the field of physical therapy. 

Resources  

Oakland University 2023-2024 DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet

Financial Aid

There are stipends and some scholarships available for students enrolled in the program. Specific information is given to students at the time of DPT orientation. Information concerning financial aid and financial resources can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services, 120 North Foundation Hall, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, (248) 370-2550.

Tuition and Books
Estimated cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks for in-state students entering the DPT in 2020 is $99,233.50 for the three and one half year program. The estimated cost for out-of-state students is $133,510.

Graduation, Pass and Employment Rates
Graduating Class Year Graduation Rates
2022 97.2%
2021 100%
2020 100%

Graduating Class Year Board First Time Pass Rate Ultimate Pass Rate
2022 94.3% 100%
2021 97.2% 100%
2020 91.4% 100%

Graduating Class Year Employment Rates
2022 100%
2021 100%
2020 100%

2 Year Averages (Graduating Classes 2021 & 2022): Graduation Rate: 98.6%, Employment Rate: 100%, First Time Pass Rate: 95.6%, Ultimate Pass Rate: 100%.

Attend an information session to learn about Oakland's DPT program, the application requirements, our facilities and more.

Please email [email protected] to attend.

Physical Therapists are employed in a variety of practice settings which include, but are not limited to, orthopedic outpatient clinics, acute care hospital-based facilities, acute and sub-acute rehabilitation hospitals, sports medicine centers, research institutions, long-term care facilities, pediatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities, transitional care units, school-based facilities, and home health care.

Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Average Salary
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in 2023.

Sara Arena, DSc.P.T., P.T.
Director and Professor
Physical Therapy
[email protected]

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Dr. Sheri Brown, coordinator of admissions, at [email protected].

School of Health Sciences

Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369


Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]