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.
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.
2024 Financial Fact Sheet
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.
| Graduating Class Year | Graduation Rates |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 97.4% |
| 2022 | 94.7% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| Graduating Class Year | Board First Time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 91.4% | 100% |
| 2022 | 94.3% | 100% |
| 2021 | 97.2% | 100% |
| Graduating Class Year | Employment Rates |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
2 Year Averages (Graduating Classes 2022 and 2023): Graduation Rate: 96.5%, Employment Rate: 100%, First Time Pass Rate: 92.9%, 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.
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 2024 is $115,327 for the three and one half year program. The estimated total cost for out-of-state students is $139,010.
Helpful Links
Graduate Student Physical Therapy Association
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
Oakland University Pre-Physical Therapy Handbook
Sara Arena, DSc.P.T., P.T.
Director and Professor
Physical Therapy
[email protected]
For admission-specific questions, you are also welcome to contact [email protected].
School of Health Sciences
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369
[email protected]
Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]
School of Health Sciences
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]