Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Overview

Program Overview

student practices ultrasound on a classmateThe Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Connecticut is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE is located at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Contact information: telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website:http://www.capteonline.org. The DPT is a three year, post-bachelor’s program. Applicants may earn a bachelor’s degree in any one of a number of areas but all complete the same pre-requisite coursework. As a professional doctoral program the curriculum is designed to prepare physical therapists equipped to stay abreast of advances in physical therapy practice and health care, assuring their patients receive top quality care.

By enhancing the strong didactic and clinical education experience, the DPT program also fosters each student’s individual talents through collaborative research with an exceptional team of faculty mentors. The program begins in May and requires three years, including summer sessions, to complete. The first year consists of coursework in basic and clinical sciences, as well as health care practices. During the second and third years, students participate in clinical experiences that are integrated into the curriculum. During the third year, students spend 60 percent of their time in supervised clinical practice.

Clinical education is at the heart of our DPT program. We require our students to participate in four full time clinical rotations that expose them to a wide variety of settings and a broad range of patient conditions. Through these experiences, we believe students integrate and expand the knowledge gained in the classroom. Our students participate in full time learning experiences at top-notch health care facilities across the country, such as Beth Israel Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Sites are selected based on a known history of superior patient care and a clear statement of dedication to the learning process. The Nayden Rehabilitation Clinic, operated by the Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at the UConn Health Center, also serves as a local training site for students while providing care to the University and nearby communities.

Why Choose Us?

  • The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is nationally ranked #16 by Find the Best. demonstrating ultrasound on a UConn student
  • The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is housed in one of the nation’s top ranked Department of Kinesiology.
  • Our faculty possess a wealth of clinical, educational, and research experience representing the breadth of physical therapy practice.
  • Our graduates are successful clinicians – many with ownership in clinical practices – who’ve become regional and national leaders of their profession, as well as nationally and internationally respected educators and researchers.
  • Our emphasis on real-world training includes a convenient on-campus affiliated rehabilitation clinic.
  • We limit class size to cultivate supportive relationships between instructors and students.

Application Process

All application materials should be submitted to the UConn Graduate School. The Graduate School prepares applications for committee review. The DPT Admissions Committee will only review completed DPT applications that include all required support materials. Submissions are welcome beginning November 15th and submission deadline is January 15th.

  • Complete application to the Graduate School
  • Transcripts: Please submit an unofficial transcript to be uploaded in the electronic graduate application.  Additionally, all official transcripts should be forwarded to the Graduate School at the time of application to ensure the ability to be admitted to the program in a timely fashion.

The Whetten Graduate Center, Second Floor

University of Connecticut

438 Whitney Road Extension, U-1152

Storrs, CT 06269-1152

  • The following items should be completed and uploaded into the online Graduate Application:
    • Supplemental Application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
    • The name and contact information of two people who will provide the professional recommendation information and written reference through the online graduate application
    • Personal statement
    • CT Residence Affidavit
    • GRE Scores
    • TOEFL Scores (application to International Students)
    • Resume, not more than 2 pages
    • Unofficial Transcript

What We Look For

All applicants must meet the UConn Graduate School admission standards and demonstrate successful completion (generally B average or better) of pre-requisite coursework. Required:

  • Must have earned a bachelor’s degree by the start of the program;
  • Completed the following pre-requisite courses: Biology, General Chemistry I & II, Pre-Calculus or higher, General Physics I & II, Human Physiology & Anatomy I & II*, Psychology (6 credits), and Statistics;

*Note that 4 credit Physiology with lab and 4 credit Anatomy with lab courses are acceptable substitutions for Human Physiology & Anatomy I & II.

Accepted students generally have:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better
  • GRE scores of 310 or better with a 4.0 in the writing portion.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

We encourage you to fully explore the details of each program through this website and read more about the individual professors and their research. Information about the graduate application process and requirements can be found on the How To Apply to Graduate Programs page. Please contact Dr. Katrease Sharavolli if you have any questions related to our graduate programs or the application progress within the Department of Kinesiology.