Course description
The Department has only one program; a three-year, 113-credit post-graduate course of study leading to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). In contrast to a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program that emphasizes research, the DPT is a clinical doctorate, similar to an MD (Medical Doctor) or a JD (Juris Doctor).
Advanced standing in the program may be granted on a case-by-case basis given to health care practitioners who already hold undergraduate or graduate degrees in physical therapy or a closely related field.
The Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University (FIU) offers the Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree which provides the required educational preparation for a professional career as a physical therapist. Our graduates are ethnically and racially diverse physical therapy practititioners poised to help eliminate health care disparities in the local, state, and national community. The FIU DPT curriculum features a progressive, problem oriented approach and includes rigorous coverage of the full range of basic medical sciences, clinical sciences, and hands on skills relevant to the current practice of physical therapy. There are nine full time faculty and numerous adjuncts to prepare students to work in all areas of physical therapy practice. You will find unparalleled intellectual, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity within our faculty, students, university and community. FIU Physical therapy program provides students with internship opportunities in over 240 clinical sites throughout Florida, the nation, and internationally. FIU Physical Therapy has won the APTA Minority Initiatives Award, not once but twice.
