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Doctor of Physical Therapy

Messiah University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is designed to prepare competent therapists for meaningful careers as practitioners, educators, administrators and consultants in a variety of professional settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, homecare programs, schools and private practices. Our program is a full-time, residential, 110-credit program located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg.

Doctor of Physical Therapy overview

Messiah University’s CAPTE-accredited DPT program is designed to successfully prepare you for the National Physical Therapy Examination to become a licensed physical therapist and to serve in a variety of professional settings.

View the courses and curriculum for years one, two and three of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

DPT PLAN OF STUDY

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Doctor of Physical Therapy tuition cost

Locked-in tuition rate

Our DPT program has a locked-in tuition rate. What you pay per credit during your first semester is what you will pay your last semester. We put the cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately plan for your graduate education.

FINANCIAL FACT SHEET

Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.

Program-specific costs

There will be additional costs to the program not billed through Messiah University (background checks, clearances, course materials, fieldwork expenses, etc.)

Pre-registration deposit
A non-refundable pre-registration deposit of $500 is required for all new, first-time graduate students or re-enrolled graduate students. Your deposit, which confirms your acceptance into our program, will be applied as a prepayment of your first semester’s tuition and fees.

Next steps for admissions

Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.

VIEW ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Messiah University is a nationally ranked, accredited private Christian university with a CAPTE-accredited DPT program

Messiah University is the first institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic Region to offer a graduate program in physical therapy. Our DPT program is CAPTE accredited.

Integrated learning at on-site facilities

Students have easy, on-site access to observe clients, apply what they’ve learned and increase critical thinking and decision-making skills. In addition to multiple simulation lab spaces, Messiah’s DPT program offers students a unique advantage by partnering with an on-site PT clinic at its Winding Hill location. Phoenix PT, OT and AT at Messiah University Winding Hill serves patients in the surrounding community and provides Messiah students with opportunities for observation and hands-on training.

Early on- and off-site clinical experiences in various settings

Starting in the first year, students will be able to observe patients in a clinical education setting on-site at Phoenix PT, OT and AT at Messiah University Winding Hill and in various off-site site locations.

Collaboration

DPT students have interprofessional collaboration and service learning opportunities. Third-year DPT students may take PT continuing education courses in partnership with NAIOMT.

Service learning through missions

Students will experience community service learning locally and have the opportunity to serve nationally.

Student-faculty research opportunities

Critical inquiry is an essential part of a progressive healthcare profession such as physical therapy. Our program provides collaborative research opportunities between faculty and students with the goal of sharing outcomes—through publication or presentation—to advance the profession.

Continuing education opportunities for DPTs

Messiah University partners with NAIOMT to offer continuing education courses, post-graduate certification, a residency program and a Doctor of Science in PT program (starting August 2023) to our graduates and licensed DPTs.