The Doctor of Physical Therapy is the preferred entry level degree for all physical therapists. It is a clinical doctoral degree, like Podiatry and Dentists. A long range goal of the American Physical Therapy Association is for all physical therapists to have a DPT degree. Different PT programs have different focuses within their curriculum. Compare the overall curriculum of the schools you are interested in. The degree granted upon graduation is determined by the institution, not the curriculum. Starting salaries are the same for any entry level degree. Hiring practices are based upon the individual, letters of recommendation and the reputation of the PT Program attended.

The DPT Program is an entry-level, full time DPT curriculum. IT is not a transitional DPT for physical therapists who have entered the profession with a bachelor's or master's degree.

The College of Staten Island
 

College of Staten Island Table updated May 13, 2013


Hunter College

Hunter Collge Table updated August 13, 2012

Translations and evaluation of transcripts from colleges outside the U.S. must be completed early in the application process. The Office of International Students at the Graduate Center collects the documents and issues the I-20. Please refer to the graduate catalog or graduate application for more detailed information.

If you are qualified to work as physical therapist in another country, you may not need to apply to our program. Contact the New York State Board of Physical Therapy to determine if your education allows you to take the National Physical Therapy Examination. If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, then you are not qualified for the examination. If you wish to become a licensed physical therapist in the U.S., then you must apply to an accredited physical therapy program. The Graduate Center of CUNY DPT Program (Hunter College site or College of Staten Island site) will require you to apply and enroll in our entire curriculum. We do not waive courses from other colleges or universities. You must also complete the 100 hours of clinical experience in the United States, Canada, Australia, or England.

Members of the Physical Therapy faculty are available for counseling appointments. These appointments are only scheduled after receipt of our information packet. Please contact us with specific questions and days/times you are available. You may either write or call the department secretaries between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at (718) 982-3153 at the College of Staten Island, and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at (212) 481-4469 at Hunter College.

Hunter College: The Program Director holds an informational session often during each semester for information on the Program, prerequisites, the admissions process, and to answer questions regarding entry into the Graduate Center program and other New York State Schools. Please call for the date and time of the next scheduled open house or check our Web site by navigating to the Upcoming Information sessions section.

College of Staten Island: The Program Director holds an Open House each fall semester as an informational session to answer questions on admissions, prerequisites and the admissions process. During the academic year the Program Director holds informal sessions in a group and individually.