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Doctor of Physical Therapy | OU-Tulsa

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Overview

Physical therapy is a dynamic health profession dedicated to the promotion of optimal health, prevention of disability, and the restoration and maintenance of physical activities that contribute to a successful life. Physical therapy services are provided in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, one’s workplace, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.

Physical therapists enter practice as generalists and may later become board-certified specialists. 

Physical Therapy provides an opportunity for individuals to have a hands-on and sustained approach to helping people find their optimal good. The job outlook for graduates of a PT program is growing “much faster than average” and 100% of graduates that have looked for a job post-graduation have found one.

Students joining the DPT program in Tulsa can expect a tight community of peers and faculty with a dedication to maintaining close connections and focused support for each student.

Program Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree 
  • 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 science GPA
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities (including OU or OUHSC) attended

For Complete Requirements >>

Physical Therapy Curriculum

The professional program consists of 108 semester hours of sequenced and integrated didactic and clinical courses that provide the needed content to sit for licensure. This includes the promotion of optimal health, prevention of disability, and the restoration and maintenance of physical activities that contribute to a successful life.

The job market for licensed Physical Therapists is rapidly growing, and graduates from the DPT program at OU-Tulsa have a 100% career placement rate.

Foundational Coursework

  • PHTH 8112 Fundamentals of Physical Therapy
  • AHS 8274 Neuroscience

Expansion of PT Scope

  • PHTH 8122 Progressive Neurological Conditions
  • PHTH 8282 Clinical Reasoning in PT I

Clinical Experience

  • PHTH 8383 Clinical Education II
  • PHTH 9124 Clinical Education III
PT students during course lecture

Career Paths


Fieldwork opportunities are available throughout the curriculum. Students enjoy opportunities to learn in a variety of settings including, but not limited to:

  • Outpatient clinical PT
  • Home health PT
  • Geriatric PT
  • Pediatric PT

 

Scholarships


Here is a list of college named scholarships opportunities for currently enrolled College of Allied Health students who will be enrolling to continue their academic studies.

  • College of Allied Health Bill Elam Graduate Student Scholarship (AH)
  • Jill Pitman Jones Scholarship (PT)
  • Alice Sowers Physical Therapy Scholarship (PT)
  • Physical Therapy Alumni Scholarship (PT)
  • Irene McEwen Scholarship for Excellence in Rehabilitation Sciences (PT)

Employers


The DPT Program’s value is well-demonstrated through the many clinical internship sites that students will go to as part of their course work and many of our graduates will be employed by these same sites. In total, the physical therapy program sends students to:

  • 68 physical therapy clinics in the Tulsa area
  • 123 clinic sites across Oklahoma
  • 250 sites in the Midwestern United States
  • 2 sites across the nation with opportunities for international placement as well

Accreditation


This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Licensure


Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination for the physical therapist administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be a registered Physical Therapist (PT).

PT student talking to youth

Take the Next Step

Your Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from OU-Tulsa can open doors that set you off on a journey of a lifetime.