Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Top Ranked DPT Program in New Jersey
A New and Improved Integrated Curriculum and Exceptional Clinical Education in 2.5 years
Our highly ranked, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is now a 2.5 year, full-time degree program that prepares students for excellence in physical therapy. Our DPT program is excited to announce a new curricular design that reflects cutting edge physical therapy practice. The new curriculum exceeds the required number of clinical experience weeks but has decreased in overall length to 2.5 years allowing students the opportunity to begin their career as physical therapists earlier.
The long-established Doctor of Physical Therapy program, centrally located on the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences campus in Newark, NJ, has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education since 1980. Our DPT program continues to build on its vast array of clinical sites, fostering strong relationships with clinical facilities throughout the United States and internationally where students can complete their clinical rotations.
Faculty are national and international leaders in the field of physical therapy. They are committed to offering students opportunities for scholarship, research, and professional leadership. Scholarly work by faculty and students is regularly accepted for dissemination at national and international conferences, and by top journals in our faculty members’ fields of expertise.
With a 98% employment rate among graduates (within one year of graduation), Rutgers DPT students are sought after for residency programs and clinical practice in every practice venue.
Our program aligns with SHP’s Center for Rehabilitation Excellence on the RBHS-Newark Campus provides students with outstanding opportunities for research and interprofessional collaboration.
Information Sessions
Please join us at a Virtual Information Session to explore the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program from the Rutgers School of Health Professions.
Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.
Program Highlights
- Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program is ranked #1 in NJ, #2 in the tri-state area, and 33rd out of 245 programs in the U.S.
- We are one of the few on-campus programs graduating students in 2.5 years.
- Utilizing a newly implemented integrative curriculum, we emphasize student engagement, peer teaching, and early involvement of students in a student-led pro bono clinic to empower our students for excellence in clinical practice.
- As a premier public PT program, we offer students an exceptional and affordable education.
- Students assist faculty in research performed in four department laboratories, as well as in clinics and labs off-site
- The DPT program supports organizations such as Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ), with faculty and student volunteers screening athletes for flexibility, balance and functional strength at the annual SONJ Summer Games
- Service learning opportunities include volunteering for a pro-bono, student-run clinic
- The program also serves the community by providing physical and occupational therapy services to students with special needs in the surrounding urban and suburban school districts
- Our three-year average pass rate on the licensure exam is 98.9%
- 98% of Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates are employed within one year of graduation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, in the School of Health Professions, at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone 703-706-3245:email accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 973 972-2371 or email mm3451@shp.rutgers.edu.
The program has been continuously accredited since its inception. It was recently re-accredited with a commendation, through Dec. 31, 2030.
Contact information for CAPTE:
phone: 703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org
http//www.capteonline.org
The process for an individual to file a complaint with CAPTE for any accredited physical therapy education program is available on the CAPTE website. CAPTE considers complaints about programs that are accredited, and complaints about CAPTE itself. http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/
Employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 28 percent through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Outcomes Data
The data applies to students graduating in years 2021-2023
Graduation Years | 2-Year Average Graduation Rate |
2-Year Average Passing Rates on the National Physical Therapy License Examination |
2-Year Average Graduates Self-reported Employment within One Year of Graduation |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
First-time | Ultimate | |||
2021-2022 | 94.9% | 91.7% | 98.9% | 98.4% |
Financial Fact Sheet
2023-2024
The data applies to students experiencing the program in academic year 2023-2024.
(All cohorts enrolled from Fall 2023-August 2024)
Length of Program
Includes all student instruction/interaction (including classroom, laboratory, exams, and clinical education) when either full or partial attendance is required:
Class of 2024/2025 | Class of 2026 | |
---|---|---|
Length of Program in Weeks excluding breaks: |
134 weeks | 106 weeks |
Length of Program in Weeks including breaks: |
142 weeks | 121 weeks |
Clinical Education
Does this program have a requirement for all students to complete at least one clinical education experience for which the students would be required to seek alternative housing or travel accommodations to attend? No
Note: Students are responsible for costs associated with housing, travel, and food during clinical education. Clinical education sites that are available to students for specialty practice areas may require students to complete additional online education to qualify for acceptance to that site. Such costs will need to be covered by students at their own expense.
Student Costs
Note: These are costs experienced by students in the Fall 2023-August 2024 academic year. Annual costs are estimates and subject to increases. Students should contact the program for further information related to costs.
Class of 2024, Class of 2025
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition Public Institution, In-state Student: | $32,490 | $35,910 | $25,650 | $94,050 |
Annual Tuition Public Institution, Out-of-state student: | $48,640 | $53,760 | $38,400 | $140,800 |
Annual institutional fees for a full-time student [includes general institutional fees, i.e., health insurance, recreation.] | $5,006 | $5,096 | $4,816 | $14,918 |
Total expected cost of program-related expenses [includes required texts, laboratory fees, and other program costs for the entire technical program.] | $1,160 | $1,160 | $1,160 | $3,840 |
Total Cost of the Program [includes tuition, fees, other program costs for the entire program.]
– In-state student: |
$38,656 $54,806 |
$42,165 $60,016 |
$31,626 $44,376 |
$112,448 $159,198 |
Class of 2026
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition Public Institution, In-state Student: | $29,925 | $40,185 | $23,085 | $93,195 |
Annual Tuition Public Institution, Out-of-state student: | $44,800 | $60,160 | $34,560 | $139,520 |
Annual institutional fees for a full-time student [includes general institutional fees, i.e., health insurance, recreation.] | $4,701 | $5,271 | $4,511 | $14,483 |
Total expected cost of program-related expenses [includes required texts, laboratory fees, and other program costs for the entire technical program.] | $960 | $1,160 | $760 | $2,880 |
Total Cost of the Program [includes tuition, fees, other program costs for the entire program.]
– In-state student: |
$35,586 $50,461 |
$46,615 $66,590 |
$28,356 $39,831 |
$110,558 $156,883 |
Note: We encourage students to explore the cost of living for areas where they may choose to live. One possible website: https://livingwage.mit.edu/.
Does the institution offer financial assistance specific to DPT students? No
Does the program/institution offer scholarships specific to DPT students? No
Does the program offer graduate assistantships specific to DPT students? Yes
Note: Other opportunities may exist at the institution for FINANCIAL SUPPORT-please contact the program for further information.
We encourage APTA student members to visit the APTA Financial Solutions Center APTA Financial Solutions Center at https://www.apta.org/your-career/financial-management/financial-solutions-center.
Student Debt Summary
Average student debt from the DPT Program for students who graduated in 2023 (19% of graduates responded): $89,508
Average total student debt after completing the DPT Program; all student loan debt (19% of graduates responded): $117,452
Admissions Criteria
Our DPT program is a full-time, 2.5 year, day program. The program, based on the RBHS-Newark campus begins in late August.
The following are routes of entry into the program:
- Students with a bachelor’s degree in any major.
- Completion of RU 4 +3 program.
Applicants are selected using the following criteria:
- Competitive grade point average (A-B range).
- Knowledge of the physical therapy profession demonstrated by employment or volunteer experience. There is a 50-hour minimum requirement in at least two different treatment settings.
- 3 recommendation letters are required. Two from a licensed PT (preferably in different treatment settings) and one from someone who can speak to the applicant’s leadership qualities, resilience and communication skills. Examples include college professor, religious leader, coach, etc.
- Evidence of community service and/or leadership.
- A personal interview (virtual) is required if applicant is selected for next phase of admissions process.
- GRE scores are not required and will not be considered in our admissions process.
Prerequisites for Admission
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II: 8 credits
- General Biology I & II: 8 credits
- General Chemistry I & II: 8 credits
- General Physics I & II: 8 credits
- Social Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits
- Statistics: 3 credits
Admission Forms
Applicants applying to the program must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Admission (PTCAS).
PTCAS Entry-Level DPT Application
Tips for successful completion of the online application
- Please be mindful and aware of deadline dates. Complete applications early, review carefully and submit early. This will allow for processing time and for Rutgers to review application for completeness.
- Have a hard copy of your academic transcript in front of you when filling out the academic page of the application.
- References must be transmitted electronically. Be sure to have the correct email address of the person from whom you are requesting the reference. Once you submit your application, an email and an electronic reference form will be sent immediately to the reference.
- AfternStudent Immunization, Insurance, and Health Requirements.
Students are required to meet all University insurance, health, and immunization requirements prior to beginning the program and throughout the period of enrollment. Immunization requirements can be found here.
For more information on the program please contact:
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Rutgers SHP, SSB, Room 720
65 Bergen Street, PO Box 1709
Newark, NJ 07107-1709
973-972-9532
csj37@shp.rutgers.edu
*The Rutgers SHP physical therapy program does not discriminate in admissions or access to its programs and activities on the basis of race/color, national origin, ethnicity, religion/creed, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.
Tuition & Fees
For Tuition and Fees, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)
Curriculum
Our 109-credit DPT program provides the entry level student with the didactic and clinical knowledge to be a safe, highly effective practitioner. Students learn to be good consumers of literature, to support evidence -based practice and gain a comprehensive knowledge of health care policy.
Clinical Education
Clinical education is essential to the development of the physical therapy student. Clinical experiences provide the student with the opportunity to integrate academic course work with practical experiences in the clinical setting. The clinical experience is where students practice the art and science of physical therapy.
There are 3 full-time clinical experiences scheduled throughout the curriculum. To attain a well-rounded experience, students affiliate at a variety of practice settings which include acute-care hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, private practices, rehabilitation hospitals, home health care, and school-based practices. The program affiliates with over 400 clinical facilities throughout the country, representing the breadth of Physical Therapy practice.
Current Newark Program Curriculum | Program Curriculum (effective Fall 2023)
Current Students
Doctorate in Physical Therapy Policy and Procedures:
All students are responsible to adhere to the program policies and procedures and the SHP Handbook.
Link to policy and procedure manual for all three classes.
Link to SHP handbook.
Essential functions:
The essential functions describe the physical and intellectual skills necessary for the academic program and the clinic. If a student has difficulty with any aspect of the essential functions, they should speak to their PT program advisor, the Program Director or student services.
Link to essential functions.
Professional Activities:
Students are required to participate in one professional meeting per year.
Community Participatory Physical Therapy Clinic
Students in the program provide services through the pro-bono student run PT clinic
Link to CPPTC http://shp.rutgers.edu/rehabilitation-movement-sciences/free-community-physical-therapy-clinic/.
National and state professional and regulatory groups
Link to:
APTA www.apta.org
APTAnj www.aptanj.org
FSBPT www.fspbt.org
NJBPTE http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pt/
Labs:
Rivers Lab: https://shp.rutgers.edu/riverslab/
Newark Therapy Services
Our Focus is Function!
The mission of Newark Therapy Services (NTS), since 1996, is to provide the highest quality physical and occupational services to students with special needs. NTS’s goal for each client is to achieve maximum function and participation in educational environments and to improve each client’s quality of life with an ultimate goal of community integration.The practice provides evaluations, individual and group treatment, pre-school programming and educational presentations to school staff.
Our 41 clinicians have faculty appointments in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and are licensed by the State of New Jersey.
All of our supervisors have advanced degrees.
The faculty practice is administered by:
Director-Christine Cronin, PT, DPT, MBA, PCS
If you are interested in a clinical position, contact Chris Cronin at 973-972-0186.
Our Faculty
FAQs
The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a 2.5-year full-time on-campus program that prepares students for practice in all entry level practice settings. Successful passage of the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination and licensure is required for practice.
You will be prepared to practice independently at entry level in all practice settings.
A Bachelor’s Degree in any major with an overall minimum GPA of a 3.0 and a grade of C or better in the Prerequisites. Applicants must observe in different PT practice settings and must have three letters of recommendation, two must be from physical therapists.
Apply through the Centralized Application. Applications are due electronically to PTCAS by October 1 http://www.ptcas.org/home.aspx
No. The program is only available on a full-time basis.
Yes. The best source for financial aid information is at the Rutgers Student Financial Aid Office. They can be contacted 973-972-4376 or by clicking here.
A: Yes. Rutgers University and the School of Health Professions offer a limited number of scholarship programs.
State Authorization and Professional Licensing Disclosure:
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Rutgers University has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.
Updated: October 13, 2021
Class of 2024/2025 | Class of 2026 | |
---|---|---|
Length of Program in Weeks excluding breaks: |
134 weeks | 106 weeks |
Length of Program in Weeks including breaks: |
142 weeks | 121 weeks |