Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Physical Therapy Pathway (BS/DPT)

School of Arts and Sciences

Earn a combined Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from MCPHS in six years instead of the traditional seven.

Transform Your Patients’ Quality of Life

The first three years of this program take place at our Boston campus, where you will build a strong foundation in health psychology. You then will transition to the doctoral program at the MCPHS Worcester campus. The BS/DPT program begins in the fall. In this accelerated program, you will learn to diagnose and treat a wide variety of patients, assess their outcomes, and provide evidence of effectiveness. You will work alongside experts in our advanced simulation laboratories and participate in a wide range of clinical experiences. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the physical therapy licensing exam.

Your Four-Year Journey

Our in-depth curriculum combines biological, psychological, social science, and humanities coursework with career exploration and professional development.

First Year

  • form connections with members of the MCPHS community and develop strategies for success
  • learn about the breadth and applications of psychology explore the ways in which biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and well-being

Second Year

  • develop the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize research to make evidence-informed decisions
  • deepen knowledge of psychological concepts and develop a foundational knowledge of chemistry
  • explore, compare, and develop strategies to apply psychology to a successful career in physical therapy

Third Year

  • learn about anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, and physics
  • learn about healthcare ethics and the rights of medical patients
  • gain professional experience through field placement

Fourth Year

  • complete the first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
  • use your first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program credits to complete the requirements for your BS in Health Psychology degree

Discover the Physical Therapy Program

The MCPHS Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program gives students a chance to explore unique research opportunities. Learn more about how this can benefit you and your academic journey.
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An Immersive, Interdisciplinary Experience

This program gives you the in-depth knowledge of medical and social sciences that will help you become a well-rounded and successful healthcare professional.

$95,620 median salary

for physical therapists according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

MCPHS: A healthcare think tank

At MCPHS, you are surrounded by peers who share your commitment to building a healthier world.

#1 for earning power

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College
rankings for 2018 place MCPHS graduates on top

Keelin McSweeney, Samantha Sarkisian, Caitlyn O'Fiesh, and Mariah Ramsay.

Learn How the Health Psychology Program Positioned the “PT Squad” for Success

Keelin McSweeney, Samantha Sarkisian, Caitlyn O'Fiesh, and Mariah Ramsay have been studying together as part of the Health Psychology: Physical Therapy Pathway since their first days on campus. For each of them, becoming a physical therapist was always the ultimate goal.

Undergraduate Pathways to a Career in Health Psychology

If you have not yet earned your bachelor’s degree, we offer accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate options. In all cases, you must apply to the graduate program after you have demonstrated success in the undergraduate portion.

Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Premedical Track

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.

Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Occupational Therapy Track

A five-year combined program that begins at the Boston campus before moving to MCPHS-Manchester campus.

Bachelor of Science — Master of Arts in Psychology Pathway (BS/MA)

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus. If accepted, students then continue their education at the William James College in Newton, MA.

Bachelor of Science — Doctor of Psychology Pathway (BS/PsyD)

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus. If accepted, students then continue their education at our partner school, the William James College in Newton, MA.