Skip to content

Physical Therapy

Bringing motion to life.

When patients have an injury or disease that affects their mobility, you get them moving again. With your expertise in how the human body functions, you can help an injured athlete run again. Help a bedridden stroke patient get on their feet and carry out daily life. Or teach a child how to walk again after an accident. And you’ll educate them on how to prevent loss of mobility and live a healthier, more active life.

Become a highly skilled physical therapist.

Working with the latest technology, you’ll learn to how to mobilize a joint or strengthen muscles to promote proper movement and function. You’ll work one-on-one with patients to help them move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. And you’ll graduate as a health professional fully prepared to diagnose and treat the wide variety of physical conditions encountered in today’s intense clinical settings.

Looking for an undergraduate pathway to Physical Therapy? Three exciting pathway options allows highly motivated students to earn a combined Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years. Check out our Health Psychology: Physical Therapy Pathway, Health Sciences: Physical Therapy Pathway, and Public Health: Physical Therapy Pathway programs.

Questions about our physical therapy program? Connect with our Worcester Admission Office at 508.373.5607.

Integrated Clinical Education

Featuring advanced equipment and a variety of clinical technologies, our on-campus pro bono Balance, Mobility and Wellness Center allows students to work with members of the community.

Modern Facilities

Our on-campus clinical simulation laboratory features complete medical surgical, pediatric and critical care units to learn in a safe, controlled environment.

Early Introduction to Clinical Experiences

Physical therapy students begin working with patients during their first semester and progressively increase their time in clinic during their entire curriculum at MCPHS.

Varied Clinical Education

In addition to our on-campus pro bono center, students gain real-world experience in selected hospitals, out-patient clinics, schools, and community-based settings.

Interprofessional Education

Students gain a more well-rounded education through inter-professional activities, preparing them for successful future careers as PTs in integrative healthcare settings.

Combined Baccalaureate/Doctorate Program

Three exciting pathway options allows highly motivated students to earn a combined Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years.

Focus on Professional Behavior

Professional appearance is an essential component of the professional programs on the Worcester and Manchester campuses of MCPHS University.

Doctorate Degree

A Doctor of Physical Therapy is the degree required to be eligible for the PT licensing examination and to begin your career as a physical therapist.

A field of growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists is expected to grow at a much faster rate than many other occupations, with a potential 22% increase in jobs needed by 2028. This growth is partly driven by an aging population, who may require rehabilitation after heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses often associated with advanced age, as well as involvement with chronic conditions including diabetes and obesity.

Well-prepared

With innovative training and integrated clinical opportunities, our graduates are extremely well prepared to enter and advance in the field of physical therapy. Clinical education experiences are varied so that students are prepared as leaders in the field. Employment opportunities include hospitals, private practices, public health departments, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, employer settings, and nursing homes.

Well-paid

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930 in May 2018, with the highest 10% earning $123,350.

Job satisfaction

Physical Therapists rank #16 in the U.S. News’ list of the Best Health Care Jobs of 2019 and #20 in U.S. News’ list of the 100 Best Jobs of 2019. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including salary, the number of expected openings, advancement opportunities and career fulfillment.

NPTE First Time Pass Rate

  • Class of 2020: 85%
  • Class of 2019: 86.8%
  • 2-year average (2019-2020): 85.9%
  • Class of 2018: 93.5%
  • 2-year average (2018-2019): 90.5%

NPTE Ultimate Pass

  • Class of 2020: 100%
  • Class of 2019: 100%
  • 2-year average (2019-2020): 100%
  • Class of 2018: 100%
  • 2-year average (2018-2019): 100%

Graduation Rate

  • Class of 2020: 98%
  • Class of 2019: 88%
  • 2-year average (2019-2020): 92.9%
  • Class of 2018: 88%%
  • 2-year average (2018-2019): 88.4%

6-Month Employment Rate

  • Class of 2020: 95% (consider the impact of COVID-19)
  • Class of 2019: 100%
  • 2-year average (2019-2020): 97.4%
  • Class of 2018: 100%
  • 2-year average (2018-2019): 100%

The mission of the Physical Therapy Program is to prepare qualified students for successful professional careers as Doctors of Physical Therapy consistent with the mission and core values of MCPHS University and the American Physical Therapy Association. Graduates of the DPT program are clinically competent entry level physical therapists who are able to recognize and meet changing health care needs. The program seeks to impart the development of skills for professional and ethical service and autonomous practice; promote lifelong learning, and commit to the enrichment and promotion of the physical therapy profession. The faculty of the Physical Therapy Program at MCPHS is dedicated to excellence in teaching, service and scholarship.

Student Learning Outcomes    

  • Develop knowledge and performance of contemporary physical therapy practice that is safe, legal, ethical, effective and compassionate which includes screening, examination, evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, development of the plan of care, intervention and assessment of outcomes;
  • Demonstrate professional behavior and interactions;
  • Develop the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences through writing, listening and speech;
  • Adapt delivery of physical therapy services with consideration for patient's differences, values, preferences, and needs;
  • Demonstrate technological ability to access information and demonstrate basic skills in research methodology that will allow the graduates to evaluate data and draw conclusions for relevance to practice;
  • Develop critical thinking skills by making professional and practice decisions, through analysis of data relevant to their practice;
  • Educate others regarding physical therapy practice, prevention, health and wellness using relevant and effective teaching methodologies;
  • Manage resources to achieve physical therapy goals while understanding economic factors that impact the delivery of service;
  • Provide autonomous care and appropriately address patients’ needs for services with the use of support services and/or outside referral;
  • Participate in interprofessional collaboration and consultation in order to achieve better outcomes including health promotion in a constantly changing health care environment;
  • Demonstrate commitment to life-long learning in physical therapy, through scholarship and participation in professional organizations, exchanges, and/or development; and
  • Demonstrate commitment to the current and future needs of local and global communities through service.

Doctor of  Physical Therapy

The School of Physical Therapy program at MCPHS University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., 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 508-373-5741 or email DPT@mcphs.edu.

 

 

 


 

Physical Therapy Careers

Physical therapy student watching patient on treadmill using computer assistance.

Physical therapists can pursue a variety of clinical and nonclinical career opportunities.

Read 

OT vs PT: What's the Difference?

Physical therapist working with patient.

The two programs both fall within the rehabilitative sciences and share many similarities, however, there are distinct differences in the approach each takes with a patient's rehabilitative care.

Read