The University of South Carolina’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program prepares top-tier physical therapists through an individualized, high-quality, and high-value clinical program rooted in exceptional, evidence-based client care.
Our dynamic program prepares you to diagnose and treat individuals of all ages that have health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move. As a physical therapist, you will diagnose and enhance physical and functional abilities; restore and promote optimal physical function; and prevent the onset and progression of limitations that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions or injuries.
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings and nursing homes.
Students who complete the DPT program at the University of South Carolina have the
option of applying, and if accepted, enroll in an accelerated Exercise Science Ph.D. program with a focus in one of three areas including Rehabilitation Sciences, Applied Physiology, or Health Aspects of Physical Activity.
The 3-year Clinical Doctoral program starts in August of each year and admits a small class size of 30 students that allows students an opportunity to receive highly individualized instruction and closely interact with instructors. Students complete a research project focused on clinical practice and learn the value of evidence-based practice. Following completion of the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), students are eligible to sit for the national physical therapy licensure exam.
Explore the specific application deadlines and requirements.
To prepare Doctors of Physical Therapy who skillfully engage in person-centered compassionate, evidence-based care to optimize function and health across the lifespan.
The Physical Therapy Program strives to positively impact the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and society. Through inquiry, innovation, and integrity we aim to foster graduates and faculty to be exceptional practitioners, researchers, and leaders. This focus is based upon the philosophy that physical therapy practice is dynamic and requires engagement in lifelong learning including the application, evaluation, and generation of new knowledge.
The Doctoral Physical Therapy Program at the University of South Carolina is dedicated
to maintaining a culture that emphasizes life-long learning and excellence in evidence-based
practice. The doctoral curriculum is sequenced to provide students with a foundation
upon which clinical skills are developed and refined. Clinical experiences are designed
to provide students with the opportunity to practice and advance clinical skills that
are sequenced to complement didactic instruction. Graduates are encouraged to further
their professional development though pursuit of advanced degrees, residencies, fellowships
and employment in settings with active mentorship.
After graduating this month, Lemir Lira plans to specialize in orthopedics and become a Physical Therapy Officer in the U.S. Army to serve the military members who sacrifice so much and work tirelessly to keep the country safe.
Kinsey Brantley will launch her career as a physical therapist at McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Cheraw, returning to Chesterfield County to serve her rural hometown community.
Sean Edmonds was the recipient of the 2024 Doctor of Physical therapy Program Outstanding Student Achievement Award
The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Faculty Awards: James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Sheri Silfies), Faculty Research Award (Melissa Nolan), and Faculty Service Award (Toni Torres-McGehee).
The Arnold School is pleased to announce the 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards, which are designed to recognize alumni, faculty, staff and students who have made exceptional contributions to advancing DEI.
As both a clinician and an educator, Alicia Flach uses evidence-based learning in each of these roles. USC digs into the physical therapist/clinical associate professor/Galen Health Fellows faculty principal's approach.
The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Faculty Awards: James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Courtney Monroe), Faculty Research Award (Jihong Liu), and Faculty Service Award (Alicia Flach).