The full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Nova Southeastern University is offered as a full-time, entry-level program that is completed in 36-39 months. Students are admitted in the summer semester. The program includes 36 weeks of full-time clinical practice. While on campus, student-learning experiences occur in a combination of traditional instruction, case-based interactive learning, and clinical lab skills training. Faculty supervised Tier I clinical education training begins in the winter term of year one. Students experience direct patient care in a variety of health care facilities located in Broward County that primarily serve underserved populations.

Entry-Level DPT Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, graduates will:

• Engage in competent and reflective clinical practice, including the use of sound clinical decision making in every setting so as to achieve optimal outcomes for patient/clients with movement-related dysfunctions
• Incorporate a holistic approach in patient/client management
• Demonstrate the 7 core values of: accountability, altruism, compassion and caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, social responsibility
• Foster the development and internalization of professional, legal, and ethical behaviors
• Engage in health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention activities for patients, clients, and the community at large
• Demonstrate competence in patient/client related instruction
• Delegate to and supervise support personnel
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in physical therapy by engaging in critical inquiry and applying an evidence-based approach to patient/client management
• Apply principles of management and consultation in any practice setting to assure efficient and effective health care
• Demonstrate proficient documentation skills using disablement terminology, patient/client management terminology, and the preferred practice pattern(s) appropriate to their patients
• Engage in professional association activities after graduation including membership in the American Physical Therapy Association
• Demonstrate leadership in a changing health care environment 
• Commit to practice that meets the needs of the underserved 
• Engage in lifelong learning
• Demonstrate cultural competence in the care of patients, clients, and the community at large