Preparing the Future Leaders in Physical Therapy
Why study Physical Therapy at Simmons?
There are many physical therapy schools and programs to choose from—so what makes Simmons’ DPT program unique? The physical therapy department at Simmons facilitates a commitment to active life-long learning, leadership, advocacy, and service to others across a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic populations. Graduation rates are high, as are pass rates for the Student National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE.) To boot, Simmons is a stone’s throw away from some of the top teaching hospitals in the nation.
In the Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT), students attend expert-led lectures, advance their technique in the skills laboratory, and participate in small-group discussions focused on clinical practice. Our students build their skills during full-time clinical internships, which are carefully selected to give students the opportunity to be mentored by experienced clinical practitioners in a variety of patient populations.
This 3-year, full-time program is designed for individuals who have completed three years of undergraduate work at Simmons or hold a bachelor's degree from another institution. Prospective students must also have completed the necessary physical therapy prerequisite work.
Students graduate ready to meet the challenges of the constantly evolving health care field. Our students go on to become dynamic leaders in physical therapy and excel in clinical practice in a variety of settings.
Clinical
Clinical and research experience are a critical part of the DPT program. Clinical education provide students with opportunities for professional role modeling, observation, patient care and teaching in a wide variety of settings.
All DPT students complete a capstone research course, where you'll work in small groups on faculty-directed research or a systematic review to address a clinical practice question that you’ll share as a poster presentation for Simmons Physical Therapy Research Day.
“In addition to our three 12-week clinical placements, each semester we are placed in a clinic or hospital once a week for a month block. This allows students to have experience in different settings so when out on actual clinicals, it is not completely new. While many programs have the clinical rotations at the end of the didactic learning, Simmons has one after our first full year. In it, we can apply what we have learned up to that point. Treating actual patients adds to our confidence once we return and begin learning more complex material. I believe Simmons has and still is preparing me to succeed once I complete this program.”
William Faria, DPT Class of 2023
Physical Therapy at a Glance
97%
Employment Rate
97% of Simmons graduates are employed as physical therapists within six months of graduation.
850
Clinical partners
At Simmons, we recognize that clinical education is an integral component of a student’s physical therapy education.
75+
Years of Physical Therapy Leadership
Simmons has been a respected leader in physical therapy education for over 50 years.
6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio in Tutorials
Tutorials offer unique case-based learning opportunities in which students, guided by faculty, deepen their independent investigation and collaborative problem skills.
New Spaces for Health Sciences at Simmons
The new science building features a state-of-the-art 11,000 square foot simulation center with 30 beds, including 16 lab beds, 8 health assessment beds, and 5 high-fidelity suites, as well as a loft apartment for home health care.
