Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Overview
Tufts University is excited to offer an innovative Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program uniquely positioned in the Tufts University School of Medicine. Like other Tufts School of Medicine programs, the DPT program is student-centered and focused on academic and clinical excellence. Tufts DPT faculty are nationally recognized educators, clinicians, researchers, and leaders within the physical therapy profession.
Tufts DPT offers an accelerated hybrid education model. Our 2-year evidence-based curriculum gives students, from all over the country, access to an online virtual classroom. Tufts DPT uses best practices for face-to-face live class sessions, and engaging virtual active learning strategies, while the blended immersive skill training sessions on campus provide critical hands-on learning. Tufts DPT curriculum includes 67 weeks of educational curriculum spread across six academic semesters, including a service-learning project, and interprofessional educational activities with other Tufts School of Medicine programs. Tufts DPT program allows the flexibility for students to live anywhere in the country so long as they can travel to Boston for intensive hands-on clinical skills training experiences, as required. Tufts DPT clinical education curriculum offers integrated and full-time clinical experiences to maximize students’ market readiness. The clinical education training consists of 31-weeks of full-time clinical training in a variety of clinical settings nationwide. The clinical education can be tailored to meet the needs of students. Most students choose to go to three different clinical sites, while others select a 23-week internship option.
Our DPT program is dedicated to developing excellent healthcare professionals who demonstrate core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice to serve and advance the health and well-being of an increasingly diverse population. Tufts DPT graduates will be market-ready physical therapists, demonstrating a blend of skills and perspectives necessary to meet the demands of team-oriented healthcare in the 21st century.
Program Mission
Our program provides educational excellence to a diverse student body within a dynamic and innovative environment. We are committed to developing Doctors of Physical Therapy as professionals who live purposeful lives with a personal commitment to excellence, life-long learning, critical inquiry, and meaningful service to positively impact the human experience and societal health.
Accreditation Status
Effective May 12, 2020, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Tufts University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 617-636-3593 or email megan.donaldson@tufts.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation and may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.
Any member of the Tufts University community has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint without fear of retaliation. Anonymous complaints may be made by reporting online at Anonymous Reporting.
Preparation for Professional Licensure
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure as a Physical Therapist in all 50 states.