Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

A 106-credit, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy ranked #8 by U.S. News, offered on campus or in a hybrid option with 10 in-person immersions in Pittsburgh. Students complete 42 weeks of full-time clinical education across four experiences, drawing on over 1,250 clinical sites nationwide, and are prepared for the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Faculty: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | Department: Physical Therapy | Duration: 2 years and 3 months (7 terms, including 2 summer terms) | Intake: Fall (August); application opens Summer 2027, offers monthly from September | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary physical therapy, geriatrics, evidence-based practice, and professional development and leadership, with clinical education beginning in the second term, community engagement and interprofessional education milestones.

Career pathways

Graduates are eligible to sit for the NPTE to become licensed physical therapists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree; minimum GPA 3.0 for sciences, prerequisites and overall; grade of C or higher in prerequisites: chemistry I and II with labs (8 credits), physics I and II with labs (8), biology I and II with labs (8), anatomy (3), physiology (3), introductory psychology (3), additional psychology (3), statistics (3), English writing (3); no more than four courses outstanding at application; 50 hours of PT clinical observation; three letters of recommendation (academic, physical therapist, and one other); PTCAS personal statement and Pitt essay; apply through PTCAS. International applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 140 (on the new TOEFL scale, 5.0 with all sub-scores of 4.0 or higher). (hybrid option listed at the same level).

Domestic applicants: USD 46,188 a year (2026-27). On-campus DPT programme (7 terms): flat rate of $15,396 per term for students entering Fall 2026, $46,188 for a 3-term year and $107,772 for all 7 terms, as stated. The hybrid programme is listed separately and has the same stated rate. Mandatory fees exc Source

International applicants: USD 57,600 a year (2026-27). On-campus DPT programme (7 terms), out-of-state students entering Fall 2026: flat rate of $19,200 per term, $57,600 for a 3-term year and $134,400 for all 7 terms, as stated. Mandatory fees excluded. Source

Intake: Fall (August); application opens Summer 2027, offers monthly from September

Duration: 2 years and 3 months (7 terms, including 2 summer terms)

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