Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Faculty
Amy Heath, Chair and Associate Professor of Practice
Justin Jones, Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Practice
Justin Beebe, Associate Professor
Jennifer Bottomley, Associate Professor of Practice
George Coggeshall, Professor of practice
Amit Dashottar, Assistant Professor
Derek Liuzzo, Assistant Professor
Elizabeth Murphy, Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor of Practice
Alia Sullivan, Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor of Practice
Lisa Rosmarin, Administrative Assistant
Overview
Simmons College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is nationally respected as a leader in physical therapy education for over 50 years. For students entering Simmons as first year undergraduates, the Exercise Science/ Doctor of Physical Therapy Early Assurance (3+3) Program extends over a period of six years. During the first three years, students fulfill requirements in the necessary basic and social sciences, liberal arts, and electives. In addition students will complete the prerequisites for admission into the DPT program and the coursework required for a BS degree in Exercise Science. During the final three years, those students who meet the GPA criteria are enrolled in the DPT program in the School for Nursing and Health Sciences and take courses in the DPT curriculum. At the end of the first year in the DPT program, students receive a BS degree in Exercise Science. After an additional two years in the professional program, at the end of six years at Simmons, a clinical doctoral degree is awarded (DPT). The successful completion of the doctoral degree is required to be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to gain licensure to practice as a physical therapist. Situated in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the DPT program offers a unique interdisciplinary environment that prepares graduates to meet the challenges of today’s health-care system.
The curriculum emphasizes a problem-based, self-directed approach to learning. Case studies are used to integrate basic science and clinical knowledge and skills in conjunction with psychosocial, ethical, and behavioral aspects of patient care. In small group tutorials, students work closely with individual faculty to explore information and develop clinical insights and professional behaviors.
Professional practice is a fundamental component of the curriculum accomplished through integrated clinical experiences and full-time clinical experiences. DPT graduates practice in a variety of health care settings with individuals of all ages. In clinical practice Simmons graduates demonstrate excellent clinical skills, leadership, and confidence as successful practitioners.
Throughout the six years at Simmons, students must meet certain academic requirements. These requirements should be reviewed by the student with their advisor periodically to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken toward meeting them. Students must complete all prerequisite and PLAN required courses by the end of their third year at Simmons. In order to matriculate into the professional program, students must have a 3.25 GPA in the prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, psychology, and statistics) at the end of the junior year and a 3.25 overall GPA. If at any time a student’s academic work, conduct, or health is unsatisfactory, she may be required to withdraw from the major. Further descriptions of the academic requirements, student responsibilities, and the curriculum for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program can be viewed online. See Simmons College Website for more information.