NOTE: - The Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy program is no longer enrolling new students.
Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Messiah University’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) is designed for licensed physical therapists who are seeking advanced clinical education and a credential appropriate for academic and research positions in their field. The orthopaedic manual therapy concentration will enhance clinical skills and prepare students for higher education teaching or administrative positions.
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy overview
Messiah’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) degree concentration in orthopaedic manual therapy is a 57-credit program designed for practicing physical therapists that can be completed in four to five years. Coursework is predominantly online, with on-campus intensive courses that will advance clinical skills and expertise while developing research, pedagogy, and leadership skills that will be useful in higher education, PT residency programs and PT management settings.
- 57-credit program with a 4- to 5-year completion
- Fast-track start to dissertation is possible
- Orthopaedic manual therapy courses are in partnership with NAIOMT
- Transfer up to 14 credits from NAIOMT Fellowship Training
- Faculty include experienced PT clinicians and educators as well as experts in higher education, leadership, health care and academic research.
- Messiah University is the only institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and one of the few Universities in the U.S. to offer a DSc in PT program.
- Flexible start dates six times per year
- Interprofessional learning opportunities with graduate students in Messiah’s nursing, higher education and business and leadership programs
- Coursework is predominantly online, with on-campus intensive courses that will advance clinical skills and expertise. Courses are taught at Messiah’s state-of-the-art PT facilities at the University’s Winding Hill location, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Academic, research or clinical positions in physical therapy:
- Tenure-track professor
- Research associate
- Director of residency or fellowship programs
- Professional development leader
- Clinic director
Messiah University's Doctor of Science in physical therapy program is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.
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Programs related to Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy tuition cos
No-fee tuition
With Messiah’s no-fee tuition, there are no additional university charges for labs, courses, services or technology. While some programs may involve additional expenses such as materials, travel or other external costs that vary by student, you won’t encounter unexpected fees from Messiah. This approach allows you to clearly understand and plan for the tuition portion of your graduate education.
Deferred billing
Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.
2026-2027
No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour: $820.
Tuition costs for the entire program at the 2026-2027 rates range from: $46,740 (57 credits) to $47,560 (58 credits)
DSc in PT students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. Tuition is subject to annual adjustment; historically, increases have averaged approximately 2-3% per year.
Next steps for admissions
Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.
Degree concentrations in academic leadership or orthopaedic manual therapy
Earn your post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) degree with concentration options in academic leadership or in orthopaedic manual therapy. The academic leadership concentration is for those seeking or currently serving in higher education teaching and/or administrative positions. It can be completed fully online. The Orthopaedic manual therapy concentration is for PTs seeking to advance clinical skills and expertise while also developing research, pedagogy, and leadership skills that will be useful in a variety of clinical or educational settings. Orthopaedic manual therapy concentration courses may be applied toward the NAIOMT fellowship program
Doctoral degree designed for working clinicians
Messiah’s post-graduate DSc in PT can be completed predominantly online (the academic leadership concentration can be completed fully online) in four to five years. Messiah’s program gives clinicians the flexibility to earn a terminal degree while continuing to work in the field. There are three entry points into the program each year.
The academic distinction of a nationally ranked, accredited private Christian university
Messiah University is the only institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to offer a DSc in PT and one of a few DSc in PT programs in the U.S..
Experienced faculty
Messiah’s DSc in PT faculty include experienced PT clinicians and educators as well as experts in higher education, leadership, health care and research.
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