Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is consistently ranked as one of the top, fastest-growing job opportunities in the U.S. And Messiah University's CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is designed to prepare competent therapists for meaningful careers as practitioners, educators, administrators and consultants in a variety of professional settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, homecare programs, schools and private practices.
Our program is a full-time, residential, 110-credit program located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, the DPT program is taught by faculty with extensive clinical expertise with a commitment to academic excellence, mentoring students to become skilled, ethical and service-oriented healthcare professionals.
Messiah's DPT program features locked-in tuition -- what you pay per credit your first semester is what you will pay during your last semester.
- A 110-credit program that can be completed in eight semesters.
- A cohort-learning model.
- A state-of-the-art, 37,000 square-foot educational facility custom-designed for physical therapy (PT).
- A program that incorporates community service and cultural relevancy
- The academic distinction of a nationally ranked, accredited private Christian university. Messiah University is the first institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic Region to offer a graduate program in PT.
- Faculty who are experienced Christian educators, PT professionals and accomplished scholars who will take time to mentor you in your education, faith and career.
- Networking and partnership opportunities with the local PT community.
The Messiah University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a welcoming community engaged in graduating ethical, compassionate, autonomous doctors of physical therapy who are prepared to practice with diverse populations in various settings. Graduates are life-long learners informed by evidence-based practice who exemplify the mission of Messiah University and the physical therapy profession.
Messiah University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program prepares graduates to excel as compassionate, evidence-based practitioners who make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Our graduates consistently demonstrate success on national licensure exams and strong employment outcomes—reflecting both the academic rigor and the Christ-centered mentorship that define our program.
Messiah’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers several scholarships to help make graduate education more affordable. These awards are targeted to students in applied health programs (like physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and athletic training) and are often based on financial need, leadership and professional dedication.
The Messiah University DPT Continuing Education Program seeks to be a trusted leader in advancing the physical therapy profession by delivering evidence-informed, clinically relevant, and innovative learning experiences. We are committed to equipping physical therapists with valuable and applicable skills that elevate clinical practice, foster lifelong learning, and ultimately enhance the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve. All courses are held at Messiah University’s Winding Hill location in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
If you’re committed to becoming a physical therapist, Messiah's Doctor of Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program (DPT EAP) will streamline your education and prepare you for seamless entry while you earn your bachelor's degree. It allows both high school seniors and Messiah University juniors to obtain guaranteed acceptance regarding admission into the DPT program.