The Department of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy
The Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) program is designed as advanced post-professional doctoral study for physical therapists holding either a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy or a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy and a Master’s Degree in a related field. The DScPT program provides advanced clinical knowledge and research skills and enables graduates to serve as leaders within health care and educational environments.

The DScPT program offers a 61-66 semester hour curriculum composed of core courses and a choice of concentration in one of the following areas: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or clinical outcomes. The program format combines intensive on-campus sessions with distance learning activities. Students typically come to campus in Birmingham for one long weekend per semester.

At the completion of the program, graduates of this program will be able to:

• function as PT diagnosticians for complex movement-related disorders;
• serve as consultants for both program enhancement of existing clinical programs and development of new programs;
• contribute to the knowledge base of physical therapy through clinical research.
• design and implement programs for prevention of disease, dysfunction, and disability which improve quality of life;
• analyze organizational, financial, and social policies that impact rehabilitation services;
• demonstrate leadership skills that influence physical therapy practice; and
• serve as junior faculty members in physical therapy educational programs.

Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy Application
We are not accepting applications as this program will no longer be offered as of 2012.