Pathways to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy

LVC provides one of the few direct-admit, first-year entry physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania. We also offer two separate pathways for early professional students and traditional graduate students.

Student training student working with athlete in lab

Real Patients in Real Settings

Via Advanced Facilities

Enter the world of a working physical therapist through the doors of our Jeanne and Edward H. Arnold Health Professions Pavilion. You’ll be mentored by faculty experts with experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, acute care, and home health physical therapy.

Via Clinical Training

During select semesters, and in your fifth-year summer program, you’ll have a rigorous 30-week clinical education experience where you’ll interact with patients directly and help them on the road to recovery. You also can extend your clinical experience by serving the community in our student-led C.U.R.E. Clinic, which offers free services to uninsured patients from the community.

$95,620
median salary for physical therapists in the U.S.—in a growing field
17%
growth rate in the field of physical therapy 2021–31 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Top 20%
of Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
100%
pass rate
100%
ultimate pass rate for the Physical Therapy exam
100%
employment rate
96.3%
first-time pass rate for licensure exam 2020–21 (two year average)
86%
graduation rate from the professional phase 2020–21 (two year average)

In Their Words

The education I’ve received from LVC PT faculty has been unmatched. I feel able to reach my full potential.
Lauren Vandenberg ’22, D’24
Typically, our students have more than one job offer, and they often move into leadership positions within a few years.
Dr. Katie Oriel, Professor of Physical Therapy
The strong reputation of the DPT program in the Central PA region and the C.U.R.E. student-run pro bono clinic were factors that influenced my decision to attend LVC.
Kristin Miller D’16, Physical Therapy Doctoral Graduate

Featured News & Stories