Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.): Total 136 credit hours

Accelerated DPT Program: Biology, B.S.-Human Dynamics Specialization with DPT standard program

Admissions Information  

The accelerated 3+3 program partnering Biology and Physical Therapy allows students pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a specialization in Human Dynamics to count 29 credit hours of the first year of the doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) toward the final (fourth) year of undergraduate programming (biology elective courses). The student will complete 91 credits of undergraduate coursework (including PT Program pre-requisites) before matriculating to the DPT program.

[key word search: 3+3 or 3 plus 3 program]

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The Program will provide an entry level, professional graduate program with an intensive curriculum leading to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree and successful state licensure. 
2. Students/graduates will demonstrate skills in the provision of interprofessional, patient-centered care within medically underserved and rural clinic environments. 
3. Students/graduates will demonstrate personal and professional growth and development that draws on leadership opportunities, ethical behavior, and a commitment to service. 
4. Students/graduates will appropriately use evidence to inform practice and scholarly endeavors and to develop lifelong learning behaviors. 

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure