Doctor of Physical Therapy

Poughkeepsie, New York

 

INTAKE: January

Program Overview

Marist's DPT program spans 36 months, combining intensive didactic instruction with extensive clinical experiences. Housed in a state-of-the-art Science and Allied Health building, the program benefits from high-tech classrooms, a dedicated physical therapy lab, a suite of simulation labs (including trauma, surgery, and traditional examination rooms), a full gross anatomy laboratory, and a sophisticated Movement Analysis Lab. These cutting-edge facilities ensure that students receive practical, hands-on experience in line with real-world clinical settings, fostering a robust learning environment with a favorable student-to-faculty ratio.

CAPTE Accredited: A defining feature of Marist University's DPT program is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This is the highest level of accreditation for physical therapy programs in the United States and is a mandatory requirement for graduates to be eligible for licensure in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. CAPTE accreditation signifies that Marist's DPT program meets rigorous national standards for quality and prepares graduates to practice at the highest level of the profession. Marist's program achieved full accreditation for five years, an exceptional feat particularly for a newer program.

Curriculum: The 115-credit curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, movement science, neuroscience, and clinical skills, alongside critical inquiry and clinical decision-making. The program typically starts in January. Core coursework includes Human Gross Anatomy, Introduction to Physical Therapy, Human Physiology, Critical Inquiry I & II, Movement Science, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Neuroscience, and Clinical Skills I & II. The clinically-driven curriculum also incorporates extensive hands-on experience through over 300 clinical rotation sites available nationwide, preparing students for diverse patient populations and healthcare settings. The program aims to develop autonomous movement specialists proficient in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention across musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary systems.

Research Focus: Marist University's DPT program emphasizes research and evidence-based practice, recognizing that continuous inquiry is essential for advancing the field. The curriculum includes "Critical Inquiry" courses, fostering students' ability to evaluate research and integrate evidence into their clinical practice. Faculty members are actively engaged in various research areas, including motor learning, Parkinson's disease, balance assessment, wound management, concussion prevention, and the use of technology in physical therapy. Students are encouraged to pursue doctoral projects focused on service or unmet community needs, contributing to the body of physical therapy knowledge and addressing global health issues through scholarly work.

Industry Engagement: Marist University's DPT program maintains strong ties with the physical therapy profession and healthcare industry. The program boasts a network of over 300 clinical sites across the United States, providing students with extensive hands-on experience in a wide variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and schools. This robust clinical education component ensures graduates are exposed to real-world scenarios and professional practices. Furthermore, Marist collaborates with other institutions, such as Siena College, on direct admission pathways, signaling a commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare workers to meet industry demands. The faculty, often with extensive clinical experience, further bridges the gap between academia and professional practice.

Global Perspective: Marist University's DPT program actively instills a global perspective, preparing its graduates to address health needs within a global community. The program's mission explicitly highlights the importance of "providing advocacy and service to the profession, as well as to local and global communities." A distinctive feature is the opportunity for DPT students to complete international clinical rotations in countries like Italy and Switzerland, facilitated by health education companies such as EduGlobal. These international placements enhance students' clinical skills, cultural competence, and personal growth, preparing them to treat diverse patient populations and experience varied healthcare approaches in an interconnected world.

Pollster Education

Location

Poughkeepsie, New York

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 45045

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $170

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
  • PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.

Marist University in the United States offers a variety of scholarships designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and special talents, making education at Marist more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Marist University awards merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered upon admission, with no separate application required for most awards.

International Student Scholarships: Dedicated scholarships specifically for international students are available to help recognize and reward outstanding international applicants. These awards vary in amount and may be renewable each year, depending on academic performance and enrollment status.

Need-Based Financial Aid: Although limited, Marist offers some need-based financial assistance to eligible international students. Students are encouraged to demonstrate financial need during the admission process and provide required documentation to be considered for such aid.

Departmental and Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Marist University offer scholarships targeting students pursuing particular majors or programs. For example, scholarships in business, technology, communication, and fine arts may be available to qualified international students excelling in these fields.

Leadership and Talent Scholarships: Marist recognizes students who demonstrate leadership qualities, community involvement, or exceptional talents in areas such as athletics, arts, or service. These scholarships highlight the university’s nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Graduates of Marist University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are exceptionally well-prepared to enter a diverse and growing healthcare field. The program's CAPTE accreditation ensures that alumni meet the highest national standards for entry-level practice, making them eligible for licensure across the United States. With a comprehensive curriculum, extensive clinical rotations, and a focus on evidence-based practice, Marist DPT graduates are equipped to provide patient-centered care, promote health and wellness, and adapt to the evolving demands of the physical therapy profession. 

Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist: This is one of the most common settings, where PTs treat musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. They help patients regain mobility, strength, and function to return to daily activities and sports.

Acute Care Physical Therapist (Hospital Setting): Working in hospitals, these PTs focus on restoring mobility and functional independence for patients immediately after surgery, trauma, or critical illness, facilitating safe discharge home or to a rehabilitation facility.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist: In dedicated rehabilitation centers, PTs work with patients recovering from severe injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, or major surgeries, providing intensive therapy to maximize their functional abilities and independence.

Geriatric Physical Therapist: Specializing in the unique needs of older adults, these PTs address age-related conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's), focusing on maintaining mobility and preventing falls.

Pediatric Physical Therapist: These professionals work with children from infancy through adolescence who have developmental delays, congenital conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy), genetic disorders, or injuries, using play-based and age-appropriate interventions.

Sports Physical Therapist: Focusing on athletes of all levels, these PTs prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries, develop performance enhancement programs, and guide athletes through rehabilitation to safely return to their sport.

Home Health Physical Therapist: For patients who are homebound or prefer therapy in their own environment, these PTs provide care in the patient's residence, addressing functional goals within their specific living situation.

Neurological Physical Therapist: These specialists work with patients who have conditions affecting the nervous system, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease, focusing on restoring movement, balance, and coordination.

Wound Management Physical Therapist: A newer specialization, these PTs collaborate with medical teams to create treatment plans for complex wounds, often in conjunction with orthopedic, vascular, or diabetic conditions, aiming to promote healing and restore function.

Physical Therapy Director/Manager (with experience): With clinical experience, DPT graduates can advance into leadership roles, managing physical therapy departments in hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centers, overseeing staff, operations, and patient care quality.


Similar Courses
WhatsApp Enquiry Call Enquiry