Graduate Entry for Students with Bachelor’s Degrees

Located in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, Ithaca College's Graduate-Entry Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is specifically for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another area of study and/or are changing careers and want to be employed as a physical therapist. We emphasize hands-on, diverse, and integrative learning experiences to facilitate your development as a future physical therapist.
male physical therapy student helps an older man holding a small weight
Take the Next Steps Today

Graduate with a doctorate and be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Licensing exam to become a registered physical therapist.   

Curriculum Details

Distinctive Program Features

Time to Completion: Complete the required 110 credits in six academic semesters and three summers (3 years) of coursework (Human Anatomy, Clinical Experiences)

Program Start: Late May (you won't have to wait until fall!)

Hands-on Learning and Practice: Get hands-on experiences at Cayuga Medical Center as well as in IC’s Center for Life Skills and OT/PT Clinic on campus to practice skills prior to the first clinical

Labs: You’ll gain integrated lab experiences in the Human Anatomy Lab , Movement Analysis Lab, Patient Simulation Lab.

Conduct Research: Explore research interests through a mentored case report or group research project in partnership with expert faculty.

Leadership and Advocacy: Participate in our student associations for leadership and civic engagement experiences such as fall prevention screenings and Special Olympics..

Clinical Experiences: Over 600 clinical education sites nationally with patients across the lifespan in varied settings

Additional Opportunities: Participate in optional continuing education offered by Cayuga Medical Center Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs.

Apply Today!

The application cycle for May 2024 entry is now open! You must apply via the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). To learn more about PTCAS, please visit PTCAS Help.

The priority application deadline is January 16, admitting through February 15. The program starts May 20, 2024. 

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Admission Criteria

Learn more about the admissions criteria for the graduate entry level PT doctorate.

Review Criteria
Tuition and Fees

Familiarize yourself with the costs and billing policies for the graduate entry level degree in physical therapy.

Learn More

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available and offered to selected candidates. 

  • Graduate assistantships may include a tax-free partial tuition funding (scholarship) and/or a taxable salary.
  • Students who receive a taxable salary will provide academic or administrative support to faculty within the Physical Therapy department. Students receiving this type of assistantship will work a small amount of flexible hours per week.

Questions?

We encourage you to reach out. 

607-274-3342