Academic Programs / Majors

Physical Therapy

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Program Details

• Major: Physical Therapy
• Degree Program: Physical Therapy
• Program Web Site
• School of Medicine
• Degree Designation: Doctoral (D.P.T.)

Program Description

Physical therapy is a hands-on health care profession that promotes optimal health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals reach their maximum potential and to contribute to society while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. With population changes over the next few decades, physical therapy is expected to provide numerous diverse career opportunities.

To help meet the need for physical therapists in West Virginia, the WVU Physical Therapy Program was established in 1970 under the auspices of the School of Medicine. The program has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

The program currently requires a baccalaureate degree, and the professional curriculum is an entry- level doctoral degree program (DPT).

The Physical Therapy Education Program at WVU is the only accredited program at a public institution of higher education in West Virginia.

Career Profile

Employment of physical therapists is changing with the evolving health-care environment. Growth will occur as new medical technologies save more people, who then need therapy to resume their lives. As technologies permit more disabling conditions to be treated, and as the population grows and ages, physical therapists will play a vital role. Interest in health promotion also increases demand for physical therapists to evaluate environments, develop exercise programs, and teach safe habits to the population. Job prospects in physical therapy are expected to be excellent.

Graduate Program Application Requirements

Applicants must arrange for official copies of transcripts and test scores to be sent directly to the WVU Office of Admissions at PO Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506-6009. The program requirements listed below (if any) are in addition to the main WVU Graduate Application.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Please see Office of Admissions - English Language Proficiency for more information.

Apply Now

Prospective students should apply online at:
http://grad.wvu.edu/apply.

Application Priority Dates and Deadlines

Accreditation

WVU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Physical Therapy Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education.