School of Health Sciences & Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Discover a Leading Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers an exceptional educational experience grounded in Franciscan values. Our DPT program is designed to prepare physical therapists who provide evidence-based care with compassion and professionalism. Throughout your time at SFU, you will master theory, cultivate hands-on skills, explore clinical settings, connect with potential employers, and find the PT professional you aspire to be.

#1 in PA

Saint Francis University PT graduates hold
the highest first-time pass rates in Pennsylvania
on the NPTE exams for two years in a row.

Why choose SFU's DPT program?

Competitive Tuition Rate
Beginning Summer 2025, Saint Francis University’s Physical Therapy program will offer a competitive tuition rate of just $917 per graduate credit, providing high-quality education at an exceptional value.
Excellent Exam Pass Rates
SFU’s DPT program boasts some of the highest first-time pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for successful careers from day one. The program’s first-time pass rate (100%) is well above the national average (88.9%) for the DPT Class of 2024.
Undergraduate & Graduate Pathways
Undergraduate applicants can have guaranteed admissions into the doctoral program upon completion of the defined 3+3 or 4+3 undergraduate paths at SFU. There are also a limited number of graduate admissions seats open each year.
Personalized Faculty Mentorship
Our dedicated, professional faculty are deeply invested in your success. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll receive individualized attention and mentorship that goes beyond the classroom.
State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities
Our cutting-edge laboratories and clinical education spaces are specifically designed for PT students, providing you with hands-on training in a real-world environment.
Comprehensive Clinical Experience
With structured clinical placements in diverse settings—ranging from hospitals and sports rehabilitation centers to senior communities and outpatient clinics—you’ll gain invaluable experience across various specialties before you graduate.
Residency Programs for Career Advancement
Already a practicing PT? SFU offers a post-professional residency program in pediatrics, providing opportunities for career growth and professional development.
Community Engagement through the C.A.R.E. Clinic
Gain real-world experience while making a difference. Graduate students in the DPT program participate in our pro-bono Community Access Rehabilitation for Everyone (C.A.R.E.) Clinic, serving local residents while honing their clinical skills.

High-Tech & High-Touch Opportunities

Access to the right learning spaces, faculty mentorship, and real-world opportunities allows you to put theory into practice. At SFU, we've got hands-on experiences covered. Here are a few highlights.

PT students using the anatomage table in the virtual anatomy lab

New Anatomy Lab

Combine traditional study on human cadavers and static anatomical models with fully interactive state-of-the-art simulation and display equipment for most impactful PT education.

Outreach & Service

Our PT students have big hearts and love to give back while gaining new skills. Go-Baby-Go is a great example that benefits children with disabilities and offers cross-disciplinary experience.

Hands-On Learning

Our PT students work with patients throughout the program! From treating retired friars or community members with neurologic disorders to 39 weeks of supervised full-time clinical education they apply what they learn.

Career Outlook in Physical Therapy

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the employment of physical therapists will grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Our graduates have 100% job placement rates within the first 6 months of degree completion. (University's First Destination Report)

Salary Potential: $99,710 (2023 Median pay)

Experienced PT faculty who love to teach

Our committed, dynamic and diverse faculty offer personalized attention to students to assist them in acquiring the knowledge, skills and professional demeanor of a caring and compassionate health care provider. The full-time faculty consists of three doctorally prepared individuals and four who are completing terminal doctoral degrees. The faculty includes one pediatric, two neurology, two geriatric, two orthopedic and one sports certified specialists. The full-time faculty is complemented by the work of several adjunct faculty.

Department Chair: Dr. Jessica Cammarata, jcammarata@francis.edu

814-472-3851

Meet Our Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions about the PT Program at Saint Francis University

How much does the Doctor of Physical Therapy Cost?

Starting in Summer 2025, Saint Francis University’s Physical Therapy program will be introducing a new, reduced tuition rate of just $917 per graduate credit providing high-quality education at an exceptional value.
Explore a detailed cost breakdown on our PT Graduate Admissions page.
Do I need to re-apply to enter the Physical Therapy Graduate Program as a 3+3 or 4+3 student?

No. you’ll have guaranteed placement into the DPT program if you complete your undergrad here at Saint Francis in good standing and meet all admission requirements.
View our PT Undergraduate Admissions page to explore how you can begin your DPT journey as an SFU undergraduate student.
How are the Clinical Education Experiences structured?

Clinical Education Experiences at SFU provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or in people’s homes. Working under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist, SFU DPT students participate in 39 weeks of Clinical Education over four different experiences.
Students must complete rotations in two different settings, at least one of which is a non-ambulatory setting (hospital, nursing home, inpatient rehabilitation facility, home health, etc.). Specialty rotations, such as pediatrics, neurology, sports, or pelvic health physical therapy, may be available to students completing their 3rd or 4th rotation, pending approval from the clinical education team and clinical availability. SFU PT has contracts with well over 300 sites across the United States and even a site in Italy!
Students work with the clinical education team at SFU PT to find clinical education experiences that meet their needs as students while also considering their interests.
What is the process to file a complaint?

File a Complaint
The faculty, staff, and students of the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy strive to demonstrate Franciscan values, ethics, and professionalism in all their activities. In some cases, a situation may generate a complaint for which no formal grievance process exists.
The complaint should be written, signed, include details about the complaint and documented evidence, and mailed to:
Dr. Jessica Cammarata,
Chair Department of Physical Therapy
Saint Francis University
PO Box 600 Loretto, PA 15940
Email: JCammarata@francis.edu
Phone: 814-472-3851
Complaints about the School or University related to compliance with accreditation standards must be submitted in writing to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These complaints should be addressed as follows:
Director of Accreditation Commission
on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Email: Accreditation@apta.org
Phone: 800.999.2782
Complaints about the Complaints about the Department of Physical Therapy or the Department Chair may be submitted to the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education at the following address:
Dr. Kerri A. Golden,
Dean School of Health Sciences and Education
Saint Francis University
PO Box 600 Loretto, PA 15940
Email: KGolden@francis.edu

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Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024

Join us on March 14, 2025, at Saint Francis University for a one-day course on Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation. Designed for PTs, PTAs, ATCs, and OTs, this course combines expert education, hands-on practice, and continuing education credits to help you integrate BFR therapy into your practice for better patient outcomes. Register now—space is limited!

The dissection occurring in Saint Margarets Hall

Hands-On: Applied Anatomy

Mitchell Jubas | 10/30/2024

Saint Francis University’s largest Interprofessional Gross Dissection Lab welcomed over 30 healthcare professionals and 50 students for an intensive cadaver workshop led by expert surgeons.

Discovering Development: Highlights from Our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program's Baby Day Event

Department of Physical Therapy | 10/23/2024

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program hosted its annual Baby Day event to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world pediatric assessment. This unique opportunity allowed our students to observe and engage with children at various developmental stages, enhancing their understanding of motor skills and assessment techniques.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Students help at Third Annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune

Department of Physical Therapy | 10/23/2024

The South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the United Spinal Association and Laurel Medical Solutions hosted their third annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune on October 4th, 2024. Saint Francis University’s DPT Class of 2027 students assisted during the event, transferring patients and cleaning wheelchairs.

Students participating in the Poverty Simulation

Poverty Simulation Event Highlights the Struggles of Those in Need

Mitchell Jubas | 10/21/2024

On October 18th, the Poverty Simulation Event gathered students and faculty from nursing, PT, social work, and public health to experience the challenges of poverty firsthand. Participants faced scenarios involving housing, healthcare, and limited resources, fostering empathy and raising awareness. The event highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired attendees to take action in addressing poverty within their communities.