Physical Therapy
Department of Rehabilitation Science
School of Public Health and Health Professions
515 Kimball Tower
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
Phone: 716.829.3141, ext. 191
Fax: 716.829.3217
Web: www.sphhp.buffalo.edu/rs/dpt
Louise Gilchrist
Director, Physical Therapy Program
Karen Panzarella
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
About the Department
The bachelor’s degree program in physical therapy at UB began in 1952. In 1997, in response to changes in health care and physical therapy education, the faculty at UB made the decision to transition the undergraduate physical therapy program to a graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In 2003 the Physical Therapy program joined the Occupational Therapy program to form the new Department of Rehabilitation Science.
Degrees Offered
Graduate: D.P.T.
About Our Degrees
Acceptance Criteria
All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary in required courses.
Acceptance Information
The Doctor of Physical Therapy is the highest degree offered in the profession of physical therapy. It is a professional, entry-level degree designed to prepare outstanding clinicians.
To complete the D.P.T. at UB takes a minimum of 6 years following high school. During the first three years (the prerequisite phase) students should major in exercise science (ES). ES juniors are eligible to apply in the fall semester for admission into the D.P.T. the following August. Transfer students are encouraged to apply and should review the prerequisites required for admission to determine their eligibility for direct admission to D.P.T. program. Students who have not completed the prerequisites should consider transferring to the Exercise Science program at UB, which will prepare them for admission to the D.P.T.
The D.P.T. is a full-time 3-calendar year program commencing in August of each year. Once students are accepted into the program (after 3 years of prerequisites), they become graduate students. Applications are completed on-line and are due December 1st of the preceding year. Each year 42 students are accepted.
Degree Requirements
Please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
Transfer Policy
The Department of Rehabilitation Science does not differentiate between transfer and non-transfer students seeking admission into the D.P.T. program. For transfer students, the general education required courses may be different from those of non-transfer students, but all other prerequisite requirements and admission criteria are the same.
Students seeking to transfer from other institutions should apply to the university and the Exercise Science program by December 15 of their sophomore year. They then must submit a completed Promotion to Professional Sequence form (due on or before the last Friday in January) in order to be allowed to take the upper division ES courses. Transfer students may also be eligible to apply directly to the D.P.T. program. The prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the start of classes for the D.P.T. in August of each year.
About Our Courses
All physical therapy courses are graduate courses. Undergraduate students planning on entering the PT program should register for undergraduate exercise science courses.
For pre-physical therapy course descriptions, please see required courses listed in PT's chart in the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
The faculty offer knowledge and skills from a wide range of physical therapy practice areas including: orthopaedics, pediatrics, neurologic rehabilitation, acute care and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Special Academic Opportunities
Once admitted to the D.P.T., students complete 52 weeks of clinical affiliations over the course of 3 years. During these affiliations they practice physical therapy under the supervision of a clinical instructor in a typical physical therapy setting.
Extracurricular Activities
See the UB Student Association.
Advising Information
For academic advising students should use the advisors for the Exercise Science program.
Career Information
Upon graduating from UB's program, students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Exam, which is required for licensure in any state. To practice physical therapy, one must be licensed in the state where employment is sought.
Work settings include: hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools.
The job market for physical therapists is currently very strong, particularly in the southern and western regions of the U.S. Many graduating students are finding employment before graduation and before completing the licensure exam.
Salary Information
Salaries vary depending on the work setting and on the region of the country. Current graduates are being offered salaries ranging from $47,000 to $55,000.
Post-undergraduate Opportunities
After graduation students may elect to pursue a post-professional degree such as an M.S. or Ph.D. Such degrees open up opportunities for teaching and/or research. Opportunities also exist for graduates who become practicing clinicians to gain board-certified specialization in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, respiratory and cardiovascular rehabilitation, orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurologic rehabilitation, electromyographic and electrodiagnostic testing.
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
- School of Public Health and Health Professions