Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh, one of the most prestigious physical therapy programs in the U.S. We are delighted that you have found our website. Whether you are seeking entry-level professional training, advanced training in physical therapy or doctoral research training, we encourage you to explore the endless opportunities that exist here at Pitt. We have an excellent faculty that includes five Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the APTA, NIH-funded investigators and numerous clinical specialists. We are fortunate to have very strong partnerships with a world class School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, which is one of six schools of the Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its Centers for Rehab Services. As you explore our website, please take note of how these partnerships can enhance your experience here at Pitt should you decide to enroll in any of our programs of study.
What does it take to be consistently ranked the best physical therapy program in the nation in a highly competitive field?
It takes a legacy of excellence, spanning more than 90 years. It takes the best and brightest students willing to tackle any challenge. It takes faculty who are mentors, clinical specialists, NIH-funded investigators and Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the APTA. And it takes clinical placements that allow students hands-on experience in renowned medical and rehabilitation centers, such as University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its Centers for Rehab Services.
The success of Pitt’s PT program is fueled by a passion for moving the field forward, advancing research and creating evidence-based practice.
Mission
Our mission is to provide an unparalleled supportive environment, free of barriers and disparities that will:
Develop diverse entry-level and post-professional physical therapists who achieve excellent and equitable clinical outcomes through exceptional training. Our graduates will integrate the current best evidence with sound scientific and clinical reasoning principles to inform screening, examination, classification/diagnosis, and intervention approaches that also consider the impact of the social determinants of health in the care of clients/patients.
Encourage a high degree of professionalism and ethical behavior. We do this by teaching and modeling:
the APTA Code of Ethics, Core Values, Code of Professional Conduct, and diversity, equity and inclusion;
professionalism in all interactions with patients/clients and families, professional peers, other health care and academic colleagues, and members of their community;
principles of life-long learning and professional development to ensure ongoing improvement and adherence to the principles of evidence-based and biologically plausible physical therapy practice.
Advance the scientific knowledge in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. We do this by:
participating in basic science, clinical and health services research;
collaborating with investigators in other University departments, national and international partners outside the University, and key stakeholders in the community;
disseminating our research and scholarly activities through publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at regional, national and international scientific conferences.
Promote engagement in advocacy of patients/clients, communities and the physical therapy profession. We carry out this part of our mission by encouraging, training and supporting our faculty and students to
be consultants to and partners with other professional, academic and community groups;
advocate for all patients to third party payers, researchers and health policy makers;
advocate for the profession to third party payers, researchers and health policy makers.
Vision Statement
The vision for the Department of Physical Therapy is to drive transformational change in the field of physical therapy by developing a diverse, competent, compassionate and ethical workforce through equitable and inclusive physical therapy education, research and community service.
Values Statement
While pursuing our Mission and Vision, the Program will act in accordance with its stated values. Our values are adopted from the APTA Core Values and those of our clinical partner, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Accountability: Active acceptance of responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist including self-regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient/client outcomes, the profession and the health needs of society.
Altruism: The primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients/clients, thus assuming the fiduciary responsibility of placing the needs of the patient/client ahead of the physical therapist’s self-interest.
Compassion and Caring: Compassion is the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience; a precursor to caring. Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others.
Dignity and Respect: We treat all individuals with dignity and respect
Excellence: Excellence is physical therapy practice that consistently uses current knowledge and theory while understanding personal limits, integrates judgment and the patient/client perspective, challenges mediocrity, and works toward development of new knowledge.
Innovation: We think creatively and build excellence into everything we do.
Integrity: Steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or professional standards; truthfulness, fairness, doing what you say you will do, and “speaking forth” about why you do what you do.
Quality and Safety: We create a safe environment where quality is our guiding principle
Professional Duty: The commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapy services to individual patients/clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society.
Social Responsibility: The promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.
2 years and 3 months
(7 terms, including 2 summer terms)
Program Start:
Fall term (August)
Application Closes:
October 2025
Scholarships
There are a number of merit-based scholarship opportunities for students through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as well as through the Department of Physical Therapy. These opportunities become available to students in the fall term once the program has officially begun.
The scholarship opportunities listed below are those that are typically available through the Department of Physical Therapy. Scholarship amounts can range from $500-$4,000. The amount awarded for each scholarship varies from year to year and is dependent upon the number of students who apply.
Alice Chagnot Oulette Endowed Student Scholarship
Established in 1991 by Alice Chagnot Oulette, a 1947 D.T. Watson graduate; this scholarship is awarded to a DPT student who is enrolled full time, is in good academic standing, and has financial need. This scholarship can be awarded to one or more students.
Centers for Rehab Services Leadership Scholarship
Established by Centers for Rehab Services, a partner of UPMC; this scholarship is awarded to an entry-level physical therapy student(s) demonstrating leadership by way of involvement with APTA, the Foundation for Physical Therapy, or other roles within the profession. This award is made at the discretion of the Chairman of the Department of Physical Therapy.
David Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center/Joseph M. David Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2005 by Joseph David, a 1988 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy; this scholarship is awarded to an entry-level physical therapy student in the final year of study who demonstrates financial need; good academic standing (minimum of 3.0); and exceptional clinical competence. An application, essay, and possible interview are required.
Dorothy Bradley Brown Endowed Student Scholarship
Established in 1990 by Dorothy Bradley Brown, a 1941 graduate of D.T Watson; this scholarship is awarded to a DPT student who is enrolled full time, is in good academic standing, and has financial need. This scholarship can be awarded to one or more students.
D.T. Watson Alumni Scholarship
Established by the alumni and friends of the D.T. Watson School of Physiatrists, Division of Physical Therapy, in 1969; this scholarship is awarded to a DPT student who is enrolled full time, is in good academic standing, and has financial need. This scholarship can be awarded to more than one student.
Pat Croce Endowed Student Scholarship
Established in 1991 by Pasquale “Pat” Croce, a 1977 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy; this scholarship is awarded to full time DPT student in the first year of study who has completed a minimum of 20 credits of professional study in good academic standing and has financial need. It may be awarded to one or more students.
Patricia Leahy Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1997 in memory of Patti Leahy, a 1979 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physical Therapy; this scholarship is awarded to a well rounded DPT student who has a special interest in neurology and neurologic physical therapy. The recipient should also reflect Patti’s love of family, friends, and social life.
Paul and Judy Rockar Endowed Student Scholarship
Established in 2005 by Paul (and Judy) Rockar, a 1981 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Advanced Master’s orthopaedic and sports physical therapy program; this scholarship is awarded to a 2nd year DPT student who is enrolled full time and who is in good academic standing. This student must demonstrate a commitment to professional development, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Pearl C. Mann Scholarship Fund in Physical Therapy
Established in 1997 by Pearl C. Mann, a 1945 graduate of D.T. Watson; this scholarship is awarded based on outstanding academic achievement and financial need. The student must be enrolled full-time in the DPT program and they must be a U.S citizen.
Jessie Wright Scholarship
This is the highest honor awarded by the Faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy and is given to a student who displays superior achievement & potential of becoming an outstanding clinician. This award is based on the unanimous decision of the Faculty
Mary Behling Browne Physical Therapy Scholarship
Established by 1963 D.T. Watson graduate Mary Behling Browne, awarded to 2nd or 3rd year DPT students with demonstrated financial need.
Mary K. Daly-Crum Student Award in Physical Therapy
Established by Mary K. (PT Class of ’80) and Arthur Crum, awarded to DPT students with preference given to out-of-state students.
Community Engagement
Advancing Diversity in Physical Therapy (ADaPT)
Advancing Diversity in Physical Therapy, or ADaPT@Pitt, is a program designed to engage, recruit and advance diverse students into graduate physical therapy education. ADaPT@Pitt provides structured opportunities for students to explore the profession of physical therapy and receive pre-admission support through the application process.
Activities include panel discussions with physical therapists and DPT students, professional and peer social events and informational sessions for completing your graduate school application.
Click here to join our mailing list and be the first to learn about our events! Students who are interested in an immersive experience are encouraged to apply to our Summer Scholar Experience.
Summer Scholar Experience
This week-long immersive event will provide 10 scholars with an opportunity to stay on campus and participate in hands-on workshops. This experience funds meals and room and board and will include activities like clinical observation, crafting a personal statement, tips on completing a quality application, and social events with both peer and professional mentors. Students will get to interact with faculty from the #1-ranked Physical Therapy program in the country and increase the competitiveness of their future application to any DPT program.
Summer Scholar Experience Dates
Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Friday, May 23, 2025
Applications are now open!
Join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss announcements!
Application Process
Applications for the 2025 Summer Scholar Experience open Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Participants best suited for this experience are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from:
underrepresented racial and ethnic populations
individuals from geographically underrepresented areas
first generation students
All students are required to complete the online application and submit a brief personal statement.
The personal statement should indicate how you will benefit from the Summer Scholar Experience. The submission should be less than 500 words and limited to a 1 page, single-paced word document.
The application deadline is Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
*Note: You cannot save the application. The submission must be completed when you submit, otherwise you will be required to start over. Click here to see the items listed on the application.
The University of Pittsburgh Division 1 Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship is a post-professional planned learning experience designed to promote the fellow’s capability to provide physical therapy services in a Division 1 collegiate sports setting and didactic instruction to physical therapy students.
The program is a 12-month appointment that will start in January. The fellow’s responsibilities include completing a didactic curriculum, providing physical therapy services to University of Pittsburgh student athletes, and assisting in the instruction of our school’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Fellows will work directly in the athletic training room as part of the sports medicine team. This will include practice/game coverage, rehabilitation of injuries, and working alongside athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physicians, sports performance team members and dietitians.
Current license as an EMT, and/or current certification as an Emergency Medical Responder
Possesses/Eligible to Possess Board-Certification in Sports or Orthopaedic Physical Therapy OR graduated from an accredited Sports or Orthopaedic Residency program
Certified Athletic Trainer preferred, but not required
Current license in CPR
Curriculum vitae
Letter of intention describing why you are applying to a Division 1 Sports Fellowship
Three letters of recommendation, all from licensed physical therapists speaking to your ability to successfully function in a competitive athletic environment, in a rigorous didactic program, and in assisting to teach in a top-ranked physical therapy program
For more information, please contact the Program Director Rick Joreitz at rej13@pitt.edu.
Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025.
Research
Our research is recognized nationally and internationally, and receives extramural support from prestigious agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the Department of Defense (DoD) and several foundations such as the Foundation for Physical Therapy, the National Parkinson’s Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation. Our team of investigators have state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with many leading researchers within the University of Pittsburgh and across and outside the of the U.S. Witness our team’s scholarly productivity by viewing our publications. Our faculty serve on a number of research review panels and as editors and reviewers for over 20 prominent journals. Faculty also routinely serve on scientific committees of professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Our department collaborates with other high-level research institutions offering career development awards for Rehabilitation Science and is committed to training future researchers who share our passion.
The research in our Department focuses on optimizing the quality of life for individuals with mobility deficits and improving our health systems. Our studies investigate the effectiveness of physical therapy-related interventions in patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders throughout the lifespan. We also lead health services research on management of chronic conditions and delivery of value-based care. The reputation of our research spans over three decades and has significantly contributed to advancing the practice of physical therapy. Our research continues to change paradigms in the management of low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, vestibular disorders, sport-related injuries, mobility and balance in older adults and neuromuscular diseases.
Research Areas
Health disparities
Cost-effectiveness research
Knee osteoarthritis
Total knee replacement surgery
Active Research Labs and Projects
Physical Therapy Clinical and Translational Research Center (PT-CTRC)
The department collaborates with other research centers to find comprehensive solutions to physical therapy problems and help advance PT practice to benefit the patients of tomorrow.
Students can find access to program and school materials in the Current Student Resource Hub. Pitt Passport is required.
Current Students can also find answers to commonly asked questions and connect with valuable resources and contacts. This resource helps students locate academic guidance, professional development, or support for each individual’s wellbeing including things like counseling or study resources.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Requests
Approval of Courses for State License Renewal for Physical Therapists
Continuing education requirements are regulated by the state boards of physical therapy. Each state licensing board has its own policies and procedures related to continuing education of its licensees. State boards of physical therapy place the responsibility on licensees to follow rules and regulations related to the practice of physical therapy and maintenance of licensure in their states.
As a CAPTE accredited institution, the University of Pittsburgh is a pre-approved provider of continuing education units (CEU) for Physical Therapists. University of Pittsburgh CEU’s are accepted by most physical therapy state boards without a pre-approval process. A small number of states require pre-approval directly with the state board, including Pennsylvania.
Requests
In support of partnership with UPMC Rehabilitation Institute (formerly UPMC Centers for Rehab Services) and other clinical partners, the Department of Physical Therapy is willing to co-sponsor and/or approve continuing education units in accordance with the State Board of Physical Therapy.
If you are an employee of UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and/or a pre-approved clinical partner, submit the required documents to complete your request:
Brief Resume/CV/Biosketch for each instructor. (Maximum 2 pages per instructor)
Sample Certificate
Click here for detailed instructions regarding your submissions. Please note, if you do not provide the required documentation, your request will be denied and returned to you for re-submission.
If you are not pre-approved by the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy to request CEU approval, you must email PTCEURequests@pitt.edu before proceeding with your request.
