Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists focus on treating patients to maximize their mobility and independence.

At Kean, the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program is built on the belief that the field of physical therapy is made stronger by the dedication of new professionals. While patient outcomes are the ultimate goal, the program also strives to increase scholarly advances and advocate for the profession.

Students receive an early introduction to the application of knowledge in clinical settings, beginning in their second semester. The doctoral program overall includes a total of 42 weeks of full-time clinical practice experiences. In addition, students take part in 240 hours of integrated clinical experiences to accompany their major clinical-didactic courses.

The DPT program educates, develops and supports aspiring doctors of physical therapy in their quest to become skilled clinicians, and develop rewarding careers working in a dynamic clinical practice environment. The ultimate result is better treatment and outcomes for patients.

DPT Students who pass the National PT Board exam are eligible to apply for licensure in the state they wish to practice in; Physical Therapy licensure is state regulated.

Please visit https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Regulatory-Resources/Licensure-Reference-Guide for further details.

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DPT students assist a patient — The DPT program at Kean focuses on preparing our students to work with patients from their first day in the profession.

What You Learn

You gain skills and knowledge via a hybrid curricular model that includes many planned, advanced learning experiences such as: problem-based learning, integrated clinical experiences, clinical grand rounds, and online course delivery. Rooted in six core domains, the program develops the type of entry-level clinician who will excel in the profession of physical therapy.

Grow as a a conscientious, thoughtful and meticulous practitioner
Become clinically effective – from a business and operational standpoint
Develop critical thinking skills, able to solve problems with satisfying outcomes for the patient
Collaborate, using the professional know-how of all team members
Take a team-based human gross anatomy course with cadaver dissection
Campaign for patients, as a strong advocate

The program is offered at Kean's main campus in Union.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Course Requirements

Contact:

Elizabeth Locke, PT, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Associate Professor
Email: elocke@kean.edu
Phone: (908) 737-6179

Admission Requirements

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Application and Deadlines

Apply Now Through PTCAS

Complete the Supplemental Application

The DPT Program begins in the Summer I Term. Application deadlines are as follows:

PTCAS "Soft" Deadline (highly recommended): October 1st
PTCAS "Hard" Deadline: December 1st

Review of applications will begin following each deadline and when applications have been "verified" through PTCAS.
BOTH the PTCAS application and the Kean University DPT supplemental application MUST be completed and "verified" by the deadline in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Kean University reserves the right to review applications received after the October deadline on an “as-needed” basis, in accordance with PTCAS deadline definitions.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) at Kean University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program's accreditation has been granted for a period of five (5) years effective April 30, 2019.