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Students interested in careers in physical therapy may consider transferring into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program as the next step toward entering the profession. For those looking to earn their DPT near Philadelphia, 17�Թ��� offers a program that combines scientific coursework with hands-on clinical education. The curriculum focuses on developing physical therapists who demonstrate clinical competence, professionalism, and leadership while encouraging critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and compassionate service in healthcare settings.

What Makes 17�Թ���’s DPT Program Stand Out? 

Students exploring DPT programs often compare factors such as clinical training opportunities, learning resources, class sizes, and program pathways. 17�Թ���’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers several stand-out features to support clinical expertise, personalized instruction, and flexible academic options for students pursuing careers in physical therapy.

1. Community-Based “Clinic Without Walls” Model

Many DPT programs rely primarily on traditional clinical rotations. 17�Թ��� adds another layer through its “Clinic Without Walls” approach, in which students provide supervised physical therapy care directly in the community during clinical coursework.

Through this model, students work with real patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists while completing their academic training. Community partnerships with organizations such as Easter Seals of Eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, the Reading Housing Authority, and the Surgical Institute of Reading provide opportunities to work with diverse patient populations and clinical environments.

This approach helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable experience delivering patient-centered care and supporting community health initiatives.

2. Advanced Movement Analysis and Anatomy Technology

17�Թ���’s DPT program uses specialized technology to support hands-on learning in anatomy and movement analysis. Students have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and equipment that allow them to study human movement and clinical assessment techniques.

Training resources include:

• Anatomage virtual dissection tables
• Motion analysis systems
• Real-time ultrasound
• Split-belt treadmills
• Surface electromyography
• Accelerometers

These tools support the study of anatomy, biomechanics, and physical therapy assessment in the program’s laboratory.

3. Small Cohorts With Close Faculty Mentorship

17�Թ���’s DPT program emphasizes personalized instruction through small class sizes and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This structure allows students to interact closely with faculty throughout their academic and clinical training.

Faculty members serve as mentors, guiding students in developing clinical reasoning, strengthening diagnostic skills, and refining treatment planning strategies. Smaller cohorts also encourage collaboration among classmates while providing individualized feedback that supports professional growth.

4. Multiple Academic Pathways Into the Profession

17�Թ��� offers multiple entry points into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, providing flexibility for students pursuing a career in physical therapy.

Program options include:

• 4+3 traditional pathway
• 3+3 accelerated pathway

Students majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, or Healthcare Science may begin the professional phase of the DPT curriculum during their senior year. Those who meet GPA requirements and complete admission criteria may qualify for the accelerated pathway, allowing them to complete both their bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in approximately six years.

This structure allows students from diverse academic backgrounds to enter the program and progress efficiently toward their degree.

Kickstart Your PT Career at 17�Թ���

For students looking to transfer into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program near Philadelphia, 17�Թ��� offers a program that combines clinical training, advanced learning technology, and personalized faculty mentorship. 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in physical therapy, explore 17�Թ���’s DPT program or contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. You can also reach out directly to program director Soo Sun, PT, Ph.D., at soo.sun@alvernia.edu.

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