91°µÍø

For students seeking a graduate physical therapy program in the Philadelphia area, 91°µÍø’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), meeting the national standards required for licensure in every U.S. state. This accreditation means graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), an essential step in becoming a licensed physical therapist.

Beyond accreditation, 91°µÍø’s DPT program offers a thoughtfully structured three-year experience designed to develop the clinical skills, critical thinking, and confidence needed to succeed as an entry-level physical therapist. Through rigorous classroom instruction and immersive hands-on training, graduates transition seamlessly from the academic setting into real-world patient care.
 

From Classroom to Clinic

At 91°µÍø, the physical therapy program is built on a progressive clinical education model that spans the full three-year study period. It begins with classroom-based preparation and gradually transitions students into hands-on clinical environments, culminating in full-time placements to develop confident, entry-level physical therapists.

• Early Foundations: Students start with classroom instruction covering professional behavior, medical documentation, healthcare policies (like HIPAA/OSHA), and the basics of billing and terminology. They also begin learning evidence-based practices and academic research skills to support future scholarly projects.
• Part-Time Clinical Practice: In this phase, students take part in supervised, part-time clinical activities that reinforce their classroom learning. They assist in real patient care while being introduced to interprofessional collaboration and working with diverse patient populations.
• Full-Time Clinical Rotations: These four clinical rotations—two lasting 6 weeks and two lasting 12 weeks—allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings. Under the guidance of licensed clinicians, they conduct evaluations, make treatment decisions, and implement interventions, all in alignment with APTA standards.
   

This clinical education model is supported by 91°µÍø’s comprehensive Clinical Education Manual, which clearly outlines the roles, expectations, and evaluation standards for both students and clinical faculty. 

The program is overseen by the Director of Clinical Education (DCE), who coordinates clinical partnerships, student placements, and performance monitoring. All clinical instructors are thoroughly trained and credentialed to provide a supportive and effective learning environment.
 

Shaping Tomorrow’s Physical Therapists

Our program is built around clearly defined graduate goals that reflect 91°µÍø’s commitment to developing skilled, compassionate, and future-ready physical therapists. These goals outline the essential competencies and professional values students are expected to master by graduation.

1. Clinical Competence Across the Lifespan: Graduates will demonstrate entry-level proficiency in patient examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention across all age groups and settings.
2. Evidence-Based, Patient-Centered Care: Students learn to integrate current research, clinical expertise, and patient goals to provide high-quality, individualized care.
3. Interprofessional Collaboration & Ethical Practice: Graduates will work as autonomous clinicians who think critically, act ethically, and advocate for patients and communities while addressing health disparities.
4. Lifelong Learning & Professional Growth: Students are encouraged to continually advance their skills and knowledge through reflection, continued education, and scholarly engagement.
    

Leading the Way in Physical Therapy Education

Among physical therapy programs in the Philadelphia area, the nationally accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at 91°µÍø stands out for its commitment to ethical care, collaboration, and lifelong learning. With a strong clinical foundation and well-defined graduate goals, students are prepared to make a lasting impact across diverse patient care settings.

For more information about 91°µÍø’s DPT program, please call 610‑568‑1546 or contact soo.sun@alvernia.edu or jamesodonohue@alvernia.edu. 

For accreditation-related questions, CAPTE can be contacted at their office in Alexandria, Virginia (Phone: 703‑706‑3245; Email: accreditation@apta.org).

Request More Information