"Dominican University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program provided me with the tools I needed to start my own practice"
John Gallucci - Medical Coordinator for Major League Soccer
Proven Success to Support Your Professional Goals
Discover how Dominican University New York’s DPT Program empowers students with exceptional outcomes and opportunities for growth.
98%
Ultimate PT Licensure Exam Pass Rate for graduates
100%
Employment rate of graduates within 6 months
3.3 Years
Time to Earn the Doctorate
100%
Of The Clinical Faculty Still Treat Patients
Over 500
Clinical relationships
Study on the Weekends
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at DUNY is designed to offer flexibility while still providing a challenging education. Classes are held on eight alternate weekends each trimester, with full days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This weekend schedule allows students to continue part-time work, take care of family commitments, and pursue other interests.
The program also includes four full-time clinical experiences, totaling 36 weeks, scheduled Monday through Friday. These hands-on rotations are a key part of the program and provide valuable real-world experience.
While the weekend format gives students some flexibility, it’s important to note that the program requires significant study time. Students who work more than 20 hours a week often find it challenging to keep up with the program’s demands. Based on past experience, balancing a heavy work schedule with the intensity of the program can be tough, so we recommend limiting work hours to ensure academic success.
See why our students prefer to study on the weekend
The TOP 10 Reasons PT Students choose Dominican University
We asked, here’s what they said:
1
Weekend Format
Classes meet Friday to Sunday every other weekend. Work and pursue your degree simultaneously!
2
Learn Manual Therapy
Expert faculty teach intricate hands-on techniques
3
Expert Faculty
Professors are chosen not just for their qualifications but also for their experience and their teaching skills.
4
Our Graduates Get Jobs!
100% of our graduates are employed within 6 months.
5
Cadaver Dissections
Dissecting full cadavers as opposed to viewing pro section cadavers that have been dissected before-hand enhances the educational experience.
6
Diverse, strong, vibrant student community
Ongoing student/faculty interaction foster a collaborative learning environment.
7
Small student-to-faculty ratio
Fewer than 35 students per cohort.
8
Clinical affiliations
The University has clinical affiliations with institutions such as the Hospital for Special Surgery, Kessler, New York Presbyterian, Lennox Hill, and more.
9
Research publications and presentations
The faculty foster student development in research projects, resulting in publications and presentations at national Physical Therapy Conferences.
10
Our Campus
Centrally located within 17 miles of New York City in the heart of the Hudson Valley region, with access to public transportation.
Students Prefer Dominican University’s Weekend Format
See how the two formats compare:
| Weekend Format | Traditional Format | |
|---|---|---|
| In Class | Fri – Sun Every other weekend (8 weekends per trimester) 3 days/week | Mon- Thur 4 days/week (Every week per semester) |
| Terms | 3/year on campus | 2/year |
| Classes Term | 3 – 4 | 4 – 6 |
| Weeks in Clinic | 32 | 32 |
| Length | 3.3 years | 3 years |
| Credits | 99 | 100 |
Physical Therapy Pro Bono Clinic
Established in 2019, the Dominican University Physical Therapy Clinic offers free rehabilitation services exclusively to students, faculty, and staff. Operated by graduate students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, the clinic functions under the direct supervision of licensed faculty members
Explore the Physical Therapy Program
About the ProgramAdmissionsProgram OutcomesProgram FAQsPre PT TracksApplication ProcessCost of AttendanceStudent Financial Fact Sheet
Discover Dominican University New York (DUNY), located near NYC. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers a unique, flexible weekend format that allows you to continue working during the week while pursuing your studies.
At DUNY, we combine affordability with excellence. Our DPT program features one of the most cost-effective private school tuitions in the Tri-State area, alongside small class sizes and a distinguished faculty.
What truly sets us apart is our faculty’s extensive patient care experience, which brings practical, real-world solutions directly into the classroom. With numerous board certifications and advanced training, our program consistently boasts a board pass rate above the national average and a 100% job placement success rate.
Unique Program Features:
- Weekend Format: Designed for flexibility, our weekend program allows you to balance part-time employment, family responsibilities, and other interests. Classes meet on eight alternate weekends per trimester (full days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), with four full-time clinical affiliations scheduled Monday through Friday.
- Manual Therapy Oriented: Learn hands-on from expert faculty to integrate manual therapy with critical thinking for patient care.
- Pro Bono PT Clinic: Provide free physical therapy to underserved communities, gaining valuable practical experience.
- Clinical Experiences: Benefit from placements at renowned institutions such as Hospital for Special Surgery, Kessler, New York Presbyterian, Lenox Hill, Helen Hayes, NYU, and more.
- Diverse Student Community: Foster a collaborative learning environment through ongoing interaction with faculty and peers.
- Cadaver Dissections: Enhance your education with full cadaver dissections, providing a deeper understanding of human anatomy.
- Mission Trip Opportunities: Serve on a mission trip to Guatemala, delivering PT services to those in need.
For detailed admission requirements, please visit the PTCAS Directory page for Dominican University New York.
Apply Early to Improve Your Chances!
Admissions Dates for ’24-‘25:
Early Decision Deadline: 9/15/24
- Preferential decisions for those eager to apply to the program
- Application must be VERIFIED by PTCAs by the deadline
Early Decision Interview: Late September, 2024
Early Decision Notification: October 1st, 2024
Regular Deadline: February 17, 2025
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree must be completed before matriculating into the DPT program, though applicants may apply with a pending degree. The degree must be conferred prior to enrollment. Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapy curriculum, students will be awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
Applying
All candidates must apply online utilizing the APTA’s Centralized Application Service which can be accessed here: http://ptcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
Prerequisites
The following 11 prerequisites must be completed prior to admission to the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Coursework older than 10 years will expire and will not be accepted
Example: If you begin classes in May 2025, coursework completed before Spring 2015 will not be accepted. However, coursework from Spring 2015 onward will be accepted.
UPDATES – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
* All prerequisite science courses will be accepted online if taken in 2020 and 2021. They must still be 4 credits with a lab.
Any prerequisite course taken in Spring 2020 that transitioned to a pass/fail system will be accepted for up to a maximum of 2 courses.
Required Prerequisites (11)
| * Science (on campus only) | Credits | Lab | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 2 | Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 3 | Biology 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 4 | Biology 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 5 | Chemistry 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 6 | Chemistry 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 7 | Physics 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 8 | Physics 2 | 4 | Yes |
| Below can be online credits | |||
| 9 | Psychology 1 | 3 | N/A |
| 10 | Psychology 2 | 3 | N/A |
| 11 | Statistics | 3 | N/A |
| Total | 41 |
Prerequisite courses are offered by Dominican University in either the traditional semester-based weekday schedule or some may be offered on campus as a Weekend College format. Although the prerequisite courses may be taken at other accredited colleges or universities, preference for admission to the Physical Therapy Program is given to the most qualified applicants who have taken 30 or more credits at Dominican. The overall grade point average, as well as in the prerequisites grade point average must be at least a 3.0 with no course grade lower than a C. * Prior to applying, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED you place your prerequisite courses in an online GPA calculator to see if you would meet the prerequisite minimum GPA requirement. A 3.0 G.P.A. is also required for the last 60 credits of the student’s most recent coursework as a whole. Applicants whose native language is not English must obtain a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.) or 213 on the computer-based T.O.E.F.L. (C.B.T.). The post-baccalaureate student who has satisfied the prerequisites can apply through PTCAS.org to the Physical Therapy Program. Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapy curriculum, the student will be awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Voluntary/Work Clinical Experience
In addition to the prerequisite courses, all applicants must document a total of 60 hours of voluntary or work experience in settings where a licensed physical therapist is employed. These hours must be completed in diverse healthcare settings providing exposure to therapeutic intervention across the life span. While 60 clinical experience hours are mandatory, it is recommended to complete 100 hours.
This chart highlights key outcomes for the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, showcasing the program’s success in areas such as graduation rates, employment, licensure, and board exam performance. The data reflects the strong and consistent performance of our graduates across both years, with impressive results in each category
| Outcomes | Graduating Class 2022 | Graduating Class 2023 | 2022-2023 Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Class Size | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| % Graduates | 97% | 92% | 95% |
| Employed 6 months post-graduation | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Ultimate Licensure Exam Rate | 96% | 100% | 98% |
| First Time board pass rate | 88% | 96% | 92% |
May I meet with an adviser?
Our Physical Therapy faculty and staff are available for counseling appointments, either in person or by phone. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Please email annemarie.lee@duny.edu with your specific questions, as well as your preferred days and times for availability.
What do I do once I’m accepted?
To confirm your place in the program, please sign and return your acceptance letter along with a $500 non-refundable deposit (which will be applied toward tuition). Additional information about the program, including details on faculty, books, curriculum, schedules, and more, will be provided during orientation.
Do you offer Info Sessions? When is the next event scheduled?
The University holds many Info Sessions throughout the year. Physical Therapy faculty will be available to answer questions on admissions, prerequisites, and the program. You can see the full list of upcoming opportunities at duny.edu/visit. The Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty are also available for those who cannot attend Ihe info Sessions. For additional information, please email annemarie.lee@duny.edu.
Dominican University offers a variety of tracks and learning opportunities to best prepare a student to be eligible to apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The chart below gives a brief overview of similarities and differences for tracks within the college and for external applicants to best prepare you for how and when to apply. Please visit the individual programs on the Dominican University website for further information.
| Dominican University Programs that lead to Physical Therapy (Internal Applicant) | External Submissions (External Applicant) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 + 3 (BA in Biology: Pre-Med) | Health Sciences: Pre PT track | Pre- PT: Biology | Traditional | |
| Degree(s) Conferred | Bachelors of Arts in Biology Doctorate of Physical Therapy | Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences | Bachelors of Science in Biology | Bachelors of Arts or Science |
| When to Apply | High School | High School or Declare by Sophomore Year | High School or Declare by Sophomore Year | High School or Declare by Sophomore Year |
| Initial Requirements | High School GPA: ≥ 3.3 SAT: ≥ 1150 4 years of science (Bio, Chem, Physics, A andards are met | Yes if DC student | Yes if DC student | No |
| Total Credits | 120 undergraduate | 125 undergraduate | 120 undergraduate | Varies |
| Curriculum Sequence | See college catalog for specific sequence | See college catalog for specific sequence | See college catalog for specific sequence | Varies All prerequisites must be completed |
| Dominican University Physical Therapy Program Requirements That All Applicants Must Meet | DPT Prerequisites (11) Clinical Observation hours: (minimum 60, recommend > 100) 3 Letters of Recommendation (1 PT, 1 Professor, 1 duplicate or other healthcare professional) Essay Extracurricular Activities, Achievements, Community service GRE Highly Recommended | DPT Prerequisites (11) Clinical Observation hours: (minimum 60, recommend > 100) 3 Letters of Recommendation (1 PT, 1 Professor, 1 duplicate or other healthcare professional) Essay Extracurricular Activities, Achievements, Community service GRE Highly Recommended | DPT Prerequisites (11) Clinical Observation hours: (minimum 60, recommend > 100) 3 Letters of Recommendation (1 PT, 1 Professor, 1 duplicate or other healthcare professional) Essay Extracurricular Activities, Achievements, Community service GRE Highly Recommended | DPT Prerequisites (11) Clinical Observation hours: (minimum 60, recommend > 100) 3 Letters of Recommendation (1 PT, 1 Professor, 1 duplicate or other healthcare professional) Essay Extracurricular Activities, Achievements, Community service GRE Highly Recommended |
| Who to Contact | Veronica Glynn veronica.glynn@airllevant.com Tel: 845-848-6006 | Pamela Story pamela.story@airllevant.com Tel: 845-848-6039 | Veronica Glynn veronica.glynn@airllevant.com Tel: 845-848-6006 | N/A |
UPDATES – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
* All prerequisite science courses will be accepted online if taken in 2020 and 2021. They must still be 4 credits with a lab.
Any prerequisite course taken in Spring 2020 that transitioned to a pass/fail system will be accepted for up to a maximum 2 courses.
Required Prerequisites (11)
| * Science (on campus only) | Credits | Lab | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 2 | Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 3 | Biology 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 4 | Biology 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 5 | Chemistry 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 6 | Chemistry 2 | 4 | Yes |
| 7 | Physics 1 | 4 | Yes |
| 8 | Physics 2 | 4 | Yes |
| Below can be online credits | |||
| 9 | Psychology 1 | 3 | N/A |
| 10 | Psychology 2 | 3 | N/A |
| 11 | Statistics | 3 | N/A |
| Total | 41 |
Contact us:
Annemarie Lee
Administrative Assistant & DPT Operations Coordinator
Tel: 845-848-6049
annemarie.lee@duny.edu
http://duny.edu/physical-therapy/doctor-physical-therapy-program/
Apply Early to Improve Your Chances!
Admissions Dates for ’24-‘25:
Early Decision Deadline: 9/15/24
- Preferential decisions for those eager to apply to the program
- Application must be VERIFIED by PTCAs by the deadline
Early Decision Interview: Late September, 2024
Early Decision Notification: October 1st, 2024
Regular Deadline: February 17, 2025
All candidates must apply online utilizing the APTA’s Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
For more information regarding Dominican University New York on PTCAs please see our program information here: http://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/DUNY.aspx
Once your application is processed and verified by PTCAS, the Admissions Committee will review it. If you experience any issues with PTCAS, please contact PTCAS Customer Service directly at ptcasinfo@ptcas.org or by phone at (617) 612-2040, rather than reaching out to the DPT program at Dominican University New York.
Apply to Dominican University New York’s Physical Therapy program via PTCAS here: http://ptcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $1,190 per credit |
| Graduate Audit Fee: | $750 per course |
| General Fees: non-refundable | |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Registration: Full-time (more than 12 credits) | $475 per term |
| Registration Part-time | $220 per term |
| Replacement of I.D. cards: | $20 |
| Graduation Fee: | $300 |
| In addition to the general tuition and fees described above, students should anticipate the following estimate of annual expenses associated with attending the College during the current Academic Year. | |
| Books | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $1,700 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,950 |
Benefits for Veterans
We Honor Our Veterans
Dominican University is proud to be a military-friendly institution, offering strong support for veterans and their families. If you have served, we thank you for your dedication—please reach out to learn more about our programs, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To learn more please click here
MBA Pathway for DPT students
Do you plan to manage a physical therapy practice or a hospital department? In today’s competitive job market, you need an edge. Understanding the fundamentals of financial management, and organizational practices are essential.
Our DPT program will prepare you for the real world while also offering you the opportunity to continue your education with a Dominican University MBA in Healthcare. Completing both degrees will give you the skillset for successfully integrating health care and business.
The MBA Pathway for DPT students provides successful graduates of our DPT program with the following benefits:
- Up to 6 credits of advance standing towards an MBA in Healthcare
- The option to earn an additional 6 MBA credits while still enrolled in the DPT
- Expedited admissions
- No GMAT
- No application fee
Clinical Education
Clinical Education is a significant and critical component of the professional physical therapy curriculum. It allows students to observe and be mentored by expert clinicians working in their respective specialized clinical settings. Dominican University has developed more than 500 clinical relationships with a wide variety of carefully selected well respected local, regional, and national facilities.
The physical therapy curriculum provides four full-time clinical experiences throughout the 10 trimesters, totaling 36 weeks. During these four blocks of clinical practice, each student will have experiences with patients/clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings that encompass a range of conditions from acute to chronic. The student’s clinical education experiences will provide them with the entry-level knowledge and skills they need in the general practice of physical therapy.
Additional Resources
We offer clinical experiences at the following institutions:
Our Location
The University is located in Rockland County, NY, just 17 miles north of New York City, and 3 miles north of Bergen County, NJ.
If you’d like to visit the campus and meet the faculty, please choose from among our many visiting opportunities.
Alumni Testimonials
"The decision to pursue my goals at Dominican University was nothing short of a touchdown"
Leigh Weiss - Assistant Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist, New York Giants
Meet Our Faculty
Meet the expert faculty behind Dominican University New York’s DPT Program, all of whom actively practice in the field. Four faculty members are FAAOMPT-certified, with over 10 holding board certifications in various specialties, along with numerous additional professional certifications across the team.
Emil Euaparadorn
Director of Physical Therapy Program and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
emil.euaparadorn@duny.eduOffice: (845) 848-6048
Read Bio
Mark Amir
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
mark.amir@duny.eduOffice: 845-848-6045
Read Bio
Stephen Rodriguez
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
stephen.rodriguez@duny.eduOffice: (845) 848-6047
Read Bio
Karl Rusch, PT, DSc, DPT, ATC, CMPT, COMT, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
karl.rusch@duny.eduOffice: (845) 848-6046
Read Bio
Meet Our Administrative Team
Annemarie Lee
Administrative Assistant & DPT Operations Coordinator
annemarie.lee@duny.eduOffice: 845-848-6049
Speak to us about applying to the Physical Therapy program at Dominican University today!
Inquiries
Contact us today for more information about the Physical Therapy Program at Dominican University.
Janet Barron
Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions
Phone: 845-848-7908
Email: janet.barron@duny.edu
Graduate Program Info Session
Applications
The Department of Physical Therapy at Dominican University participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, please visit the PTCAS web site.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Dominican University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call please call 845-848-6049 or email Emil.Euaparadorn@duny.edu.