Why Choose OHIO PT?

Group of physical therapy students

Unsurpassed Quality. Outstanding Value

The Department of Physical Therapy in Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions is a leader in PT education. The OHIO Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was the first DPT program at a state institution in Ohio. Graduates can be proud to say that they completed a program with a first-time pass rate on the national exam that is higher than state and national norms. Our program is ranked in the top 25% of Physical Therapy programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is the most affordable in the state. Our combination of unsurpassed quality, reasonable tuition rates and graduate assistantships combine to make our program one of the best values in the country. We offer three Physical Therapy graduate programs: Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT-PhD, and Physical Therapy Residency.

WHY WE STAND OUT

Overview

  • 99.3% first time licensure exam (NPTE) pass rate over the last 15 years.
  • Most affordable program in Ohio
  • State of the art facilities and equipment for student learning, research, and clinical experiences. The faculty research labs and offices are located within the department
  • A curriculum designed to prepare competent physical therapists able to employ critical decision-making skills and evidence-based practice for optimal patient care.

Clinical Education

  • We have exceptional clinical education affiliations across the country representing geographic diversity and practice setting variety in both rural and urban locations.

Research

  • Many students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors in their research labs and have opportunities to present their own research at local, state, and national conferences.

Graduate Assistantships

  • We offer about 5 GA/TA positions per class depending upon funding. Typically, about 65% of our students receive financial assistance through the university such as scholarships, GA (through PT or other departments), or hourly employment.
  • GA/TA positions benefits include a tuition waiver and stipend during the semesters that students are on campus.

Faculty

  • A diverse, talented and highly qualified faculty that include basic researchers, clinical faculty who are active clinically, and board-certified faculty in orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, and sports.

Service Learning and Professional Development Portfolio

  • The Professional Development Portfolio is a curricular requirement that provides students with the opportunity to develop both professional and technical skills in the context of service-learning.
  • Our students work with a variety of community partners, including OHIO ROTC, Vinton County Help Me Grow and Parkinson's Exercise Project (PEP!), to name a few.

WHY STUDENTS COME TO OHIO UNIVERSITY

Faculty

  • “I like the professors and how they care about our learning and are always trying to help as opposed to being only focused on tests and grades. Very approachable.” –Zach Kushner 1st year physical therapy student.

Community

  • “Of all the schools I interviewed at I felt the most welcomed here. I felt like they cared about me as an applicant and they genuinely wanted to know if the program was a right fit for me.” –Shane Boehler 1st year physical therapy student.

Reputation

  • “I worked as an aide at a clinic and my bosses there told me OU grads were their favorite PTs to hire and to have for clinicals. They said OU students were more prepared than even the big name DPT programs.” –Abby Saner 1st year physical therapy student.

Preparation

  • “OU’s results on the NPTE in recent years were some of the best I saw. I knew I’d be getting a top level education here. Not to mention the campus and surrounding Hocking Hills region is beautiful.” –Dean Ohde 1st year physical therapy student.

Cost

  • “I chose OU because the out-of-state cost for OU’s PT program is more affordable than the instate cost of many PT schools. I liked how I could apply for in-state status after one year of living in Athens. Not only is the program affordable, but OU also is a top ranking PT program.” –Camden White 3rd year physical therapy student.

Opportunities

  • “I chose OU because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and the opportunities that are offered here. Numerous GA positions available, multiple scholarship opportunities, elective specialization courses, and the Botswana Rehabilitation Services Program were all factors that made my decision easy.” – Adam Paynter 3rd year physical therapy student.