Redesigned DPT Curriculum for Contemporary Physical Therapy Practice
Beginning Fall 2027, Emory’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program will launch a newly redesigned curriculum that shortens time to degree, reduces overall cost and integrates classroom learning with clinical experiences earlier and more intentionally than ever before. The result is a streamlined, competency-based program that prepares graduates to enter practice sooner without compromising academic rigor or clinical depth. Students can design their own learning opportunities in one of five areas of distinction: research, service learning, business/entrepreneurship, humanities and advocacy.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced tuition
- Earlier workforce entry
- Extensive hands-on clinical experience
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at a Glance
8 semesters
120
Fall Semester
37 weeks of full-time clinical training plus part-time clinical immersion
Excellence in Education. Innovation in Practice
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional doctoral degree that prepares physical therapists to evaluate, diagnose and treat movement-related conditions across the lifespan. Physical therapists are movement experts whose knowledge of human movement and movement dysfunction is unique within health care. As the profession has evolved, physical therapists have assumed expanded roles as autonomous practitioners, collaborative health care team members and advocates for patient-centered, evidence-based care.
Why Choose Emory for Your DPT Degree
Founded in 1972, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Emory University is housed within Emory’s world-class academic medical center and consistently recognized among the top physical therapy programs in the nation. The program combines rigorous academics, extensive clinical education and a collaborative learning environment that reflects the realities of modern healthcare.
DPT Curriculum Overview
The redesigned DPT curriculum integrates foundational science, clinical reasoning and professional development across all semesters. Learning is case-based, hands-on and clinically immersive, supporting early development of clinical reasoning and professional identity. Students also have the ability to gain advanced knowledge in one of five areas of distinction: research, service learning, business/entrepreneurship, humanities and advocacy.
With a streamlined program length, students complete eight semesters of full-time clinical education across diverse practice settings in metropolitan Atlanta, throughout Georgia and select sites nationwide, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for contemporary physical therapy practice.
The redesigned curriculum for the DPT Program is part of the Emory University School of Medicine's education strategic plan to reimagine and transform the curricula for all SOM degree programs. The guiding principles and practices that have been instrumental in moving Emory toward eminence in research and clinical care must also extend to the student experience - including compassion, creativity, innovation, community engagement, data-driven problem-solving and a focus on building connections across disciplines. Emory graduates will continue to be excellent clinicians and scientists, but in today’s environment they must also be able to lead change across health systems and communities.
Admissions Note | Admission to the DPT program is competitive and holistic, with consideration given to academic preparation, exposure to physical therapy practice and personal attributes aligned with compassionate, professional care.