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Physical Therapy (PhD)

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Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

Admissions Contact:
Rebecca L. Johnson
(855) 736-5506
RJohnso2@Nova.edu

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Admissions Requirements

Selection of students for the Physical Therapy Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is based on prior academic performance, clinical experiences, and references. We seek students who are critical thinkers and have qualities such as assertiveness, initiative, leadership, self-understanding, openness, and strong communication skills. Students must also be motivated and self-directed. 

Applicants must be graduates from physical therapy schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of physical therapy schools in other countries are also eligible with review of academic credentials by an appropriate agency and review of TOEFL scores.

Applicants must:

  1. Be a graduate of schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of physical therapy schools in other countries are also eligible with review of academic credentials by an appropriate agency (details below) and review of TOEFL scores.
    • A qualified applicant with a master's degree or an entry-level DPT degree is required to complete a course of study with a minimum of 60 credit hours.
    • A qualified applicant with a post professional doctoral (including transitional DPT) degree from a regionally accredited school may transfer up to 6 credit hours.
  2. Completion of The Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) when appropriate.
  3. A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist.

The Dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every student and to modify requirements in unusual circumstances.

Foreign Coursework

Graduate and undergraduate coursework taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by one of the three agencies listed below. You should contact:


  • Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT)
    124 West Street South, 3rd Floor
    Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
    Phone: (703) 684-8406*
    Website: www.fccpt.org

    *This agency specializes in evaluation for U.S. PT licensure. 

  • International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (ICD)
    3600 Market Street, Suite 450
    Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Phone: (215) 243-5858
    Fax: (215) 349-0026
    Website: www.icdeval.com  

     

  • International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
    PO Box 3665
    Culver City, CA 90231-3655, USA
    Phone: (310) 258-9451
    Fax: (310) 342-7086
    Website: www.ierf.org 

For more information, please contact admissions counselor Ms. Rebecca Johnson at rjohnso2@nova.edu or (954) 262-1111.

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