Skip to main content

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Program is designed to foster a student-focused teaching and learning environment. The format encourages students to develop decision-making skills, critical thinking, psychomotor, and social skills. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level autonomous physical therapy practice.

a patient sitting upright on a foam table while the radford student adjusts her back and neck

Why Study Physical Therapy at Radford?

  • Small Class Sizes: 30 students per cohort; 10:1 ratio of core faculty to students; individualized professional advising.
  • Simulation Lab: The Physical Therapy program is integrated with an accredited simulation lab to reinforce the classroom to full-time clinical experiences.
  • Research Opportunities: Students have an opportunity to be involved in conducting original research.
  • Program Outcomes: 100% NPTE pass rate; 100% Employment Rate
  • Affordable Program: The Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program was voted one of the most affordable D.P.T. programs in 2019-2020.
  • Capstone Research: Students collaborate and conduct original research under the guidance of faculty advisers with the goal of peer-reviewed dissemination.

A Career in Physical Therapy

Graduates of the Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy program are prepared to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination required to become licensed practitioners who can practice physical therapy across the continuum of patient care in any US state or jurisdiction.

  •  Mean Annual Wage is $100,440 ($48.29/hour)
  • Median Annual Wage is $99,710 ($47.94/hour)

*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graduates of the program may pursue post-graduate education or advanced specialty training and certification.

Opportunities for Physical Therapy students at Radford

Radford University Student Physical Therapy Association (RUSPTA)

The purpose of RUSPTA is to encourage graduate students to participate in a pre-professional organization that aims to increase awareness of the profession of physical therapy, allow students to develop and practice leadership skills, provide service opportunities within the community, and promote student travel for research presentations. The organization meets once per month during the academic year to discuss a variety of activities such as guest lectures, travel for research, and community outreach. If you are interested in joining, please contact the organization at spta@radford.edu.

Radford University AAOMPT Student Special Interest Group (RUAAOMPT)
The purpose of RUAAOMPT is to serve its members by fostering active student involvement and networking within the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists and developing a community of students committed to the advancement of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Ultimately, RUAAOMPT is geared for developing future leaders not only in the field of orthopedic manual physical therapy, but also in the physical therapy profession as a whole. The organization meets regularly throughout the academic year for Open Lab Days, Integrative Lab Days, and guest speakers.

Radford Physical Therapy at the Bradley Free Clinic
The Radford University Carilion Doctor of Physical Therapy (RUCD.P.T.) Program partnered with the Bradley Free Clinic (BFC) to make an impact on our local community. RUCD.P.T. and the BFC have worked together to provide skilled PT services for the underserved community in Roanoke, VA. RUCDPT has been able to obtain licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) and Student Physical Therapists (SPTs) to volunteer and work together to treat patients. This has been a great opportunity for students to utilize their skills learned in school and seeks to empower patients and improve lives by providing individualized evaluations and treatment sessions, affordable care, and evidence-based practice.

Admissions Requirements

Please visit our PTCAS program page for an overview of our program's requirements.

Candidates who are interested in applying for the next Admissions Cycle (Class of 2027) should apply to the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Services (PTCAS) online.  If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us via email at dpt@radford.edu.

Accreditation

The Department of Physical Therapy at Radford 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

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Radford 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; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 540-831-1880.


Student Outcomes

  1. Practice as licensed, autonomous, entry-level practitioners.
  2. Practice in an ethical and culturally competent manner.
  3. Communicate effectively with the patient, their families, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team.
  4. Supervise, direct, and manage resources to meet efficient and effective patient/client outcomes. 
  5. Integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) throughout the continuum of care team.
  6. Participate in scholarly activities.
  7. Engage in lifelong learning to advance the profession of physical therapy. 

Meeting the program’s expected performance outcomes reflects the mastery and application of the goals of the physical therapy curriculum. Graduates who have met or exceeded the program’s outcome goals will have met the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective requirements of the curriculum. These performance outcomes are entry-level level qualifications for the practice of physical therapy and are required to sit for the national licensure examination in physical therapy.

  2020 2021 2022 2023
Students Enrolled 28 29 30 29
Students Graduated 28 29 30 29
Graduation Rate 100% 100% 100% 100%
First time pass rate licensure exam 100% 100% 96.70% 100%
Ultimate licensure examination passage 100% 100% 100% 100%
Employment Rate 100% 100% 100% 100%

Two-Year Averages

  2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023
First Time Pass Rate 100% 98.31% 98.31%
Ultimate Pass Rate 100% 100% 100%
Graduation Rate 100% 100% 100%
Employment Rate 100% 100% 100%

 

  • 100% graduation rate

    (2021-2022)

  • 98.31% first time pass rate for licensure exam

    (2021-2022)

  • 100% employment rate

    (2021-2022)

D.P.T. students engage in integrated learning experiences that provide hands-on learning experiences in various clinical practice settings which provide safe and realistic opportunities to develop enhanced critical thinking abilities, communication skills, and interprofessional collaboration experience for entry-level physical therapy practice.

physical therapy students gathered looking at a tool used for hand therapy

“I could not have asked for a more complete learning experience. The faculty remained steadfast in their vision to prepare responsive and engaged professionals who lead by example and provide quality patient care. They ensured our learning experience went beyond the classroom. From student-led clubs, clinical research, simulation labs, shadowing opportunities, and trusted clinical partnerships, we as students were provided ample opportunity to explore our unique interests within the field of physical therapy.”

Cameron Brummitt, PT, RUC D.P.T. ‘22
Cam Brummitt

 

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.