About this Career

Physical therapists work directly with people to enhance movement and foster optimal health and functional ability. Patients include those who have sustained injury or illness, have developmental deficits, have age-related problems, or need preventive care.

Physical therapists examine and evaluate patients to determine functional abilities such as walking, work capacity and community activities. They may examine and evaluate strength, sensation, joint mobility, endurance, pain, reflexes and movement skill of patients.

They plan therapy programs that may include exercises to improve functional abilities by increasing strength, endurance, balance, coordination and range of motion.

Interventions also include:

Advanced expertise leads to work in administration, consulting, research and education.

DPT—Doctor of Physical Therapy at Upstate

Professional Doctoral Program

This graduate program takes three years and begins in the summer. Clinical assignments are often available outside the Syracuse area, and are scheduled during the summer after the first and second years and during the spring semester of the third year.

Post Professional Doctoral Program

This program is for U.S. licensed PTs. The core portion of the program is completed in 7 weekends throughout 12 months. Next program begins June 2013. Application Deadline is April 1, 2013.