Doctor of Physical Therapy coursework and accreditation information

We offer an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree consisting of 100 semester credit hours of professional-level courses taken over six semesters. Our program includes 30 weeks of full-time clinical affiliations and a four-week specialty clinical rotation. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program operates on supersemesters. Fall semesters begin on July 1 and continue through the end of December, and spring semesters run from January to June.

Our students first year includes courses in research, pathology, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, neuroscience and clinical foundations.

During the second year, students will apply material learned in the first year and focus on management of the whole patient with particular emphasis on the examination, evaluation, and intervention of patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and/or cardiopulmonary problems. 

The third year consists of three 10 week clinical rotations and a selective four week rotation.  In addition, there is a short 10 week semester to allow students to bring together concepts learned throughout the program and prepare them to enter the professional world. 

Our faculty are board-certified in a wide variety of specialty areas including clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics and sports physical therapy.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia. 30033-4097, to award certificates and baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. The institution was last reviewed and reaffirmed in 2008. The institution's accreditation extends through 2018, and includes all programs offered on the institution's main campus as well as those offered at all extended program sites.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the Health Science Center. Note: The Commission should only be contacted 1) to learn about the institution's accreditation status, 2) to file a third-party comment at the time of the institution's accreditation review, or 3) to file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. All normal inquiries about admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be addressed directly to the Health Science Center and not the Commission's office.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Handbook

Student handbook click here

For more information about the program or curriculum

Contact the Department of Physical Therapy or see the UT Health San Antonio course catalog.
210-567-8750
ernstg@uthscsa.edu, rangely@uthscsa.edu