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Health and Medical Sciences
physical therapy
Undergraduate
B.S./D.P.T.

Physical Therapy

Seton Hall University offers a dual degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This new six-year (3+3) program begins freshman year and offers the biology/physical therapy major an opportunity to study in a traditional liberal arts environment as well as in diverse clinical settings.

When students are accepted into the dual degree track, the Bachelor of Science in Biology is awarded at the completion of four years of study and the Doctor of Physical Therapy is awarded at the completion of the sixth year of study.

Physical therapists are healthcare practitioners who diagnose and treat patients and clients with and without medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in daily life. By examining and assessing individuals of all ages, physical therapists can determine barriers to optimal movement and develop a plan of care to promote ideal function, to reduce pain, and to prevent the onset and progression of disability or changes in physical function and health status. Physical therapists evaluate movement dysfunction and use various interventions to gain results. Interventions include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, biophysical agents and patient education. 

Physical therapists may also specialize in one or more distinct areas of practice, including cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports physical therapy. Physical therapy practice is centered on patient care and may include education, research and administrative activities. Although a large number of physical therapists work in hospitals, how more than 60 percent can be found in private physical therapy offices, community health centers, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities, research institutions, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, pediatric centers, and colleges and universities.

Curriculum

All students in this program must fulfill the core requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the departmental requirements for a bachelor's degree in biology and the requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Advisors will assist students in planning a course of study to complete the program within the required time frame.

Note: Students must adhere to the requirements outlined in the Catalogue according to their year of matriculation.

B.S. in Biology

The biology major at Seton Hall University provides a strong foundation in the modern sciences, including cellular/molecular, organism and population biology, as well as chemistry and physics. Students will build a repertoire of essential and advanced laboratory skills. Experiential learning is encouraged through independent study, laboratory research and working off campus in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related industries. Laboratory research can be used to fulfill the Biology Honors Program requirements.
Learn more about the B.S. in Biology »

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

The Seton Hall University DPT program provides exceptional integrated learning experiences for students. The breadth and depth of the DPT curriculum, which highlights the integration of foundational sciences, clinical practice, professional roles and expectations, and servant leadership, allow students to acquire the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to enter a variety of practice settings. The academic and clinical coursework emphasizes the application of theory and research to practice, with emphasis on the human movement system and collaboration within inter- and intra-professional teams. The learning spaces and laboratories are consistent with contemporary PT practice and research settings and promote teaching and learning outside of the classroom. Throughout the first year, students will gain essential introductory knowledge and skills presenting contemporary physical therapy practice. The second year of the curriculum emphasizes the advancement of understanding as to how physical therapists engage in the diagnostic and management processes necessary for effective patient/client management across the continuum of care. The final professional year is directed toward mastering entry-level clinical skills for effective evidence-based practice.

Seton Hall's interprofessional approach means DPT students often work alongside those studying occupational therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology and other related fields.
Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy »

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) at Seton Hall University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085, email: [email protected]. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (973) 275-2051 or email [email protected].

The program's accreditation has been granted for a period of ten (10) years effective November 17, 2010.

Program Faculty

The faculty in our internationally recognized research and teaching programs are committed to guiding students to success. Seton Hall is a Catholic University where great thinkers do more than think.They teach.

View a full listing of all Arts and Sciences faculty »
View a full listing of all Health and Medical Sciences faculty »

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As one of the country's leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Seton Hall is a place that nurtures compassionate leaders who are prepared to make a difference in the world.

Seton Hall offers all the advantages of a large research university -a national reputation; challenging academic programs; notable alumni; state-of-the-art facilities; renowned faculty; and extensive opportunities for internships, research and scholarship -with all the benefits of a small, supportive and nurturing environment.

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