Division of Physical Therapy
Empower movement and wellness through top-ranked physical therapy education, clinical excellence, and innovative research that transforms lives and practice.
Ranked
#22
physical therapy program
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
2
Doctor of Physical Therapy program formats
4
Physical Therapy residency programs
98.5%
overall NPTE exam pass rate
As reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for 2024.
The MUSC Division of Physical Therapy is among the top programs in the nation, ranked in the top 10% of physical therapy programs by U.S. News & World Report. The division offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in two formats, residential and hybrid, as well as four residency programs for practicing physical therapists.
About the Profession
What does a physical therapist (PT) do?
PTs examine, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and function daily. After an examination, they develop an individualized plan using research-based and clinically proven treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
PTs help people understand their bodies so that they can manage health conditions. They also work with individuals to prevent mobility loss before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. PTs refer to and collaborate with other health professionals to help their patients achieve optimum mobility and quality of life.
What settings do physical therapists work in?
PTs provide individualized care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and skilled nursing facilities.
Physical Therapy Career Outlook
Physical therapy consistently ranks among the most satisfying careers, according to U.S. News & World Report. In 2026, it ranked as the No. 14 Best Health Care Job, and No. 37 in the 100 Best Jobs. Many physical therapists (PTs) find great satisfaction in helping individuals move forward with their daily lives after an illness, injury, or surgery. They may also enjoy problem-solving to help create the best outcome for their patients and the option to specialize in a specific patient population like pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological conditions, or sports medicine.
In 2024, the median annual wage for physical therapists (PTs) was $101,020. The employment outlook is promising, with projected growth of 11 percent from 2024 to 2034. This growth rate is significantly faster than the average for other occupations, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries for PTs can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and place of employment.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
If you’re ready to start planning your future as a physical therapist here is a look at the process.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A specific major is not typically required, but rigorous science coursework is recommended. Students also need to complete the required prerequisite coursework for their program, or programs, or interest.
- Shadow or observe a PT to gain a better understanding of the profession and show the programs you’re applying to that you’re committed.
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, like MUSC’s DPT program.
- After graduating, take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and complete any licensure requirements for the state you live in.
- Now that you’re licensed, consider a specialty with additional education like a residency program.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
Since 1973, MUSC has been a leader in physical therapy education, known for excellence in education, research, leadership, and service. Today, the program is offered in two formats.
Physical Therapy Residency Programs
A residency promotes lifelong learning among the residency graduates through preparation to assume a leadership role in the treatment of patients as well as educating and training other health care providers.
Pediatric Residency
Make a lasting impact for children and families. Build reflective, evidence-based practice skills that enhance outcomes, participation, and whole-family care.
physical therapy pediatric residency
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Neuroligic Residency
Strengthen every dimension of your practice, from neuroplasticity and movement analysis to business strategy, cultural competence, and leadership.
physical therapy neurologic residency
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Orthopedic Residency
Step into the next level of orthopedic practice. Build expert assessment skills, sharpen clinical reasoning, and use evidence to drive better outcomes for every patient.
physical therapy orthopedic residency
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Geriatric Residency
Prepare to lead in healthy aging. This holistic residency advances movement-based care, addresses social determinants, and builds interprofessional skills to improve older adults’ lives.
physical therapy geriatric residency
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PT News & Stories
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CARES Therapy Clinic
The student-run CARES Therapy Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on, service-learning experience while providing pro-bono occupational therapy services to patients the Charleston area.
Division of Physical Therapy Faculty
Residential DPT Faculty
Sara Kraft, PT, DPT, NCS
DPT Residential Program Director
kraftsv@musc.edu , 843-792-0091
Jesse C. Dean, Ph.D.
Co-Director Health & Rehabilitation Science Ph.D. Program
Cynthia B. Dodds, PT, Ph.D., PCS
Associate Professor
doddscb@musc.edu , 843-792-5731
Caitlin Keller, PT, DPT, M.Ed.
Instructor
kellerca@musc.edu , 843-792-1444
Sarah Elder, PT, DPT, NCS
Instructor, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute
elders@musc.edu
Victoria Harris, PT, DPT
Instructor
wilsotar@musc.edu , 843-792-2272
Brigid Lucas, PT, DPT, NCS
Instructor
kelleybr@musc.edu , 843-876-6272
Kenneth Miller, PT, DPT, MA
Assistant Professor
milleken@musc.edu , 843-792-9894
Eric Monsch, PT, DPT, NCS
Assistant Professor
monsch@musc.edu , 843-792-1628
Nick Orton, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor, Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Bryant A. Seamon, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Division of Physical Therapy
843-792-6473 , seamon@musc.edu
Gretchen A. Seif, PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, FAAOMPT
Gretchen Seif, PT, DPT, has over 25 years experience working with individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction as a clinician in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. She is an Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, teaching in the musculoskeletal lab series. She also serves as the faculty co-coordinator of the MUSC student-run interprofessional free PT/OT clinic. She received her BS in Physical Therapy from the Ohio State University in 1993, her Master’s in Health Sciences from MUSC in 1997, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009 from Regis University. She also maintains a current clinical practice.
Jodie Smith, PT, DPT, COMT, OCS
Instructor
rushjm@musc.edu
Hybrid DPT Faculty
Megan Donaldson, PT, Ph.D., FAAOMPT
Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Director, Division of Physical Therapy
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy - Hybrid
Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions
Director, Division of Physical Therapy
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy - Hybrid
Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions
Megan Donaldson, PT, Ph.D., FAAOMPT, is a highly accomplished physical therapy professional with 24 years of experience, including 17 years in education. She is a tenured professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Her expertise includes leading the Department of Rehabilitation and managing faculty teams for occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP), thereby playing a vital role in shaping the future of rehabilitation education. She was also the inaugural founding program director of the Tufts Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Boston, MA.
Dr. Donaldson’s clinical background includes running a private practice and serving as a senior therapist and team leader in hospital-based outpatient and home health settings. She has maintained a pro bono clinical role at a local clinic for the past 10 years. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), she is dedicated to clinical excellence and maintaining the highest standards in manual therapy. Her commitment to advancing the profession is demonstrated through her completion of the Higher Education Leadership Fellowship, offered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in 2021.
She actively contributes to scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and presentations. Her research focuses on musculoskeletal health, patient-centered care, manual therapy, educational practices, and leadership topics both nationally and internationally. Dr. Donaldson has a broad scope of service at the state and national levels, including roles as delegate and chief delegate for the Ohio Chapter of the APTA. She holds numerous national service and board positions and is currently serving as the president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.
Links
Steven Dischiavi, PT, DPT, Ph.D., SCS
Associate Professor, Hybrid DPT Program, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Meredith Flowers, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Hybrid DPT Program, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
David Griswold, Ph.D., DPT
Associate Professor, Hybrid DPT
854-204-9145 , griswoda@musc.edu
Thomas Longbottom, PT, DPT, NCS-Emeritus
Associate Professor, Hybrid DPT
843-405-0982 , longbott@musc.edu
Sean McBride, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Hybrid DPT
854-204-9201 , mcbridse@musc.edu
Jennifer Parent-Nichols, DPT, Ed.D.
Professor, Hybrid DPT
Michael (Mike) Richardson, PT, DPT, DHSc
Associate Professor, Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Ronald Schenk, PT, Ph.D.
Professor, Hybrid DPT
843-405-0655 , schenkr@musc.edu
René Thomas, PT, DPT, DHSc, CLT-LANA
Assistant Professor, Hybrid DPT
854-204-9270 , thomare1@musc.edu
Mark Wilhelm, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Hybrid DPT
Our Staff
Holly Herzig-Mack
Administrative Coordinator, Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Kayla Westbrook
Administrative Coordinator, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina 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. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 843-792-3326 or email chp-recruit@musc.edu.
For questions or concerns about the program's accreditation or to make any reports to CAPTE, please visit their site.
This accreditation means that our degree program meets or exceeds established national standards for a professional program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Whereas accreditation applies to training programs, licensure applies to individuals. Our program prepares students for and makes them eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), which all individuals must pass in order to practice physical therapy. Passing the licensure exam is necessary, but it may not be sufficient to practice physical therapy in a given state. You can find additional requirements for practicing physical therapy in each state at the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Outcomes
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will welcome its first hybrid format cohort in fall 2025. Outcome data will be available for the first cohort after they graduate in May 2028.
The proven success of the residential program's curriculum is reflected in exceptional student outcomes. Our national licensure board exam passing rates range from 98-100%, and graduates are well-prepared for physical therapy practice, with 100% securing employment within the first year and some opting for residency education, clinical specialization, or advanced certifications.
Graduation Rates
The two-year average graduate rate for the class of 2023 and 2024 was 96.3%
| Year | Students Entering | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 68 | 66 | 97.1% |
| 2023 | 68 | 65 | 95.6% |
| 2022 | 68 | 66 | 97.1% |
| 2021 | 64 | 61 | 95.3% |
| 2020 | 64 | 62 | 96.9% |
| 2019 | 64 | 63 | 98.4% |
| 2018 | 63 | 61 | 96.8% |
NPTE Pass Rates
The success of the residential program’s curriculum is evident in exceptional student outcomes. Our National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) passing rates range from 98-100%, and graduates are well-prepared for physical therapy practice.
The two-year average NPTE pass rate for the class of 2023 and 2024 was 99.25%.
| Year | First-time Pass Rate | Overall Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 89.4% | 98.5% |
| 2023 | 92.3% | 100% |
| 2022 | 92.5% | 100% |
| 2021 | 93.4% | 100% |
| 2020 | 95.2% | 98.4% |
| 2019 | 90.5% |
100% |
Employment Rates
The two-year average employment rate for the class of 2023 and 2024 was 100%.
| Year | Employment Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% |