Education
100%
employment rate for grads passing NPTE
For grads seeking employment over last four years
92%
first-time pass rate on NPTE exam
for 2023
97%
Graduation rate for Class of 2023
98.5%
overall NPTE exam pass rate
As reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for 2024.
The Student Experience
Recent graduates of the MUSC DPT program reflect on their experience.
About the Program
The 8-semester DPT program is offered in both a residential and hybrid format. The curriculum begins with foundational learning and progresses to clinical coursework with opportunities for community-based service and interprofessional learning embedded throughout. The curriculum then culminates in a series of clinical practicums that allow students to pursue their passions.
Residential DPT
Our Residential DPT program offers a more traditional experience with in-person classes taken on our campus in Charleston, SC.
Hybrid DPT
Our Hybrid DPT program offers a flexible learning experience with classes taken online - both synchronously and asynchronously. Students visit our hybrid campus in Charleston, SC several times each semester for immersive lab experiences.
About the Profession
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. They help people understand their bodies so that they can manage health conditions and prevent mobility loss before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
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.
MUSC Physical Therapy Residency Programs
Open Physical Therapy Residency Positions
- Geriatric Residency at MUSC
- Neurologic Residency at MUSC
- Orthopedic Residency at MUSC (Ashley Avenue Clinic)
- Orthopedic Residency at MUSC (West Ashley Clinic)
Why choose a residency?
As a resident, learning and honing your craft in your specialty area is your job. Through full-time employment, combined with independent didactic study, one-to-one mentorship from board-certified professionals, and both hands-on and online learning, you'll gain advanced clinical abilities in patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. 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.
Advance your practice through networking opportunities in addition to teaching and learning with peers who share similar goals and interests. Residency graduates will be prepared and qualified to sit for their board certification exam in their residency area.
About MUSC
MUSC has a rich 40+ year history of educating physical therapists at the entry- and post-professional levels. Our academic and clinical faculty have many years of clinical and educational experience in various specialties, holding board certifications in geriatric, orthopedic, neurological, and pediatric physical therapy.
Geriatric Residency
The program aims to elevate practice promoting optimal aging and improving the health of older adults through movement. The program is holistic by including the social determinants of health and integrating best practices understanding the role of the interprofessional team.
Neurologic Residency
The MUSC program also includes topics designed to improve all aspects of being a therapist, including neuroplasticity and motor learning, movement analysis, statistical interpretation, business management, professionalism, cultural competency, and teaching and learning theory.
Orthopedic Residency
Our program is dedicated to shaping the next generation of orthopedic clinical specialists. We focus on developing reflective practitioners who leverage the latest evidence to deliver exceptional patient care, optimize functional outcomes, and ensure financial sustainability. Dive deep into comprehensive training that covers every body region, with a strong emphasis on assessment and clinical reasoning.
Pediatric Residency
The program aims to develop reflective practitioners who constantly seek evidence to promote and provide excellent child and family-integrated care, optimize functional outcomes and life’s participation, utilize financial and physical resources efficiently, and strive for lifelong learning.
Division of Occupational Therapy
4
Faculty Fellows of the AOTA*
*American Occupational Therapy Association
#15
Occupational Therapy Program
As reported by U.S. News & World Report.
The MUSC Division of Occupational Therapy is among the nation's finest, ranked in the top 10% of occupational therapy programs by U.S. News and World Report. The division offers an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate in two formats, residential and hybrid, as well as a post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PPOTD) for practicing occupational therapists.
About the Profession
Occupational therapists (OT) are motivated and creative problem solvers who like working with people and translating scientific knowledge into everyday practicalities. They are collaborators who bring about desired change and attainment of meaningful goals.
Accreditation
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301)652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.The MUSC Hybrid OTD Program received ACOTE approval to offer a hybrid format in September 2024.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). NBCOT Exam Data is available for ELOTD classes through 2023. Passing the NBCOT Certification Examination is necessary, but each state may have additional requirements for state licensure. You can find information about state licensure here. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.