Physical Therapy

Joseph Lorenzetti

erin.sullivan — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:29:41 +0000

Joseph Lorenzetti erin.sullivan

Wed, 08/06/2025 - 14:29

Joseph Lorenzetti

Clinical Associate Professor

Biography

Dr. Lorenzetti earned a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from D’Youville College in 2004, followed by a Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) in 2009 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010 from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Science degree at Bellin College.

Completed an Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship in 2016 and holds Board Certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). In 2021, completed the McKenzie Institute International Diploma Program. Dr. Lorenzetti continues to practice clinically at Catholic Health in West Seneca, NY.

Education & Training

Education

M.S. in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT), Daemen College (2016)
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), University of St. Augustine (2010)
B.S./M.S. in Physical Therapy, D’Youville College (2004 – Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program)

Professional Certifications

Diplomate in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Dip. MDT), McKenzie Institute International (November 2021)
Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), American Physical Therapy Association (June 2018)
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), AAOMPT (May 2016)
Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT), McKenzie Institute International (January 2016)
Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), University of St. Augustine (February 2009)

Research Interests

Contributing to research has been a longstanding area of professional interest. I am particularly curious about how psychosocial factors, patient beliefs, and expectations influence clinical outcomes. These factors have been shown to affect recovery and overall patient well-being. There is an ongoing need to better understand how they can predict outcomes, how to accurately identify them, and how they may influence treatment strategies once identified.

Another area of interest involves the application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) principles to the extremities. Specifically, I aim to further explore the impact of directional preference on muscle inhibition and compare the efficacy of MDT with Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). While directional preference has shown value in guiding treatment, there remains a lack of robust data. I hope to contribute to this field to enhance evidence-based practice and improve patient care.

Publications

Kidd, J. A., Lorenzetti, J. M., Kirby, K. W., Young, J. L., Cleland, J. A., & Schenk, R. J. (2025). Identifying directional preference: A scoping review and thematic analysis of variability and application in musculoskeletal pain research. Physical Therapy, pzaf094.
Schenk, R. J., Lorenzetti, J. M., et al. (2023). Validity of the Yellow Flag Risk Form in people treated for low back pain with Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and the Pain Mechanism Classification System. International Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders, 6(123), Article 2690-0149.
Tata, J., Spoto, S., & Lorenzetti, J. M. (2022). Pain education training in New York State physical therapy programs: What we do well, where the gaps are, and what can be improved. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 20(3).
Roberts, E., Bartz, A., Goodier, S., Warhling, A., Lorenzetti, J. M., & Schenk, R. J. (2020). The influence of centralization and directional preference on spinal control in people with nonspecific neck pain: A single arm clinical trial. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice.
Cooper, R., Evans, S., Lowe, G., Sapere, J., Lorenzetti, J. M., Wolfley, B., & Schenk, R. J. (2020). Psychomotor training for performance of the deep neck flexor test. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, 32(1), 11–14.
Schenk, R. J., Lawrence, H., Lorenzetti, J. M., Marshall, W., Whelan, G., & Zeiss, R. (2016). The relationship between the QTFC and outcomes in patients with low back pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 24(1), 21–25.

Physical Therapy

Joseph Lorenzetti

erin.sullivan — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:46:17 +0000

Joseph Lorenzetti erin.sullivan

Fri, 08/01/2025 - 13:46

Joseph Lorenzetti

Clinical Assistant Professor

Physical Therapy

Elizabeth Horsmon

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:49:53 +0000

Elizabeth Horsmon api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:49

Elizabeth Horsmon, PT, MPT, PCS

Director of Clinical Education
Clinical Assistant Professor

horsmone@dyc.edu

KAB 343

Biography

Professor Horsmon is a core faculty member whose primary teaching responsibilities include PT 509/509L Lifespan Development and PT 602/602L Neurodevelopmental Physical Therapy in Pediatrics. She is well qualified to teach in this content area through her maintenance of APTA certification as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS). In addition to teaching in pediatrics, Professor Horsmon has experience in teaching PT 510/510L Essential Skills II and PT 514 Integumentary in the graduate physical therapy program. Professor Horsmon is also the Assistant Director of Clinical Education with involvement in placing students in clinical experiences and providing faculty oversight for students completing fieldwork. She has had an array of experience with clinical education, including roles as a Clinical Instructor in acute care, subacute rehabilitation, and pediatrics, and as the Clinical Center Coordinator of Education in a Level I trauma center in Camden, NJ.

Education & Training

BS Health Sciences, University of Scranton, 1996
MPT, University of Scranton, 1997
PCS (Pediatric Certified Specialist), ABPTS, 2022

Research Interests

Clinical Education
Torticolis
CIMT (Constraint Induced Movement Therapy)

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0092576

Jeffery Podraza

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:48:35 +0000

Jeffery Podraza api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:48

Jeffery Podraza, PT, Ph.D., M.S., OCS

Clinical Associate Professor

(716) 829-7674

podrazaj@dyc.edu

KAB 320

Biography

Upon completing my undergraduate degree at Daemen University in physical therapy I began clinical practice focused in sports medicine, general orthopedics, and subacute rehabilitation. Soon after, I began a dual Masters degree at the University of Buffalo in Orthopedic Biomechanics and Applied Physiology while completing my ABPTS board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). My masters degree research was focused on mechanisms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury with emphasis on methodological utilization of inverse dynamics, EMG and subsequent filtration techniques to maximize data validity. I continued on at the University of Buffalo to complete a dual Ph.D. in Orthopedic Biomechanics and Physiology while expanding my research focus to assessment and delineation of the non-contact mechanism of Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury and assessment of surgical intervention related to shoulder instability in the throwing athletes. While at D'Youville I have continued my research in lower extremity mechanics while also working to establish a wellness program with Roswell Park Cancer Institute which will incorporate biomechanical assessment of participants as they progress through the program. I have also had the honor to serve as the DPT department program director for the 2022-23 academic year. In addition to my academic and research work, I continue to maintain clinical practice with Catholic Health Systems of Buffalo.

Education & Training

Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, Orthopedic Biomechanics/Physiology, SUNY Buffalo, 2014
Master's Degree, MS, Orthopedic Biomechanics/Applied Physiology, SUNY Buffalo 2008
Bachelor's Degree, PT, Physical Therapy, Daemen College, 2000

Research Interests

Biomechanical assessment of lower extremity mechanics related to three dimensional mechanisms of cruciate ligament injury. Assessment of surgical intervention for shoulder instability in throwing athletes as well as mechanisms of elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury and injury prevention in throwing athletes.

Awards & Honors

Principal Peer Reviewer, American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021 to present.
SUNY Buffalo Carlton Myers Award for Academic Excellence and Research Potential, 2010

Publications

Podraza, J. T., & White, S. C. (2022). Identification of Sex Differences within Lunge Decelerations via Lower Extremity Support Moments; Implications for ACL Injury Disparity, Prevention, and Rehabilitation. Applied Sciences, 12(5), 2616.
Podraza, J. T., White, S. C., & Ramsey, D. K. (2018). Multi-plane, multi-joint lower extremity support moments during a rapid deceleration task: Implications for knee loading. Human Movement Science, 58, 155-164.
Podraza, J. T., & White, S. C. (2012). Posterior Glenohumeral Thermal Capsulorraphy, Capsular Imbrication, and Labral Repair With Complication of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Modified Rehabilitation Approach. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 21(1), 69-78.
Podraza, J. T., & White, S. C. (2010). Effect of knee flexion angle on ground reaction forces, knee moments and muscle co-contraction during an impact-like deceleration landing: implications for the non-contact mechanism of ACL injury. The Knee, 17(4), 291-295.

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0062169

Brian Wrotniak

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:47:42 +0000

Brian Wrotniak api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:47

Brian Wrotniak, PT, PhD

Professor

(716) 829-7719

wrotniak@dyc.edu

KAB 321

Education Training

1992-95 B.S., Biology State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, NY

1995-98 B.S., Physical Therapy Daemen College, Snyder, NY

2001-2004 M.S., Physical Therapy University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN

2002 Graduate Summer Institute of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

2006-09 Ph.D., Epidemiology and Community Health State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0058171

Lynn Rivers

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:47:36 +0000

Lynn Rivers api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:47

Lynn Rivers, PT, PhD

Program Director
Professor

(716) 829-7708

riversl@dyc.edu

KAB 328

Biography

I became a licensed physical therapist in 1986 and worked as a senior PT in the head injury spinal cord injury unit at Erie County Medical Center our level 1 Trauma Center until I accepted a faculty position at D’Youville University in 1991 as the Coordinator for Clinical Education in the physical therapy program. I was elected Chairperson in 2000 and lead the program for over 20 years. I have served our profession for over 25 years in various leadership positions in the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) at the NY state level and as Chief Delegate of APTA-NY on the national level. I am committed to helping eliminate health disparities in the city of Buffalo through my service on the Board of Directors of the Near East and West Side Community Health Task Force of Buffalo.

The focus of my research and service to the University for the last 13 years has been the development of our Interprofessional Education (IPE) Curricula that brings students from all seven of our health profession together to learn on IPE teams three times during their individual programs. We make use of the IPE Simulation Center in the Health Professions Hub for exciting experiential learning threaded throughout the program.

Education & Training

TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer, American Hospital Association, 2019
Ph.D, Educational Leadership and Policy, SUNY at Buffalo, 2004
MS, Human Resource Management, SUNY College at Buffalo, 1995
BS, Physical Therapy, SUNY at Buffalo, 1986
National Trainer, APTA Clinical Instructor Credentialing Program, 1998-2004

Research Interests

I have committed myself in the last 12 years to establishing the Interprofessional Education Collaborative at ��ӰԺ and am continuing to study the educational effectiveness of IPE simulation education to prepare students to become highly effective team members in health care to reduce medical errors and improve patient outcomes.

Awards & Honors

Leslie J. Wood Outstanding Service to Chapter Award, APTA-New York, 2022
Western District, APTA NY Chapter Appreciation Award, 2013
Civic Empowerment Award (15 founding members) of NEWS Community Health Task Force Buffalo NY, 2003.
D’Youville College PT Department Faculty of the Year Award, 2000
Ambassador of Buffalo Award, presented by the City of Buffalo January, 1995.

Publications

Hyland. N ; Vore, M; Chan, C. ;Katz, J ; Rivers, L; Hewson, K. Covid-19 Impact on Students in Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs in New York and New Jersey : Key Issues and Recommended Responses. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 35(4):279-285, December 2021.
Haberstro, P. ; Rivers, L. ; Stottele, M. Regular Physical Activity : A Prescription for Lifelong Health in the Community. (Chapter 12). Obesity and Disease in an Inter-connected World : A systems approach to turn huge challenges into amazing opportunities. Wylie-Rosett, J. ; Jhangiani, S. (Eds). Bentham eBook 2014.
Panzarella, K., Rivers, L, Bright, B., Whelan, M, Butterfoss, K., Russ, L., Case, A., Brian, S., Ferro, H., DeMarco, L., Dunford, D., Schmitz, K., Kittleson, H., Kennedy, M., Brzykcy, D., Pownall, L. & Reddington, M.; Using Actors as Simulated Patients for Interprofessional Education. Medical Science Educator 2013; 23(3S) 438-448.

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0058168

Karen Panzarella

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:47:34 +0000

Karen Panzarella api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:47

Karen Panzarella, PT, PhD

Professor

(716) 829-7835

panzarek@dyc.edu

BFAC 332

Biography

Dr. Panzarella is driven by the crisis of avoidable medical errors leading to the third cause of death in the US and believes that training and education in collaborative care is a worthwhile solution. Her research focuses on interprofessional education through the use of healthcare simulation. She strives to facilitate the transition from the academic world to the real-life clinical environment for optimal patient care and safety utilizing team-based approaches. Dr. Panzarella is a Full Professor at D'Youville, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and a TeamSTEPPS master trainer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, a master’s degree in exercise physiology and a PhD in Educational Psychology all from the University at Buffalo. She has over thirty years of experience as a healthcare clinician, including owning her own private practice and more than twenty years as an educator. She instructs courses in physical therapy education on professional development, advocacy, and aging, and supervises clinical education and practices in subacute rehabilitation.

Education & Training

BS, Physical Therapy, University at Buffalo, 1987
MS, Exercise Physiology, University at Buffalo, 1995
PhD, Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, 2003

Research Interests

Interprofessional Education
Simulation Based Training
Collaborative Practice

Awards & Honors

Woman’s Achievement Zonta Organization of Grand Island; for making a difference in the lives of others
Excellence in Health Care Award Buffalo Business First; extraordinary professionals in medical and health fields from among 86 nominations. (2022)
Distinguished Fellow National Academies of Practice, Physical Therapy (2019)
Stanford Award; American Physical Therapy Association, to recognize the author(s) of a manuscript containing the most influential educational ideas published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education for the calendar year 2016. (2017)
UUP Scholar of the Year, DYouville College (2015)
Faculty of the Year , DYouville College, Physical Therapy (2013)
Social Responsibility Award, American Physical Therapy Association, Combined Sections Meeting (2013)
“40 Under Forty Awards” Business First (1994)

Publications

B., Whelan, M., Butterfoss, K., Russ, L., Case, A., Brian, S., Ferro, H., DeMarco, L., Dunford, D., Schmitz, K., Kittleson, H., Kennedy, M., Brzykcy, D., Pownall, L., and Reddington, M., “Using Actors as Simulated Patients for Interprofessional Education”, Medical Science Educator, October 2013: 23(3S).
Panzarella, K., “The Integrated Standardized Patient Examination”, Directory and Repository of Educational Assessment Measures (DREAM), Association of American Medical College’s (AAMC) MedEdPORTAL (http://www.mededportal.org/dream), Spring 2013.
Silberman, N., Panzarella, K., and Melzer, B., “Using High Fidelity Human Simulation to Prepare Physical Therapy Students for Acute Care Clinical Practice,” Journal of Allied Health, Spring 2013, Vol 42 (1): 25-32.
Panzarella, K., “Beginning with the End in Mind: Evaluating Outcomes of Cultural Competence Instruction in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Programme,” Disability & Research, 1464-5165, Vol. 31 (14), 2009: 1144-1152.
Panzarella, K., and Manyon, A., “Using the Integrated Standardized Patient Examination to Assess Clinical Competence in Physical Therapist Students,” Journal of Physical Therapy Education, Vol. 22 (3), Winter 2008: 24-32.

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0058166

Eric Miller

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:47:31 +0000

Eric Miller api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:47

Eric Miller, PT, DSc, OCS, CertMDT

Associate Professor

(716) 829-7864

millere@dyc.edu

KAB 319

Biography

After graduating from Ithaca College in 1990 with a BS in Physical Therapy I began my career working in out-patient clinical practice and specializing in the management of spinal dysfunction. I obtained a Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment from the McKenzie Institute in 1993. As I moved into academia I completed my MS in General Education from Canisius College (1998) and a DSc in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University (2002). In 2009, I completed Daemen University’s Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy program and became a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. For the past 28 years I have been in charge of the Orthopedic curriculum at ��ӰԺ as an Associate Professor while maintaining part time out patient clinical practice. In addition to my teaching responsibilities I work for the Catholic Health System as a member of their Spine Team. I have been married to my wife Kelly for 28 years and have 4 adult children.

Education & Training

Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, 2009.
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Physical Therapy, Daemen College, 2009.
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialist, 2004-2014.
Doctor of Science in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions 2002
MS in Education, Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, 1998.
Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment Certificate, McKenzie Institute USA, 1993.
BS in Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, 1990.

Research Interests

Current research focus is in the area Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment for the management of cervicogenic headache and neck related dysfunction.

Awards & Honors

Physical Therapy Program Teaching Excellence Award, 1999-00, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2021.
Invited Speaker, DPT White Coat Ceremony Class of 2020(Spring 2019), Class of 2022(Spring 2021).
D’Youville College Faculty Member of the Year Award, 1999-00.
Nominated by graduating physical therapy class to represent the Physical Therapy Department for the Undergraduate Hooding Ceremony 2000,2001, 2002, 2003, & 2004 (selected for Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony 2003 & 2004).

Physical Therapy

Colleague ID

0058164

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

moe — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:02:57 +0000

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) moe

Mon, 10/10/2022 - 17:02

3-Year

103 Credit Hours

Overview

D’Youville University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring the highest standards in professional education. If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree, you can enter our CAPTE-accredited three-year professional program, which spans nine consecutive semesters and leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Designed to develop skilled, compassionate, and evidence-informed clinicians, the program combines traditional coursework with clinical fieldwork, graduate-level research, and online learning. With a curriculum that integrates clinical reasoning, wellness promotion, and culturally responsive care, students are prepared to thrive in diverse settings—from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to schools, sports facilities, and private practices.

Whether you're just starting your journey or transitioning careers, D’Youville’s flexible, student-centered approach empowers graduates to become confident leaders in the evolving field of physical therapy.

Applicants to the doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) must submit a graduate application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) online.

Financial Fact Sheet Physical Therapy Faculty

Accreditation Program Success Rates Technical Standards

Clinical Education Resources Academic Appeals Procedures

Job Titles to Explore

Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
Director of Physical Therapy Services
Entrepreneur / Private Practice Owner
Injury Prevention Specialist

Employment Settings to Explore

Skilled Nursing Facilities
Home Health Agencies
Outpatient Clinics/Private Practice
Acute Care Hospitals
School-Based Settings
Sports Medicine Clinics

Admissions Requirements:

Official academic transcripts from colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate levels
Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program, as shown by a cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 system)
Evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses completed with a grade of B or better with the exception that a maximum of two undergraduate course grades may be a C (C+, C, B-) or better. The applicant must also have a minimum prerequisite G.P.A. of 3.20 or better.
60 hours of volunteer service within a Physical Therapy clinic setting, supervised by a licensed Physical therapist. Required Form (PDF) Return your completed forms to the Physical Therapy Department.

Prerequisite courses equivalent to the following D’Youville courses:

Math and Natural Sciences

Two 3-credit courses in human-based science or applied science courses
One course in human anatomy with lab
One course in human physiology with lab — may be two courses in human anatomy with physiology with labs
Two courses in chemistry with labs
Two courses in physics with labs
One semester of statistics

Social and Behavioral Sciences

One course in psychology

$101,020

Median Wage for Physical Therapists in 2024
14%

National Job Growth Projected by 2033
103

Credits
In Person

Modality

Alumni Testimonial

Launch Your Career with Confidence

Elizabeth Horsmon, PT, MPT, PCS

Director of Clinical Education/Clinical Assistant Professor

Before I became a full-time faculty member here, I would take D'Youville students into the clinic with me, and I found that, compared to students from other schools, D'Youville students are being trained to be very good clinicians. They excel at soft skills with patients, such as communication and developing rapport and trust. They’re also very strong in treatment planning and everything that comes with it. I was excited to have the opportunity to work at D'Youville and help train our future physical therapy clinicians.

Careers

Our program prepares you for general physical therapy practice where you’ll work to improve movement with patients whose functionality is impaired by injuries or disease.

A Physical Therapist's Role

Your role as a practicing physical therapist will be to help your patients regain strength and function, improve mobility, relieve their pain, and prevent or limit the scope or impact of physical disabilities on their lives and their health.

In clinical settings you’ll work with patients to assess their physical functions in the context of their medical history and social support. You’ll also test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function in order to establish baselines for therapy.

Finally, as a physical therapist you’ll also help your patients after they leave your care by prescribing therapeutic exercise in order to improve the quality of their lives.

Specializations

The preparation you receive at D’Youville will qualify you to begin your professional career as a physical therapist in almost any healthcare setting. However, while many of our graduates enjoy fulfilling careers in general practice, many others choose to specialize in areas such as:

Orthopedics: focusing on the treatment and correction of functional impairments or deformities of the musculoskeletal system
Pediatrics: focusing on early intervention for babies and children who are functionally impaired from injuries or disease
Sports medicine: focusing on athletic conditioning, preventing and treating athletic injuries, and increasing human athletic performance
Geriatrics: focusing on healthcare issues of older adults
Industrial settings: focusing on maintaining health and treating diseases and accidental injuries affecting people in the workplace
Home care: focusing on using physical activity, exercise, and other treatments in order to assist with healing and relieving pain for those who are homebound with an injury or other physical disability

Post-Professional Degrees

While many of our graduates go into clinical practice, others enter advanced academic programs in order to pursue careers in research and teaching in both private and public organizations. These students typically pursue post-professional degrees such as doctor of science (D.Sc.), doctor of education (EdD), or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

If you choose to pursue this path you can rest assured that the rigorous academic, research, and clinical work you’ll complete in our entry-level professional DPT program will provide you with a solid foundation for advanced study and practice.

Career Outlook

Physical therapists are in demand in nearly every healthcare setting and are poised to take on an even larger role as our population ages and awareness about the benefits of exercise and good health continues to increase. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 34 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. For more information about the job outlook for physical therapists, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

For more information about careers in physical therapy, visit: www.apta.org/Careers/

School of Health Professions

Physical Therapy

Program at a Glance

In-person

3 years, 9 Consecutive Semesters

103 Credits

32 Weeks

Doctoral Programs

Clinical Education Built Into Our Curriculum

It's one thing to learn something in the classroom ... it's another to put the knowledge and skills you've learned into practice in a clinical setting. After 32 weeks of clinical fieldwork during the professional phase of the program, you’ll get the experience, guidance, and support you need to become a confident, competent clinical professional.

Read about Lauren Zwolenkiewicz's clinical experience:

I had the pleasure of completing my first clinical rotation through the Happiness House in Geneva, NY. Through my rotation I worked alongside Dr. Kathryn Friday-Scibona and fellow therapists to treat a variety of pediatric patients in the Ontario and Seneca County area.

My time at Happiness House was filled with maintaining safety while children exercise, leading children through safe play, and assisting in new patient evaluations. While there I also worked on documentation, goal writing, and annual review assistance as well as progressing/regressing exercises based on how the child was feeling that day. I'm incredibly appreciative for not only my Cl but all therapists there who welcomed me with open arms and helped me grow as a future physical therapist. A special thank you to the entire staff at Happiness House and all the children for the special memories that came with this amazing learning experience!

What you'll experience during clinical fieldwork:

patient evaluation
direct patient care
problem-solving and critical thinking
healthcare administration
teaching and supervision of other healthcare professionals

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

Pre-Physical Therapy

moe — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:20:23 +0000

Pre-Physical Therapy moe

Sun, 09/25/2022 - 11:20

Undergraduate (BS) + Doctorate (DPT)

6-7 Years

Overview

Earn both your bachelor’s and your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree faster with the support of a fully-accredited program designed for your success and at a university at the forefront of healthcare education.

As a leader in healthcare education, D’Youville understands the importance of helping to create the next generation of physical therapists and ensuring they are prepared to take on new roles at the forefront of healthcare. As a physical therapist you'll help people regain function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities to improve movement and the human experience.

At D’Youville, you’ll learn in small classes from professionals who are vanguards in their fields, know your name, and will work with you hands-on to ensure your success. You’ll learn in state-of-the-art labs, and when you’re ready for your clinical education, you’ll have opportunities across the U.S.

We take pride in how we educate our students and we see that reflected in their success — 100% of our students are employed within 6 months of graduation.

A Straight Path to Your Doctor of Physical Therapy

Regardless of which bachelor's degree path you choose, after you earn your undergraduate degree you'll automatically be admitted to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as long as you’ve maintained the necessary academic standards. No need to reapply!

A Leader in Healthcare Education

At D'Youville, our students learning experiences extend beyond a single program and connect students learning across all of our healthcare fields. When you graduate, you won't practice in a bubble and we ensure that's how you learn here. D'Youville's unique interdisciplinary education lab offers the opportunity for you to practice treating patient actors alongside a team of students from 7 other healthcare majors at D'Youville.

Learn and Practice Anywhere

D'Youville has developed relationships with 300 clinical fieldwork sites in a wide array of settings, facilities, and treatment protocols. And as you conduct your fieldwork, you’ll be constantly supported by participating in the online discussion that runs concurrently with your clinical experiences.

Interprofessional Education

The Interprofessional Clinical Advancement Center is a research and academic project that uses professional actors to create real-life patient care simulations for students. Students from eight healthcare disciplines at D'Youville take part in the center, including physical therapy.

Elizabeth Horsmon, PT, MPT, PCS

Director of Clinical Education/Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr .Cara A. Berg-Carramusa

PT, MSPT, EdD, GCS

"I have had a rewarding and adventurous career and happy life. I've been afforded the opportunity to practice internationally in Palermo, Sicily, Italy and have experienced several different practice settings from sports and outpatient, to a Level 1 Trauma acute care hospital, to serving older adult populations at a Continuum Care Retirement Community providing therapy services. I've been a staff physical therapist and progressed through my career to be a senior lead PT and then served as a Director of Therapy services for two different organizations."

Admission Requirements

At D'Youville, we are committed to selecting students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high-quality education. If you have been successful in a traditional college preparatory program in high school, you should be well-prepared for the academic challenges at D'Youville. While we don't require you to submit ACT or SAT test scores, if you have taken or intend to take a standardized test we encourage you to submit your scores if you'd like them to be evaluated as part of your application.

First Time in College Student Requirements

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our Apply: First Time in College webpage.
Official high school transcripts
- An overall weighted GPA of 85 with successful completion of high school graduation requirements and three years of math, history, english, and science.
- Physics is recommended.

Transfer Admission Required Review Criteria

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our apply webpage.
Official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges/universities
Cumulative GPA of 3

Use the Online Course Equivalency database to see whether the courses you've taken at other institutions can be counted towards a degree at D'Youville.

School of Health Professions

Physical Therapy

What you'll gain:

Benefit from the close relationships that D'Youville has developed over the years with over 300 clinical fieldwork sites in a wide array of settings, facilities, and treatment protocols

In select classes, our faculty practitioners bring patients to the classroom to maximize the development of the knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed as a physical therapist

Through our unique interprofessional education labs, you’ll learn to better understand the roles of other members of the healthcare team and develop skills to work effectively to improve patient car

Bachelor's Degrees

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Clinical Education

It's one thing to learn something in the classroom ... it's quite another to put the knowledge and skills you've learned into practice in a clinical setting. At D'Youville you’ll get the experience, guidance, and support you need to become a confident, competent clinical professional.

As a physical therapy student, you'll gain experience with a total of 32 weeks of clinical fieldwork during the professional phase of the program.

Your success is paramount to us, and we'll be with you every step of the way as you progress through your clinical experiences. As you conduct your fieldwork, you’ll be constantly supported by participating in the online discussion that runs concurrently with your clinical experiences.

During your clinical fieldwork, you'll experience the fundamentals of evidence-based practice, including:

Patient evaluation
Direct patient care
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Healthcare administration
Teaching and supervision of other healthcare professionals

Bachelor of Science with Direct Entry to Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists work in a diverse and wide-ranging set of clinical settings and have the option to focus on areas for specialization. At D'Youville, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests as an undergraduate through our three bachelor's degree options. And after you complete your undergraduate degree, you'll automatically be admitted to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as long as you’ve maintained the necessary academic standards.

Bachelor's Degree Paths

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The BS in Biology option is ideal for students who love science or who are considering a career in research or teaching at the collegiate level. The comprehensive curriculum offered in the BS in Biology program allows you to establish a solid pre-medical education. The scientific and health-related knowledge and skills you'll learn will form a firm foundation for your physical therapy career.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies

If you envision yourself as a physical therapist working with athletes or other physically active people, the BS in Exercise in Sports Studies may be ideal for you. Not only can this pathway be completed in as few as 6 years with summer classes, but it also offers a wide range of exciting internship opportunities in a variety of clinical settings focused on athletics and physical fitness.

Already Earned a Bachelor's Degree?

If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree, you may apply to enter our three-year professional program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This demanding program combines traditional coursework with clinical fieldwork, graduate-level research, and online learning over the course of nine consecutive semesters, allowing you to complete the program in as little as three years.

Curriculum

Find detailed course information for the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy Combined Program, tools to plan your education, and complete academic policies and procedures in the D'Youville academic catalog.

Interprofessional Education Labs

PT students at D'Youville learn to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team through Interprofessional Education Labs.

Learn more about our labs

Request Info

Apply Now