Physical Therapy Department

Cheryl Self is shown at her graduation from the Erlanger Acute Care Residency program. She is shown smiling, in a bright flowered top holding her certificate. She is joined by two Erlanger PTs and Dr. Stephanie Eton, Director of Residency Education for U T C Physical Therapy.

Photo shows a scenic view of Chattanooga on a bright, clear day. Taken from atop Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend can be seen from Point Park.

A smiling student in a blue sweater with glasses is speaking to an older patient. The student is facing forward and the patient can be seen from the back. The patient is wearing a gray checked shirt and glasses

Photo shows Dr. David Levine, U T C Physical Therapy Faculty and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner with a dog. Dr. Levine is on his knees in blue veterinary scrubs. In one hand he holds the handle of a green harness for a Golden Retriever that he is working with and in the other, he holds a treat.

Photo shows U T C Physical Therapy faculty, Dr. Stephanie Eton wearing a white sleeveless turtleneck, and Dr. Derek Liuzzo in a blue polo discussing information as part of a 2nd year DPT Parkinson's lab.

Image shows two U T C Doctor of Physical Therapy students working with an older patient in a Parkinson's lab. The students are facing forward and seated on rolling stools and have their arms outstretched to their sides. The patient is seated in a chair and is seen from behind. He also has his hands outstretched.

Photo shows Dr. Betsy Myers in the Physical Therapy Clinic. She has short brown hair, and is wearing a gray UTC polo and ID badge. Next to her is a DPT student in a dark top with long brown hair. The student is holding a laptop. Both are looking off screen, and Dr. Myers is speaking with her hands in front of her, as if explaining what the two of them are observing.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Residency Programs

Post-Professional Health Science Research Certificate Program

Welcome from the Department Head

Physical therapy is a dynamic and deeply rewarding profession. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), we have built a Department of Physical Therapy that reflects that spirit: rigorous in its preparation of students, innovative in its offerings, and unwavering in its commitment to the communities we serve.

Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program prepares graduates to excel across the full spectrum of physical therapy practice settings. That preparation is made possible by an exceptional faculty and staff who are genuinely invested in student success, a clinical education community that embraces our students with professionalism and mentorship, and the resources of a great university situated in one of the most vibrant and growing cities in the Southeast.

Beyond the DPT, the Department is proud to offer opportunities for continued professional growth. Our acute care and geriatric physical therapy residency programs, delivered in collaboration with clinical community partners, provide licensed physical therapists with advanced, mentored clinical training in specialty practice areas, supporting the development of the next generation of clinical experts. Most recently, we have launched a Health Science Research Certificate designed for clinicians and educators who wish to deepen their scholarly skills and contribute meaningfully to the evidence base that drives our profession forward. Together, these programs reflect our commitment to physical therapy education across the full arc of a professional career.

When you combine these academic and professional development offerings with the support of UTC and the energy of Chattanooga, it becomes clear that this is an exciting place to study, grow, and launch a career in physical therapy.

As you consider your educational direction, I hope you will explore everything our department has to offer. The utc.edu/pt website is designed to provide comprehensive information about our programs, including the DPT Program's prerequisite coursework and the admissions process, residency program details, and the new post-professional research certificate.

If you have questions or would like to connect with our team directly, please do not hesitate to reach out. We welcome every opportunity to share more about our programs and to support you as you navigate your path.

With warm regards,

Nancy Fell, PT, PhD, FAPTA
UC Foundation Professor and Department Head
Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Emeritus
President, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (a component of the APTA)
[email protected]

Vision

We aspire to optimize the health and wellbeing of individuals and society by transforming the physical therapy profession through education, advocacy, research, and service.

Mission

Through education, advocacy, research, and service, the Department facilitates the development of professional leaders who provide high-quality, holistic, evidence-informed physical therapy to individuals and society.

Values

The Department is committed to:

engaging with honesty and integrity;
providing a diverse student population high quality educational experiences for mastering entry-level physical therapist practice;
enhancing the educational experience with research, technology, laboratory, and clinical experiences;
developing and teaching a curriculum that is foundationally strong and contemporary;
expanding the body of knowledge in physical therapy through research and other scholarly activities;
providing services for the university, college, the profession of physical therapy and the community-at-large; and
graduating competent, engaged physical therapists as evidenced by:
- achievement of advanced certifications
- service to profession, and
- service as clinical instructors.

Physical Therapy Department

Vision

Mission

Values

The Department is committed to:

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