Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ section of our website. We hope that the information contained here will be of value to you. After reviewing this page and the related sections of our website, please contact the program coordinator at [email protected] with any additional questions you may have.

• General PT Questions

• UTC DPT Program

General PT Questions

What is a DPT?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is an entry-level post-baccalaureate degree conferred upon successful completion of a professional clinical doctoral education program.  Refer to the official American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) web site www.apta.org for further information on DPT education or view the videos here.

What is the expected salary of a DPT?

According to the website 'salary.com', The average expected salary for a typical Physical Therapist in the United States is $96,587.00 as of May 27, 2022. This varies by region and level of experience. 

Where do PTs practice?

PTs practice in a great variety of settings including outpatient clinics, acute care hospitals, neuro-rehabilitation hospitals, inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, schools, home health settings, industrial or office settings (ergonomics), sport and fitness facilities, obstetrician gynecology practices (women’s health), etc.

What qualities are needed to be a good therapist?

Good therapists have a thirst for knowledge to constantly access and execute the best evidence based practices for their patients, empathy to identify with and care for patients facing greatly diverse health issues, drive to advocate for patients with disabilities that may not be able to advocate for their own needs, care and concern for the needs of others, and pride in achieving functional outcomes in the lives of their patients. These are just a few qualities that make a good therapist. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers more information.

UTC DPT Program

Is the DPT program at UTC accredited?

The Department of Physical Therapy at UTC is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). We received our initial accreditation by CAPTE in 1992, and have been continuously accredited since that time.

How do UTC graduates perform on the PT state licensure exam?

Since the charter class graduated in 1992, the vast majority of UTC PT classes have exceeded the national pass rate average for all PT programs on the state licensure exam on their first attempt. For the last two years (2022-2023), 100% of our graduates passed the licensure exam, and 97.1% passed on the first attempt.

 What is the graduation rate?

 Our department has achieved an average graduation rate of 100% for the last two graduating classes (2022 and 2023).

Is UTC highly ranked?

 CAPTE does not rank individual PT programs. However, UTC is a highly competitive program.

 How long is the DPT program?

 The DPT program is a year-round program, spanning eight semesters and three years. The length of our professional physical therapy program is 3 calendar years (8 straight semesters, including 2 summers).  Our 4 + 3 program model accepts students after completing an undergraduate (UG) degree.  Therefore, the total length of prerequisite and professional coursework is a minimum of 7 years (4 + 3).

I am already licensed as a physical therapist. Do you offer a transition DPT (tDPT) program?

We no longer offer a tDPT program.

I am licensed in another country as a physical therapist. Do you offer a program to obtain my U.S. license?

No, we do not offer a program other than the entry-level DPT.

Does the DPT program offer night classes?

No, the program meets full time during the day.

Can I attend your DPT program as a part time student? Can the program be completed online?

No, the entry-level DPT program is full time, and cannot be completed online.

What courses do the DPT students take?

Students take orthopedics courses and basic sciences (anatomy, neuroscience, kinesiology, pathology) in the first year in addition to basic skills courses. This is to prepare them for their first clinical rotation in the summer, which is in outpatient orthopedics, and to build a foundation for the rest of the curriculum.

The second year is focused on advanced adult and pediatric neuro and med/surg coursework to prepare for the second summer’s two clinical rotations in acute care hospitals and neuro rehab hospitals. The students also begin their research projects in the second year.

The third year focuses on advanced coursework in orthopedics, licensure prep, research, and a variety of advanced electives based on the student’s particular interest (i.e. neuro, ortho, pediatrics, sports, etc.). In the second semester of the third year, the students go on their fourth and final clinical rotation for fifteen weeks.

For additional information, please see the curriculum section of the web page.

Does the UTC DPT program offer areas of specialty?

In the third year, the student can choose an elective as well as the final clinical experience to be more specific to the practice area of physical therapy that interests the student. However, clinical specializations and certifications are pursued after physical therapy school through continuing education programs in the physical therapist’s professional career.

When do classes start?

Classes start in the fall semester of each new academic year.

Can I work while in PT school?

The program is designed to be completed on a full-time basis. Typically classes meet between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. Working during the first year of the professional program is strongly discouraged. In the second year, a limited number of part-time graduate assistant positions are typically available. 

What are the housing options for students?

UTC does not offer dedicated graduate housing. Students live off campus in houses or apartments. There are numerous apartment complexes and rental properties within a short walk or commute from campus. The program does not recommend specific housing, but can connect incoming students with their new classmates in order to find roommates or housing information.  You can find additional information through UTC Off-Campus Student Services. 

What is the Chattanooga area like?

Chattanooga is a beautiful area combining beautiful mountains and outdoor activities (climbing, hiking, mountain biking, etc.) with a vibrant city and downtown area centered around the waterfront. New locally owned shops and restaurants open every year. While the city underwent major revitalization in the nineties, individual areas and neighborhoods continue to become newer and more lively every day.

Learn more about our wonderful city!

What kinds of extracurricular activities are there?

There are several student-sponsored events each year, and students form intramural teams, as well as small groups to just get together and throw frisbees in the park, for example. The ARC (Aquatic & Recreation Center) also rents kayaks, SUPs, canoes, mountain bikes, snowboarding equipment, backpacking equipment, etc., for a small refundable fee to UTC students, so our students take advantage of these opportunities and more.

Is there a student recreation center?

UTC has a fitness complex called the ARC that has swimming, indoor climbing, and excellent workout facilities in addition to equipment rentals (and a waterslide!). There is also a recreation room in the basement of the UTC University Center that has pool tables, foosball tables, table tennis, Wii, Xbox and Playstation consoles, etc.

What are student/professor relationships like?

The professors are very dedicated to the students’ success. They are available to help in any way that they can. Since the faculty is a relatively small group, students get to know their professors well throughout the program, and some of them become mentors when the students graduate and enter the profession.

What specialties are represented by the faculty?

We have an exceptional faculty that represent a variety of specialties. Please visit our faculty and staff profiles page for additional information.

Are the professors active in the profession?

Yes. Multiple professors work in the community in various health care settings. All of our faculty have many years of clinical experience.

Are the professors working on the forefront of new research?

Each professor designs a research project every year that students work on in conjunction with the professor. In addition, our professors are continuously working on their own research projects that are published and presented at national and state meetings. Please visit the Research and Faculty Publications sections of our web page to see some of the research conducted by our faculty and students.

Are there research/publishing opportunities within the UTC program?

Students are required to participate in research as a part of their education and some of these projects are published and/or presented at professional meetings. 

Is a dissertation required for the DPT students?

Students are not required to write a dissertation.