Features of the DPT at ODU 

We teach evidence-based practice.

We emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving in small group discussions and experiences.

We feel that physical therapists have a crucial role to play in health promotion and disability prevention.

We believe that life-long learning is necessary for an effective, satisfying career.

We value Clinical Internships as an important part of the Educational experience.

We provide sessions with standardized patients to develop excellence in clinical skills. 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Old Dominion University is designed to professionally prepare students with the knowledge and clinical experience to become licensed physical therapists. This fully accredited program consists of 117 credit hours over a 3 year period of time including 3 summers. There are 5 full-time clinical experiences totaling 40 weeks. The first semester of the first year of the program starts in late June.

Program Highlights

Standardized Patients
A standardized patient is a healthy person trained to present particular social, emotional and physical findings during examination. We work with Eastern Virginia Medical School's Theresa A. Thomas Professional Skills Teaching and Assessment Center to present standardized patients that assist students in learning therapeutic interactions skills, patient interviewing, examination, assessment and treatment. Standardized patients are also used for practical examinations.

The use of standardized patients offers students a great opportunity to learn and practice their skills in an environment where they can safely be corrected before working with actual patients. The standardized patients also give feedback to the students to help them fine-tune their interactions to improve effectiveness.  

Physical Therapy Research Laboratory
The PT research laboratory is used by students in Physical Therapy, Exercise Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Collaboration among disciplines and with the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC) allows us to participate in exciting research projects exploring new technology in rehabilitation. Lab equipment includes video cameras, two AMTI force platforms and a force-sensing cane, a 10-channel EMG system for surface and fine-wire kinesiological studies, EMG/nerve conduction systems for neurologic studies, Chattex Balance Machine, and computer capability for virtual environment studies.