About

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) at Radford University is a post-baccalaureate degree conferred upon successful completion of a doctoral level professional physical therapy education program.

It signifies completion of the current requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical performance in professional preparation. Graduates of an accredited physical therapy education program are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam.

Vision Statement

The vision of the department of physical therapy is to develop autonomous physical therapy practitioners who optimize the human experience.

Mission statement

The mission of the Radford University physical therapy program is to develop autonomous practitioners who engage interprofessionally and integrate scientific inquiry into clinical practice to meet diverse community needs.

Read More About our Department

The D.P.T. degree was created by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Their Vision 2020 states that "By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health."

The Department of Physical Therapy aspires to prepare responsive and engaged professionals who lead by example by providing best practice care. Our vision parallels the APTA’s 2030 vision that physical therapy will be provided by doctors of physical therapy. Physical therapists will be recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function and health.

Offering the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree is one example of Radford University’s commitment to educate highly competent practitioners to serve the needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. This department strives to develop leading practitioners who will improve access and quality of care for aging and underserved populations.

Radford University features strong partnerships with local and national businesses, hospitals, and public schools to offer a variety of experiential learning experiences. This diversity will prepare our students to provide quality physical therapy care throughout the lifespan of population and within areas of interest. Radford University interdepartmental associations also provide a multitude of positive on-campus learning opportunities.

Our Facilities

The Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy (SPT) program offers state-of-the-art facilities for student to learn and grow as healthcare professionals. The D.P.T. program features Virginia Intercollegiate Anatomy Lab, a simulation center and access to Carilion Community Hospital.

The Virginia Intercollegiate Anatomy Laboratory

The Virginia Intercollegiate Anatomy Laboratory (VIAL) is a collaboration of Radford University and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, located at Radford University Carilion (RUC) in Roanoke. It is equipped with large-screen monitors, a portable, high resolution camera, image and video storage and iPads located permanently in the lab so that required images can be viewed at each station during dissection. Another prime feature of the VIAL is an Anatomage table, which is connected to large-screen monitors strategically located throughout the classroom. Students are able to connect their laptops or tablets to the monitors to form localized study groups within the classroom. 

Simulation Center

The Clinical Simulation Centers provide a hands-on learning experience in an environment that is safe and realistic, producing quality physical therapists with enhanced critical thinking abilities, communication skills and collaboration experience.

Supporting Organizations

The Department of Physical Therapy has enjoyed support and partnership with various organizations in the community. Below are highlights of some specific contributions made by some supporting organizations.

Carilion Clinic supports the Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy program by leasing the space that we occupy within the Carilion Roanoke Comunity Hospital.
Medical Facilities of America supported the Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a $500,000 endowment. The gift provides salary supplements as well as research and program support in the DPT program.
Genesis Rehabilitation Services supported the Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a $100,000 gift towards the establishment of a Motion Analysis Laboratory.
Friendship Retirement Community in Roanoke, VA endowed a scholarship in the amount of $30,000 for the Radford University Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
Bradley Free Clinic supports the Radford University Doctor of Physical Therapy program by allowing our students access to true patient care in safe and supervised environment.

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