BS + Doctor of Physical Therapy (6-Year DPT Program)

Earn your doctor of physical therapy in less time. Through Husson’s 6-year BS + DPT program, you can earn either a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in addition to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in just six years.

Advantages of Husson's 6-Year DPT Program

Husson's 6-year DPT program offers several advantages:

• Direct Entry Into DPT Program: Our early assurance six-year doctoral program allows students to directly enter the professional phase of the program without reapplying if they meet all progression requirements in the preprofessional phase.
• Earn Your Degree Faster: Through Husson's 6-year DPT program, you can save both time and money on your education while pursuing a fulfilling and engaging career in physical therapy.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: You'll train and study in cutting-edge educational environments such as the Kenduskeag Institute's Human Performance Lab and high-tech simulation labs.
• Student-Centered Approach: Husson prioritizes the student's experience every step of the way, which means you'll receive guidance and assistance throughout your time in this program.
• Hands-On Learning: Through clinicals, internships and engaging classroom instruction, you'll graduate from Husson with the confidence and hands-on experience needed to succeed and thrive early in your career.

How the 6-Year DPT Program Timeline Works

Each DPT pathway consists of three years of preprofessional coursework, followed by a three-year professional phase, which includes three clinical affiliations and preparation for professional licensure. Whichever path you choose, you will have the potential to progress into the graduate phase of the DPT program at Husson as long as progression criteria are met.

Which degree pathway for physical therapy is right for you?

BS in Exercise Science + DPT Pathway

The B.S. in Exercise Science/DPT pathway provides students with in-depth knowledge on the scientific study of exercise and its impact on health, wellness and performance. This bachelor’s degree focuses on the study of human movement, assessment of fitness and health data, and creation and implementation of exercise plans that are based on research. This pathway will provide you with a solid foundation in areas such as human anatomy and physiology, disease and injury prevention, rehabilitation, and more. Upon completing your fourth year and undergraduate requirements in this program, you will earn a B.S. in Exercise Science. You will then complete an additional two years of study before receiving your DPT.

BS in Health Sciences + DPT Pathway

The B.S. in Health Science/DPT pathway is a versatile option that allows aspiring health professionals to receive a bachelor’s degree that will prepare them for a rewarding career in healthcare. This tract focuses on biology, chemistry, physiology and other health-related subjects. Upon completing the fourth year of this pathway in addition to the undergraduate requirements, you'll receive a B.S. in Health Science. You’ll follow this up with two more years of study before earning your DPT.

Admissions and Progression Requirements

Regardless of the undergraduate degree a student chooses (Health Sciences or Exercise Science), there are two paths of admission into the DPT program as a first-year undergraduate. Students may be accepted into the Undergraduate "early assurance" option (3 + 3) directly from high school.

Requirements for early assurance include:

• 40 seats are reserved for early assurance applicants.
• A high school GPA of 3.5 or greater.
• Completion of the following courses in high school: 4 years of science (including biology and chemistry, physics is recommended); 4 years of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; 4 years of English.

To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) without reapplication, early assurance students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 by the end of the spring semester of their third year, and must complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better. The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade.