The University of Lynchburg Doctor of Physical Therapy program has redesigned its curriculum with an accelerated course structure. This innovative development reduces the program’s length and credit requirements, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly.
The revamped DPT program now requires only 98 credit hours, down from the previous 115, and includes 32 weeks of supervised clinical experiences. This new structure enables students to complete their degree in just seven semesters rather than the traditional nine.
Dr. Allen Moore, director of the DPT program, highlighted the benefits of the new structure. “The accelerated DPT program is designed to maintain the highest standards of academic rigor and clinical excellence, while providing our students with a more efficient educational experience,” he said.
Under the previous structure, classes began in a summer semester and concluded in a spring semester, following a schedule typical of most DPT programs. Students will now begin their coursework in the fall semester and graduate a little more than two years later, in December.
With the new model, Lynchburg’s DPT students will gain a head start in the job market compared to their peers from other institutions who follow the conventional schedule.
“Our revised program is a win-win for students and employers alike,” Moore said. “Students benefit from a shorter, more efficient program, while employers gain access to highly qualified graduates ready to meet the demand for skilled physical therapists across the country.”
For more information about the program or the application process, visit the Doctor of Physical Therapy webpage or contact the Department of Physical Therapy at dpt@lynchburg.edu.
