Occidental College Launches 4-3 Pathway to Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy

The 4-3 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathway offers an opportunity for qualified Occidental students to complete a bachelor's degree in designated subjects, including prerequisite coursework, at which point they are guaranteed an interview or conditional acceptance into a three-year DPT program at MCPHS's Worcester campus, streamlining an often complex application process.

Combining the benefits of a liberal arts education with hands-on medical training, the DPT pathway provides Occidental students with a broad education, leadership and mentorship opportunities, relevant coursework, and built-in physical therapy observation hours to prepare them for graduate school.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with MCPHS, a leader in health sciences education, to offer this unique pathway," says Director of Pre-health Advising Kat Wang. "MCPHS is an ideal partner due to their commitment to excellence in healthcare education and their robust clinical training opportunities. This partnership not only saves students time and money, but also prepares them for successful careers in physical therapy."

The partnership with MCPHS came about in response to consistent demand for DPT programs from Occidental students and alumni, Wang says, particularly among student athletes and kinesiology majors. From 2019 to 2024, 124 Occidental students and alumni applied to allied health profession schools, with many aspiring to careers in physical therapy. The partnership addresses the needs of these students by offering a clear and direct route to a DPT program.

"More broadly, this partnership is designed to produce well-rounded, highly competent physical therapists who are ready to enter the workforce and make a positive impact in the healthcare field," says Wang.

This broad-based educational experience ensures that students are not only well-prepared for the rigorous demands of graduate studies but also equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in healthcare.

Occidental's liberal arts curriculum, combined with unique courses such as the Physical Therapy Internship (KINE 200), provides students with a solid STEM foundation and specific applications in the field of physical therapy. "This broad-based educational experience ensures that students are not only well-prepared for the rigorous demands of graduate studies but also equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in healthcare," emphasizes Wang.

MCPHS, known for its excellence in health sciences education, offers 40 graduate degrees across diverse health professions. The 4-3 DPT pathway will be the first of its kind, with plans to potentially expand the partnership to other degree offerings such as Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy.

At MCPHS, physical therapy students begin working with patients during their first semester and progressively increase their time in clinics, hospitals, or community-based settings. The DPT clinical affiliations at MCPHS include Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, one of the largest inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and consistently ranked as one of the country's top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. For their third year of graduate school, students will undertake full-time, off-campus clinical experience at approved sites, including a number of sites in Southern California.

Ultimately, the 4-3 pathway provides Occidental students a streamlined and supportive route into physical therapy graduate school.

"By fulfilling prerequisites during their undergraduate studies, students will be well-prepared for the rigorous demands of the DPT program," Wang says. "Through MCPHS's early and progressive clinical training, students will gain valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their clinical skills and patient care abilities."

For more information on the program and its requirements, visit the webpage.

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