Compare Doctoral Programs
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Contact Information
Phone: (626) 815-5020
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.Location
Duke Academic Complex
APU offers two doctoral programs in the areas of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Learn more about the distinctions between the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science to see which degree aligns with your career goals. Have additional questions? Contact us to learn more.
Program Comparison
Prerequisites to Application
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree including specific prerequisite courses | Clinical professional degree at master’s or doctorate level (e.g., DPT, OTD, MSAT, MD, DO) |
Program Focus
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| Training students for clinical practice as a physical therapist | Preparing movement professionals (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, MD, DO) for a career in education or research. |
Preparing Graduates to:
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| Work in hospitals, clinics, or home health agencies as a physical therapist. | Move into a career of research or higher education to prepare students for careers in rehabilitation and movement. |
Research Requirements
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| Students complete a clinical capstone project and a research course. | Students complete a research dissertation with a successful defense and manuscript preparation. |
Admission
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| Annual admission in January; application through PTCAS | Annual admission in August; application through Azusa Pacific University |
Total Units
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science |
|---|---|
| 123 | 58 |
How Do I Choose Between the DPT and PhD?
Read more about these two programs and how to decide whether the DPT or PhD degree path is right for you.
Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.