Seton Hall University

Department of Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy is the academic home for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree program. The department also collaborates with our undergraduate partners to offer the Dual Degree Program in Physical Therapy (B.S. + D.P.T.).

The Department of Physical Therapy is based within the School of Health and Medical Sciences, which provides a rigorous and rewarding environment for the study of Physical Therapy within a larger, interprofessional healthcare context.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Overview
Physical therapists are healthcare practitioners who diagnose and treat patients and clients with and without medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in daily life. By examining and assessing individuals of all ages, physical therapists can determine barriers to optimal movement and develop a plan of care to promote ideal function, to reduce pain, and to prevent the onset and progression of disability or changes in physical function and health status. Physical therapists evaluate movement dysfunction and use various interventions to gain results. Interventions include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, biophysical agents, and patient education.

We offer a newly revised 3-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that began July 2016. The 35-month program is housed in the School of Health and Medical Sciences located at the Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus in Nutley, NJ. The curriculum prepares entry-level clinicians to become autonomous practitioners of physical therapy and movement specialists. This comprehensive 111-credit program is supported by 13 diverse core doctoral faculty, who educate students in the delivery of physical therapy services as part of the health care team. Faculty hold academic and clinical doctoral degrees, with expertise in the management of patients and clients of all ages and conditions across the continuum of care. Furthermore, these individuals provide instruction using today’s technology that assists students to develop skills needed to critically analyze and convey evidence-based information to patients, colleagues and health professionals.

The Seton Hall University DPT program provides exceptional learning experiences for students. The breadth and depth of the DPT curriculum, which highlights the integration of foundational sciences, clinical practice, professional roles and expectations, and servant leadership, allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to enter a variety of practice settings. The academic and clinical coursework emphasizes the application of theory and research to practice, with emphasis on the human movement system and collaboration within inter- and intra-professional teams. Students actively participate in the School’s Interprofessional educational events. Our new learning spaces and laboratories are consistent with contemporary PT practice and research settings.

Academic Programs

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program of the School of Health and Medical Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program's accreditation has been granted for a period of 10 years effective from April 27, 2021.

Faculty and Staff

Department Chair: Richard Johnson, PT, EdD
Department Faculty»
Department Secretary: Aleatha Joseph, B.A.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Academic Policies

In order to ensure that the School of Health and Medical Sciences graduates competent and ethical practitioners, the School's faculty, in conjunction with the Dean's Office, developed the Academic Performance Standards Policy and Student Performance Review Committee Procedures.

The form for student requests to appeal to the Student Performance Review Committee is available here »

Contact Us

Department of Physical Therapy
Seton Hall University
School of Health and Medical Sciences
Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus
123 Metro Boulevard
Nutley, NJ 07110
(973) 275-2051
aleatha.joseph@shu.edu

For Graduate Admissions questions, contact:
Patrick McDermott, M.A.
Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment and Student Affairs
School of Health and Medical Sciences
shms@shu.edu
(973) 275-2062

For Dual Degree/Undergraduate Admissions questions, contact:
Gerald Ruscingno, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Advising for Dual Degree Programs
School of Health and Medical Sciences
gerald.ruscingno@shu.edu
(973) 275-6457

Seton Hall Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services
admissions.shu.edu
(973) 313-6146

Questions regarding the Doctor in Physical Therapy program’s accreditation should be directed to the Department Chairperson, Dr. Richard Johnson, or to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The process for an individual to file a complaint with CAPTE for any accredited physical therapy education program is available on the CAPTE website. For individuals wishing to provide positive feedback or file a complaint about the DPT education program should contact Department Chairperson, Dr. Richard Johnson. If complaints are made in writing with the nature of the complaint, date, name and signature of the person making the complaint then the Chairperson will address the complaint with the appropriate person, committee or administrator for review and resolution. The program accepts anonymous communications, and the Chairperson will review the concerns to seek resolution to the best of her ability. All matters will be held strictly confidential and without fear of reprisal.