About the DPT Program

DPT Mission Statement

The Department of Physical Therapy at Wheeling University (WU) embraces educational excellence in the preparation of doctoral level therapists for professional and ethical leadership, the betterment of society, and services to others, including areas underserved by the health care system. The Department faculty members are involved in advancing knowledge in the field of physical therapy through research and clinical practice.

WU physical therapy graduates are prepared to practice a holistic approach in delivering physical therapy services to diverse populations throughout the continuum of health, wellness, injury, and disease. Through the use of a unique learning style, WU physical therapy graduates demonstrate exemplary professionalism, exceptional skills and problem solving, and the ability to access and utilize knowledge, reflective of a commitment to life-long learning.

The Opportunities

During the program, our students are exposed to a variety of opportunities through class, volunteer/service projects, service learning and clinical education experiences. With a diverse faculty in our department, students are able to learn about various practice settings and focus. To help with clinical exposure and experience, students have a variety of clinical experience locations to chose from during their education. Local vendors and practitioners visit to share their knowledge and expertise. Through the PT club and other local programs, students participate in a variety of projects in the local community.

Various levels of service learning experiences are integrated into our program. These experiences expose students to settings and people at the local, regional, and international level. For more information on service learning, please visit our global impact page.

Participation in research is a key component of the program, and our students are required to contribute to the body of knowledge. With increasing weight placed on evidence based practice, the profession requires evidence that therapeutic interventions have been proven to be relevant and appropriate to the patients. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects. With that, they are also given the opportunity to present their doctoral research projects at state, national and international levels and to publish the results in professional literature. Additionally, the research and evidence-based practice courses prepare students for public speaking.

Facilities

The Department of Physical Therapy offers an excellent physical environment conducive to learning and to quiet studying. In addition to the department’s facilities and equipment, the students have access to all the university’s resources. The full-time faculty is comprised of  professionals from a variety of backgrounds and interests, including orthopedic physical therapy, sports physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy, and psychology. Adjunct faculty members bring additional skills in related fields, offering the students a broad and comprehensive range of associated topics relevant to practice. For more information on the Wheeling University Physical Therapy Program, contact the Department at 304-243-2432  or dpt@wheeling.edu.

The Wheeling University Department of Physical Therapy is located on the ground floor of Ignatius Hall. The Department offers an excellent physical environment conducive to learning and to quiet studying.  Students will have access to other facilities on campus, including the McDonough Center, Donahue Hall, and Acker Science Center.

Outcomes

Graduation Rate:
Class of 2021 –  89.5%
Class of 2022 –  87.5%
2021-2022 – 88.5%

Ultimate Board Passage Rate:  
Class of 2021 – 96.9% (1 person has chosen not to pursue this option)
Class of 2022 – 94.4%
2021-2022 – 96.65%

Reported Employment Rate:
Class of 2021 – 100%
Class of 2022 – 100%
2021-2022 – 100%

Come visit us!

To schedule a campus visit, please contact: dpt@wheeling.edu or call 304-243-2432.