The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Stockton University prepares students to improve movement, reduce pain and help people live more active lives. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics and sports programs to restore function and prevent injury.
Students gain experience through clinical education, simulation labs and patient interaction. The curriculum combines musculoskeletal rehabilitation, movement science and evidence-based practice with clinical placements across the mid-Atlantic region. Small classes, modern facilities and full-time clinical experiences help students develop skills for licensure and professional practice in physical therapy.
Stockton University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Discover Your Path in Physical Therapy
What does a Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepare you to do?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students to evaluate movement, manage pain and help patients improve strength, mobility and daily function. Students develop skills in patient assessment, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation planning and evidence-based physical therapy for people of all ages.
How long is the DPT program at Stockton University?
The Stockton University DPT program consists of 2.5 years of full-time study. Students progress through classroom instruction, laboratory learning, patient interaction and clinical education designed to connect physical therapy knowledge with professional practice.
What do DPT students study, and how do they gain clinical experience?
Students study subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neuromuscular physical therapy and cardiopulmonary care. They apply what they learn through simulation labs, movement analysis, patient interaction, integrated clinical experiences and three full-time clinical placements.
Do you need a specific undergraduate major to apply to the DPT program?
No specific undergraduate major is required. Students may complete a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, provided they complete the required prerequisite courses and meet the degree requirements for their admission pathway. Biology and Health Science are common choices, but students can prepare for physical therapy through other majors as well.
What can you do after earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree?
Graduates of a CAPTE-accredited DPT program are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Licensure Examination. After passing the exam and meeting state requirements, licensed physical therapists may work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practices, home care and athletic programs. Some pursue areas such as orthopedic physical therapy, neurologic rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation or pediatric care.
Our Mission & Partners
Clinical partners:
Mission
The Physical Therapy Program prepares students for contemporary physical therapy practice to function effectively for the patient/client, community, and profession. We embrace the mission of the School of Health Sciences and Stockton University by creating an environment of excellence in teaching, life-long learning, scholarship, community engagement, and service.
We have a responsibility to multiple stakeholders in our region including students, the University, the profession and the public. We meet our responsibility by being a focal point for the professional community through academic and continuing education, professional and community activities, and scholarship.
Vision
The Physical Therapy Program at Stockton University will be recognized regionally and nationally for outstanding education and community engagement that results in optimized health of our region.
Values
Members of society have the right to quality health care. Health care professionals have an obligation to deliver their services to communities and society. In all realms of practice, physical therapists are obligated to conduct themselves in an ethical manner. We provide a holistic approach to health care by optimizing function of the movement system to facilitate meaningful participation in life roles. We prioritize patient centered care that includes collaboration with family and other health care professionals.
We support our mission and guide our practices and behavioral expectations through an emphasis on:
- excellence in teaching
- serving as resources, role models, mentors, and advisors to students and colleagues
- interprofessional collaboration
We embrace a responsibility to:
- embody ideals of evidence based practice to our students.
- contribute to the development of new ideas, both within and across disciplines.
- create and preserve an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination, and to take actions that affirm our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The DPT Program is a focal point for the professional community. The faculty are committed to increasing the foundation of knowledge of the profession through direct patient care, professional and community activities, continuing education, and research. Specifically, the faculty are committed to increasing the foundation of knowledge of the profession through research and scholarship by discovery, creation, dissemination, integration, and application of knowledge. The faculty are professional and personal role models for peers and students.
Program Faculty
The Physical Therapy faculty are an impressive group devoted to our students and the profession of Physical Therapy. Collectively, we are a professionally and personally diverse group who are well renowned at a national, state, and local level. We have vast clinical expertise in all major areas of practice. Faculty conducts research on an ongoing basis and routinely present and publish work in collaboration with our students. The faculty are dedicated educators and highly accessible. In addition to our full-time physical therapy faculty members, many other professionals contribute to the program, including physicians, basic scientists, and other health care professionals.
Robert Marsico, PT, EdD, OCS
Rania Almajid, PT, MS, PhD
William J. Buchala, PT, DPT, OCS
Grayson Stephen Chao, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Lauren DelRossi, PT, DPT, PCS
Mary Lou Galantino, PT, MS, PhD, MSCE, FNAP, FAPTA
Patricia Q. McGinnis, PT, MS, PhD, FNAP
Adam C. Popowitz, PT, DPT, GCS
Matthew Romen, PT, DPT, EdD
Admissions Criteria
Application Opens:
Applications for the Fall 2027 Cohort Open on Monday, June 15, 2026 in PTCAS
Application Deadline:
Summer 2027: Priority Deadline: October 1, 2026; Final Deadline: January 4, 2027 (only if seats remain).
Review of applications occurs throughout the fall. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to have the greatest opportunity
to be considered for admission. Interviews and decisions are made on a rolling basis, therefore it is important to
have all required admissions materials submitted and your application verified as
soon as possible. You can read about PTCAS Application Statuses here.
Applicants MUST submit Summer and Fall 2026 coursework during the "Academic Update"
process provided by PTCAS.
The final application deadline is January 4th, 2027 only if seats remain.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better.
- A maximum of 2 outstanding prerequisite courses may be completed by the end of the spring semester of the academic year in which the student applies.
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All outstanding prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning courses. Failure to do will result in a withdrawal of application.
The application process for Stockton's DPT program is through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS) prior to October 1 (the PTCAS application must be verified by that deadline). Program specific admissions information including prerequisite course requirements can be reviewed on the Stockton PTCAS Directory Page.
Your application to PTCAS must include:
- Official transcripts from ALL schools attended and sent directly to PTCAS
- GRE scores are optional and not required, if taken they can be sent to PTCAS via ETS code 0313 (self-reported scores are not accepted)
- Two letters of recommendation, including:
- One from a professor (required)
- One from a licensed physical therapist (required)
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At least 50 hours of physical therapy observation (paid or volunteer) are required.
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Experience in one setting meets the requirement; however two settings are recommended.
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Must be supervised by a licensed PT.
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The admissions process also includes an interview with program faculty. Information will be sent to your email.
- Ongoing updates and status changes from PTCAS and the Office of Graduate Admissions will be sent via email—please check regularly.
- For important dates, fees and other details about this process, visit the PTCAS Stockton Program Profile page.
1. Who can apply for admission into the DPT program?
I. Stockton University (SU) students have the benefit of three routes to admission into the program.
- "3 + 2.5" Alternative Format Program- Student is highly encouraged to consult with preceptor.
- Students must have earned a minimum of 64 credits at the time of application.
- Must have 96 undergraduate credits by the end of the spring semester in the academic year which the student applies.
- Must complete a baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester of the first year of the DPT program.
- May have a maximum of 2 prerequisite courses outstanding as of the spring semester in the academic year the applicant applies. These courses must be completed by the end of that spring semester. Offers of admission are contingent upon evidence of successful completion of all pre-requisite courses.
- Traditional Format Program
- Stockton students may apply if they complete their SU baccalaureate degree by the end of the spring semester in which the applicant applies.
- Direct Admit BS/DPT Pathway
- Qualified high school students can apply directly to the DPT program through our undergraduate admission process.
- Requirements and qualifications are detailed in FAQ #11.
II. Non-Stockton students may apply if they complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by the end of the spring semester in which the applicant applies.
2. What is the length of the DPT program?
The DPT Program is 2.5 years of full-time study.
3. Do I need to have a specific degree for admittance into the DPT Program?
No, students can choose any major and can complete a baccalaureate degree in any discipline. However, all DPT Program prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester in the academic year in which the student applies. Biology and Health Sciences are common undergraduate majors for Stockton students who plan to apply for admission to the DPT Program.
4. What are the admissions requirements for the DPT Program for current college students and college graduates?
The application process for Stockton's DPT program is through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). Program specific admissions information including prerequisite course requirements can be reviewed on the PTCAS Stockton Program Profile page.
5. What is my CAS ID?
6. What are my chances of being accepted, based on the admission profile of the students who are accepted into the DPT Program?
Stockton's DPT Program is highly selective regarding its admissions process. Here are some statistics and recommendations:
- Currently the DPT Program admits a cohort of 34 students who begin the Program each Fall semester. The number of applications received by the Program varies from year to year. Typically, the Program receives more than 300 applications for every cohort.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher to apply. The average cumulative GPA and the average prerequisite science GPA of applicants who are admitted are typically higher than the minimum GPA requirement.
- The DPT Admissions Committee will use the average grade for calculating GPA for course that are taken more than once. For example, if a student earns a C in Physics I, and repeats the course and earns an A, the grade will be averaged to a B for calculation of GPA.
- All application requirements are taken into consideration for admission including: the cumulative GPA of all college or University coursework; the grades received in prerequisite courses (the prerequisite science GPA); the quality of the essays; letters of recommendation; extracurricular activities; and volunteer or paid physical therapy experience.
*Because Stockton is a public institution in the State of New Jersey higher education
system, preference is given to residents of the State of New Jersey. Preference is
also given to students who have received or will receive their undergraduate degree
from Stockton. However, non-Stockton students are routinely accepted.
7. How can I learn more about the prerequisite courses required for admission?
Please visit the Stockton PTCAS Directory page.
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better.
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A maximum of 2 outstanding prerequisite courses may be completed by the end of the spring semester of the academic year in which the student applies.
- All outstanding prerequisities must be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning courses. Failure to do will result in a withdrawal of application.
8. Can I reapply to the DPT Program if I am not admitted the first time I apply?
9. When is the deadline for applications?
10. When are the applicants notified by the Office of Graduate Admissions as to whether or not they are accepted?
11. Does Stockton offer direct admission to high school applicants?
To apply to Stockton University's Direct Admit BS/DPT Program, high school students must provide evidence that they meet the following minimum qualifications:
Test Score Requirements (must meet one of the following)
- SAT: Combined Writing and Math score of 1200 or higher (Math score must be 570 or higher)
- ACT: Combined score of 28 or higher (Math score must be 24 or higher)
- Accuplacer: Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) score of 260 or higher
Academic Requirements
- Weighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Official high school transcript
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required:
- One from a high school teacher or guidance counselor
- One from a licensed Physical Therapist
All required documentation must be submitted with your application for consideration.
12. What does "verified" mean?
PTCAS has processed your complete application, and it is fully available to your designated programs, including GPAs. You are responsible for monitoring the status of your application and the timely receipt of your documents, and for contacting PTCAS promptly with any questions or concerns you have regarding your application status. To view definitions of statuses, please click here.
13. Financial Fact Sheet
Click to access the Financial Fact Sheet.
14. Where do I send my transcripts (including Stockton transcripts)?
ALL transcripts are sent to PTCAS, not Stockton University.
Accreditation & Outcomes
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Stockton University is accredited by the:
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
E-mail: accreditation@apta.org
Questions regarding the physical therapy program’s accreditation should be directed either to CAPTE or to the Program Chair, Dr. Robert Marsico, at:
Phone: (609) 652-4704
E-mail: Robert.Marsico@stockton.edu.
Program Outcome
National Physical Therapy License Exam
As reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, the first time pass rate for 2026 was 100% with an overall pass rate of 100%. The first time pass rate for 2025 was 74.2% with an overall pass rate of 96.8%. The two-year average for first time pass rate was 87.1% and the two-year average overall pass rate was 98.4%.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate (as defined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) for Stockton’s Physical Therapy Program:
Employment Rate
With a 100% employment rate among graduates, Stockton physical therapists are sought after for residency programs and clinical practice in every setting.
Complaint Process
While the Program seeks to offer due process in all situations, complaints not addressed through the university’s established due process procedures should be addressed via the following procedures:
- Inform the Program Chair of the nature of the complaint to seek resolution, or to seek direction to appropriate university department.
- Contact the Dean of the SHS if the grievance has not been resolved through the previous steps.
- Contact the Provost for matters related to academic affairs if the grievance has not been resolved through the previous steps.
The faculty affirm the right of all individuals to address grievances without fear of reprisal or retaliation following submission of grievances.
Your PT Career Starts at Stockton
Student Voices
I completed my first clinical rotation with Prostaff Physical Therapy, and I felt well-prepared thanks to Stockton's DPT program. I developed a strong relationship with my Clinical Instructor, who encouraged me to ask questions and provided constructive feedback. The combination of Stockton’s curriculum and my Clinical Instructor’s guidance significantly helped me advance my skills during this rotation.
Class of 2025
The part of the curriculum that stood out to me was “Neuromuscular PT”. It was sandwiched between Clinical Education 1 and 2, and I was able to effectively reflect on patients I’d seen in the clinic and apply new information learned in the classroom to the patients I saw in my future clinical rotations. The structure of this curriculum gave me a solid foundation in the field of physical therapy. Transitioning between the classroom and clinical settings allowed me to learn and apply the information while still fresh in my brain. This allowed me to form new connections, have effective treatments, and further my knowledge in the field of physical therapy.
Class of 2024
The faculty at Stockton are all extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the field of physical therapy, especially their specific discipline of therapy. It really shines through in lectures and provides us with a great learning experience. Hearing stories from their own practice really helps solidify information and make it salient which helps me learn better. Dr. DelRossi is an outstanding professor who shapes her class around her students to ensure we get the best learning experience possible. Overall, practicals and exams can be challenging but they’re graded fairly and more than adequately prepare us for the field and real patients.
Class of 2025
I took the July 2024 NPTE and passed on my first attempt! I felt well prepared for the exam by Stockton’s DPT curriculum and additional study materials recommended by the faculty. I have begun working in the field as a Pediatric PT this September. My two pediatric clinical experiences as a student helped prepare me immensely to gain the confidence and experience to transition post-grad. I would absolutely recommend Stockton’s DPT program to aspiring students. I would not change my experience at all!
Class of 2024
Career Information
Apply today. If you have further questions you can Request More Information, call Graduate and Continuing Studies at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.
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