PhD In Physical Therapy (Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy)

PhD in Physiotherapy Overviews

The Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy degree is a three-year doctoral program that requires a master's degree in the field to take the entrance exam. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a graduate-level program that prepares students for careers as licensed physical therapists. The program typically takes three years to complete and requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.

During the DPT program, students learn about the human body and its movement, how to diagnose and treat injuries and conditions, and how to develop treatment plans to help patients achieve their physical goals. They also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports clinics.

Upon graduation, students must pass a national licensing exam to become a licensed physical therapist. With a DPT degree, physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, and sports teams. They may also specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, and orthopedics.

PhD in Physiotherapy Course Highlights

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program:

Length of Program: DPT programs usually take three years to complete, with students earning a clinical doctorate degree upon graduation.

Curriculum: The DPT curriculum typically includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical courses in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics.

Clinical Rotations: DPT students participate in a variety of clinical rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, and schools. This provides students with hands-on experience working with patients and applying the skills they've learned in the classroom.

Specialization: Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy, such as sports therapy, geriatrics, pediatrics, or neurology, by taking additional courses and clinical rotations.

Licensing Exam: After graduation, students must pass a national licensing exam to become licensed physical therapists.

Career Opportunities: DPT graduates can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, sports teams, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They can also specialize in a particular area of physical therapy.

Why Study PhD Physiotherapy

The doctoral program in Physiotherapy is beneficial for candidates who wish to take a leadership role in the field of psychology, particularly in the area of ​​policy analysis working with government.

Candidates are permitted to work in a variety of organizations and practices while studying Physiotherapy.

The main objective of a PhD program in Physiotherapy is to enable the candidate to be responsive, gain expertise on the subject, disseminate the paper and earn income accordingly.

The Doctorate in Physiotherapy facilitates the integration of academic subjects with practical field research.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Entrance Exam:

The most common entrance exam for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). However, some schools may accept other exams such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Prospective students should check with the specific program they are interested in for their specific entrance exam requirements.

• BHU-RET
• DUET
• CU-ET
• IPU CET
• NPAT

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Admission and Eligibility:

To be eligible for admission to a DPT program, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They must also have completed prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. Additionally, most programs require students to have a minimum GPA and GRE score.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Duration:

The DPT program usually takes three years to complete. However, some programs may offer an accelerated program that allows students to complete the program in two years.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Selection Criteria:

Selection criteria for DPT programs may vary by school but often include the applicant's GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, clinical experience, and personal statement. Some programs may also require an interview as part of the selection process.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program How to Apply:

Prospective students can apply to DPT programs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). This service allows students to apply to multiple programs using one application. The application typically requires transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some programs may require additional materials or information. Students should check with the specific program they are interested in for their application requirements and deadlines.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Admission Process

To apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, students must complete the application form provided by the program or use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). The application form typically requires transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any additional materials required by the program. Students should check the program's specific application requirements and deadlines before applying.

• Candidates are required to fill the admission form online on the university website mentioned above or offline by visiting the university campus at their convenience.
• Candidates are required to fill in all details along with existing documents. Therefore, prepare all your documents before filling them out.
• Candidates must ensure their eligibility in the merit list and entrance exam as per the eligibility criteria and obtain the minimum required marks as per the respective evaluation process of the colleges and universities.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Application Fee:

The application fee for DPT programs may vary by school, but it usually ranges from $50 to $100 per program. Students should check the program's website or application form for the specific fee.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Syllabus:

The syllabus for a DPT program typically includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, clinical diagnosis, interventions, and management. Students also participate in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in various physical therapy settings.

Job Role After Completed PhD in Physiotherapy Program

The median annual salary for physical therapists in the United States is $91,010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job opportunities for physical therapists are expected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Physical therapists can work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, sports teams, and rehabilitation centers.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Career Opportunities:

Graduates of DPT programs can work as physical therapists in various settings, as well as pursue advanced practice roles such as becoming a board-certified clinical specialist, a physical therapy researcher, or a physical therapy professor. Some physical therapists also go on to open their own private practices.

PhD in Physiotherapy Program Top Colleges:

Some of the top Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in the United States include the University of Southern California, Emory University, Duke University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Pittsburgh. However, students should research and consider various factors, such as program curriculum, clinical rotations, faculty, and location, when selecting a program.

PhD in Physiotherapy Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Documents Required For PhD in Physiotherapy

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Physiotherapy Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.