Master of Science in Physical Therapy

Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for examining and evaluating patients/clients, developing and implementing intervention programs, patient education, and supervising other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as teachers, researchers, consultants and administrators. SLU physical therapy students have unique opportunities to pursue study abroad, access to international clinical education sites, engagement with research faculty, and additional curricular goals such as minors, including interprofessional education, and certificates. Throughout the program, SLU physical therapy students can engage in pro bono physical therapy care for the St. Louis community. Working with a licensed faculty member, the students further develop skills learned in class by providing physical therapy treatments free of charge. The faculty and clinical staff provide clinical services at a variety of locations, including the pro bono clinics, Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Clinic at Student Health, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, consultative services for senior Jesuits and the SLUCare Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic. Graduates will be able to serve others by advocating for the health of society. Graduates will be able to evaluate typical versus atypical physical movement. Graduates will be able to communicate in a way that optimizes patient-centered care. Graduates will be able to apply principles of evidence-based practice in patient care. Once accepted into the program, a student progresses through the entire program without needing to reapply or take a graduate entrance exam, provided the student meets the program's academic and professional behavior standards. During the professional phase, students enroll in coursework specific to the physical therapy profession and complete 38 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Physical Therapist (Advanced Practice), Sports Physical Therapy Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialist, Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialist, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Specialist, Neurological Physical Therapy Specialist, Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialist, Pain Management Physical Therapist, Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist, Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, Hand Therapy Specialist, Robotics-Assisted Rehabilitation Specialist, Telehealth Physical Therapist,Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Specialist, AI-Driven Rehabilitation Specialist, Occupational Health & Ergonomics Specialist, Personalized Medicine Physical Therapy Specialist, Physical Therapy Policy Analyst Physical Therapy Program Director, Physical Therapy Consultant, Rehabilitation Services Manager, Global Health & Humanitarian Rehabilitation Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Rehabilitation/), Physical Therapy Product Development Specialist.