Physical Therapy

Program Mission 

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the College of Staten Island, the only physical therapy program in Staten Island, is to prepare graduates to become competent physical therapists that restore and improve the health and well-being of individuals in our community, and the world. The program is committed to excellence in education, research, leadership, and service. To fulfill this commitment we foster a collegial, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment. Our program prepares graduates to apply evidence to provide efficient and effective care. We train graduates in pre-clinical and clinical research to instill the skills necessary for their lasting scholarship and innovation to advance the profession of physical therapy.

Program Overview 

The clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program is designed to prepare graduates to examine, evaluate, diagnose, and intervene in the management of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities of the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and integumentary systems. The College of Staten Island will admit students to the program for the semester of each academic year. All course work will take place at the college. Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree along with specified course prerequisites. The three-year curriculum requires 105 credits of graduate course work and completion of a capstone research project. Tuition rates and student fees are detailed on the CSI website for DPT students. 

Accreditation Status

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York (CUNY) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

Who Are Physical Therapists?

According to the American Physical Therapy Association “Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. 

Physical Therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.  For more information:  http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/.