About us

Virginia Commonwealth University offers one of the premier Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs in the country. Located in the heart of Richmond's VCU Medical Center, the program provides students with easy access to state-of-the-art clinical and research facilities.

So, why choose us? Here are the top reasons our students chose to study at VCU.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program ranking and accreditation

  • ranked in top 8 percent of U.S. programs by U.S. News & World Report
  • Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education

A tradition of leadership in physical therapy education

  • First accredited physical therapy program in Virginia
  • Degree evolution - Certificate (1931) to bachelor's (1945) to master's (1989) to professional doctorate (2002)
  • Post-professional Ph.D. programs in collaboration with the VCU Schools of Medicine, Education and Health Professions

Outstanding clinical education

  • Clinical internship contracts with more than 230 facilities across the U.S.
  • A total of 32 weeks in full-time clinical education internships in the curriculum
  • Numerous part-time clinical experiences during the academic semesters

Award-winning professional students

  • Three APTA Minority Scholarship Award winners
  • Two VPTA Minority Scholarship Award winners
  • Three University Distinguished Service Award winners

Accomplished faculty

  • 13 full-time faculty devoted to teaching and research
  • 85 percent of the department's full-time faculty members have academic doctoral degrees
  • Combined teaching experience - 132 years
  • Combined clinical experience - 141 years
  • Three board certified specialists - pediatrics, neurology and sports
  • One certified exercise specialist
  • Four professional association fellowships (APTA, AACVPR [2], ACSM)

Established research and funding track record

  • More than 300 peer-reviewed publications
  • More than 300 scientific and professional state, national and international presentations
  • $4 million in federal research grant funds awarded

State-of-the-art classroom and laboratory facilities

  • 12,000 square feet of classroom, teaching laboratory and research laboratory space
  • Dedicated computer lab for physical therapy student use

VCU Medical Center

  • Level-1 trauma center with 820 inpatient beds and numerous outpatient clinics
  • A variety of opportunities for learning with part-time and full-time clinicals