Why Study Physical Therapy at AIC?
Every day, physical therapists interact with a diverse group of patients, including injured workers, recovering athletes, new joint recipients, and individuals with movement disorders. With each, the PT’s personalized treatment plan restores mobility, builds strength, and guides adaptations with a series of goals.
In American International College’s program, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students prepare to lead all types of rehabilitative journeys with the support of our close-knit, collaborative environment. Our two tracks scientifically explore movement and healing before instructing students in the analytical and clinical skills that professionals routinely utilize.
Education begins in AIC’s state-of-the-art campus labs before placing DPT students in the field from their first year. Through this community-centered focus, graduates become practitioners who deliver equitable and strategic care.
What to Expect
- Preparation for today’s healthcare environment: AIC’s DPT program graduates skilled, independent, and ethical clinicians who serve patients across the lifespan through advocacy, whole-health wellness, and education.
- Build diagnostic skills: DPT students learn to build care plans for musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory concerns based on movement and range-of-motion assessments. In the process, they explore the therapeutic effects of exercise, massage, ergonomics, assistive devices, and hot/cold applications.
- Expansive placement network: AIC maintains agreements with more than 400 physical therapy facilities across the country, allowing students to support a variety of patients during their clinical assignments.
- Intensive clinical experiences: Under professional supervision, our Physical Therapy students perform assessments and interventions in two 10-week clinical experiences plus one 12-week clinical experience held during their final year. Each entails 40 hours per week for one of our partners.
- Integrated Clinical Education: Each semester, DPT students care for our community through our pro bono partners or our own Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic.
- Research: Culminating in a capstone, Physical Therapy students assume an evidence-based approach to care that shapes how they evaluate patients, develop interventions, and adapt treatment plans.
- Small classes: Our program’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio means no one is ever reduced to a number. AIC students receive extensive mentorship that enhances the care they provide here and in their careers.
- Learn from clinicians and researchers: DPT students grow their practice under the guidance of experienced clinicians and researchers who rethink body mechanics and the care professionals deliver every day.
- Exceptional track record: AIC’s DPT graduates consistently exceed average pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NTPE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Our program is supported by a 96.2% ultimate license pass rate, plus a 100% graduate employment rate.
- State-of-the-art facilities: The Colaccino Center for Health Sciences is more than home to cadaver and simulation labs—it’s where School of Health Sciences students learn to function on a care team.
- A choice of tracks: Pursue an accelerated 3+3 pathway that begins in AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program. You’ll apply for entry after completing all prerequisites, earning a bachelor’s and DPT in six years instead of seven.
