Program Overview

The Doctor of Physical Therapy bridge program is designed to allow licensed physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to expand on their academic and clinical experience to promote health, wellness, and function in diverse populations.

The program bridges licensed PTAs to become contemporary Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs), equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to be independent practitioners who optimize movement, improve health, and transform society.

Students will build on their existing professional knowledge through鈥痑n experiential technology infused curriculum of a combination of didactic and clinical experiences to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to be doctors of physical therapy and have opportunities for focused study in areas of clinical interest.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be clinicians, educators, scholars, and leaders who have developed the knowledge and skills for contemporary, autonomous and collaborative practice, as well as a commitment towards service and lifelong learning.

Hybrid Program
Students will have synchronous and asynchronous class time Tuesday – Friday. Classes run in the morning and early afternoon. Immersive lab weeks will occur on campus 7 times throughout the program and last from 5 – 8 days.

Apply Now!

  • 2027 Enrollment:听We are now accepting applications for 2027 enrollment. Apply in the by December 1, 2026 to begin classes January 11, 2027.

Still need a bachelor鈥檚 degree? Apply to the Early Assurance Dual Degree Pathway and earn your B.S. in Health Practice Management while securing guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program鈥攗pon successful completion of your bachelor鈥檚 degree requirements. This pathway includes all prerequisite courses needed for the DPT program.

Important Application Dates & Details

  • How to Apply & Key Dates

     

    January 2027 Enrollment

    We are now accepting applications for 2027 enrollment. Apply in the by December 1, 2026 to begin classes January 11, 2027. Admissions are rolling.

    Please note: Each year, the application cycle will follow a similar schedule: applications are due by early December, and classes begin in January with the start of the winter term.

  • Request More Information

    Submit your information here to learn more!

    Questions about the program, requirements, or cost? Email Admissions Officer Michael Caruso at [email protected] to receive important updates and get any questions answered!听

  • Upcoming Webinars with Program Director & Faculty

    Information Sessions Update

    Our live virtual info sessions for this admissions cycle have concluded. A new schedule will be announced next year for the upcoming cycle. Please check back for updates, or to learn more.

No matter where you are on your journey to a Physical Therapy career, 伊人AV Tech provides several options for you!

IF:
THEN:
If you do not have a PTA license…
  • Apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant, AS program
  • Once you have successfully completed the PTA program, you can move on to the Health Practice Management, BS
  • This program accepts applications on a rolling basis
If you have an active PTA license, but no bachelor’s degree…
  • Apply for the Health Practice Management, BS program
  • The Health Practice Management, BS program will then bridge you into the DPT program
  • This program accepts applications on a rolling basis
If you have an active PTA license, AND a bachelor’s degree…

Accreditation Statement

Effective 11/04/25, 伊人AV Institute of Technology has been granted Candidate for听Accreditation听status by the Commission on听Accreditation听in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email:听[email protected]). 听If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call听Erin听Faraclas at 401-739-5000 or email [email protected].
听
Candidate for听Accreditation听is an听accreditation听status of affiliation with the Commission on听Accreditation听in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. 听Achievement of Candidate for听Accreditation听status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial听Accreditation.

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The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Practice Management is designed to prepare graduates to pursue advanced areas of expertise in healthcare leadership, or to apply for the graduate level track (PTA to DPT Bridge).
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Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

 

Program Mission:

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to provide an innovative and transformative educational pathway for licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who will practice at the highest level of the Physical Therapy profession.

Program Vision:

The Bridge to DPT Program improves the health of communities through a scholarly approach to academic innovation that grounds academic and clinical practice in a clear professional identity and a vital social infrastructure.

 

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Goals:

Develop and promote excellence in education, service, and scholarship in physical therapy.

Education:

  • 100% employment rate among those DPT graduates who enter the job-market within six months of degree completion.
  • 100% two-year FSBPT NPTE ultimate pass rate.
  • At least 85% first-time pass rate on the FSBPT NPTE
  • 85% of students matriculated into DPT program complete academic requirements and graduate within 16 quarter-terms.

Service:

  • At least 25% of the core faculty will serve on college and/or College of Health Sciences committees in each academic year.
  • At least 25% of the core faculty will serve on state, regional, or national committees and/or councils within professional organizations in each academic year.
  • 鈥嬧�嬧�婣t least 30% of the core faculty will perform volunteer service within the community in each academic year.
  • 100% of the DPT students will engage in a reflective service learning activity each year.

Scholarship:

  • All core faculty, who have been faculty > three years, have a scholarship development plan that results in the dissemination of one peer-reviewed product every two years.

Leadership:

  • All core faculty will model leadership and service to the DPT students through department, school, profession, and community activities annually.
  • Foster the acquisition of knowledge, values and skills for exemplary professional practice.
  • 50% of the faculty, core and adjunct, will hold certification annually in areas of specialization that are directly related to their teaching and/or scholarship activities and to the individual faculty member鈥檚 professional goals.
  • 100% of the core faculty will engage annually in professional development activities in areas directly related to their teaching and/or scholarship and to each individual faculty member鈥檚 professional and/or scholarship goals.
  • At least 30% of DPT graduates will enroll in activities annually that lead to any of the following: advanced degrees, specialty certification, residency or fellowship level training within three years of graduation.

 

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduate Goals and Outcomes:

Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will:

  1. Be highly qualified physical therapy practitioners.
    • 100% two-year FSBPT NPTE pass rate.
    • At least 85% first-time pass rate on the FSBPT NPTE.
    • 100% of DPT students achieve a level of 鈥淏eyond Entry Level鈥� on at least one dimension of the CPI.
    • 鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧��>85% acceptance rate for DPT students who apply to post-graduate academic or residency programs within three years of graduation.
    • At least 30% of the DPT graduates will enroll in activities that lead to any of the following: advanced degrees, specialty certification, residency or fellowship level training within three years of graduation.
  2. Be prepared to meet existing and emerging health care needs.
    • 鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�婣t least 25% of DPT graduates will be involved in clinical program development within three years of graduation.
    • At least 25% of DPT graduates will provide services to a traditionally underserved population and/or provide pro bono services within 3 years of licensure.
  3. Engage in lifelong learning and service to the physical therapy profession.
    • 鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�婣t least 75% of NEIT DPT graduates will participate in continuing education activities within three years of graduation.
    • 鈥嬧�嬧�婣t least 30% of the DPT graduates will enroll in activities that lead to any of the following: advanced degrees, specialty certification, residency or fellowship level training within three years of graduation.
    • At least 30% of DPT graduates will serve as a clinical instructor for DPT students within three years of graduation.

 

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Goals and Outcomes:

Students of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will:

  • Demonstrate entry level physical therapy practice. (practice)
  • Demonstrate professional behavior and interactions (professional behavior);
  • Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences; (communication)
  • Adapt delivery of physical therapy services with consideration for patient鈥檚鈥嬧��, values, preferences, needs and other factors that influence access and equity in utilization of 鈥媓ealth鈥媍are (cultural competency);
  • Access and analyze relevant information from appropriate sources, to aid in patient/client management (evidence-based practice skills);
  • De鈥媘onstrate鈥� critical think鈥媔ng鈥�, clinical reasoning, and clinical decision-making skills essential for practice (critical thinking);
  • Educate others regarding physical therapist practice, including rehabilitation, prevention, health, and wellness using relevant and effective teaching methodologies (education);
  • Manage resources to achieve physical therapy goals while understanding and responding to economic factors that impact the delivery of service (resource management);
  • Practice interdependently within a multidisciplinary milieu, by providing care that may include referral to appropriate health care and community-based services and providers (autonomous practice, equity and access).

 

Entrance Requirements

 

Admission requirements:听听
        1. Evidence of having graduated from a CAPTE accredited physical therapist assistant program
        2. Active, unencumbered PTA license in a U.S. jurisdiction.
        3. One-year full-time experience (or equivalent) working as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant within 3 years of matriculation.
        4. Evidence of having completed a bachelor’s degree and all prerequisite requirements OR good standing in the NEIT early assurance, BS in Health Practice Management to DPT Program (request or refer to the HPM Program Information Sheet and Program handbook for additional information).听
        5. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 and minimum prerequisite math/science/statistics/psychology GPA of 3.0/4.0.
        6. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of no lower than a C. Students must demonstrate a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0/4.0 and minimum math/science/statistics/psychology prerequisite grade point average of 3.0/4.0.
        7. Two professional letters of reference. One must be from a supervising PT. It is recommended one from a past professor if available or secondary supervisory reference if not. Letter from family and friends will not be accepted.听
        8. TOEFL if applicable.
Prerequisite courses:听
        • 2 terms of introductory level Biology
        • 2 terms of Chemistry with lab
        • 2 terms of Physics with lab
        • 2 terms of Anatomy & Physiology with lab
        • Introductory level Psychology
        • Applied Research Statistics
        • Exercise Physiology and Laboratory

 

 

No matter where you are on your journey to a Physical Therapy career, 伊人AV Tech provides several options for you!

 

IF:
THEN:
If you do not have a PTA license…
  • Apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant, AS program
  • Once you have successfully completed the PTA program, you can move on to the Health Practice Management, BS
  • This program accepts applications on a rolling basis
If you have an active PTA license, but no bachelor’s degree…
  • Apply for the Health Practice Management, BS program
  • The Health Practice Management, BS program will then bridge you into the DPT program
  • This program accepts applications on a rolling basis
If you have an active PTA license, AND a bachelor’s degree…
  • Apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
  • This program will begin to accept applications in June of 2025, with the first student cohort anticipated to begin in January of 2026

 

 

Technical Standards/Essential Functions

The DPT Program has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for the selection and evaluation of its students, the design, implementation, and evaluation of its curriculum, and the determination of who should be awarded a degree. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on satisfactory academic achievement, but also on essential functions, skills, and abilities which ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary attributes of the academic program required for graduation.

The DPT Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its graduates can become fully competent and caring physical therapists, capable of doing benefit and not harm. It is important the persons admitted possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, physical and emotional capacity, and professionalism necessary to practice physical therapy.

The DPT Program is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. Consistent with the NEIT non-discrimination policy:

鈥溡寥薃V Institute of Technology admits qualified students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or disability to all the rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the university. 伊人AV Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its admissions, employment, and educational policies or scholarship, loan, athletic and other school- administered programs.鈥�

Additional information regarding the NEIT Non-Discrimination Policy is found in the NEIT Student Handbook

When requested, NEIT will provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law to otherwise qualified students with disabilities.

All students admitted to, matriculated in and graduating from the DPT Program are expected to have the capability to complete the entire DPT curriculum.听 All students should be able to perform each of the essential functions and technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.听 Accommodations are never provided retroactively.

 

Requirement Examples of activities (not inclusive or limited to only these)
Communication abilitiesCommunication abilities sufficient for interaction with peers, faculty and patients.听 These abilities include verbal, non-verbal, and written form. 鈼徧� Use oral or written forms of the English language for expression during communication and written assignments.

鈼徧� Receive and interpret oral and written forms of the English language.

鈼徧� Receive and interpret visual information, such as body language and movement.

鈼徧� Record in writing information expressed orally by an individual.

鈼徧� Use of therapeutic communications appropriately, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching.

鈼徧� Document patient care.
Motor abilities

Motor abilities that enable the assumption of awkward postures, movement between rooms and classes, movement in tight spaces, and physical endurance and strength to perform successfully in physical therapy settings.

 鈼徧� Attend class 30 or more hours per week including lecture, laboratory and integrated clinical experiences.

鈼徧� Provide physical therapy care in a clinical setting for 40 or more hours per week.

鈼徧� Sit and maintain an upright posture for up to 8 hours daily.

鈼徧� Stand and maintain an upright posture for up to 10 hours daily.

鈼徧� Balance on one leg for at least 30 seconds.

鈼徧� Walk for up to 4 hours daily.

鈼徧� Lift up to 50 pounds.

鈼徧� Carry up to 50 pounds.

鈼徧� Provide safe patient mobility including lifting, turning, bending forward and backward, positioning, transferring and performing therapeutic techniques and exercise with patients.

鈼徧� Use standard industry equipment.

鈼徧� Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Hearing abilities

Functional hearing that includes the auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient health needs.

 鈼徧� Hear lecture and basic conversation.

鈼徧� Hear an alarm or emergency signal in a healthcare setting.

鈼徧� Auscultate.

鈼徧� Hear a person calling for help.
Visual abilities

Visual ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient health needs both at a distance and nearby.

 鈼徧� Observe posture, facial expression, and quality and speed of movement.

鈼徧� Inspect skin condition including color, temperature, moisture, and texture.

鈼徧� Recognize and assess two- and three-dimensional relationships.

鈼徧� Read documents including patient charts, lab reports, scientific literature.

鈼徧� Read equipment output
Tactile abilities

Tactile ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient health needs.

 鈼徧� Palpate changes in an individual鈥檚 muscle tone, soft tissues, skin quality, joint play, kinesthesia, and temperature.

鈼徧� Assess temperature of therapeutic agents, including hot pack, cold pack, water, and paraffin bath

鈼徧� Assess a pulse.
Cognitive abilities

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities sufficient for clinical judgement in normal, urgent, and emergent situations.

 鈼徧� Respond with timely, precise and appropriate action in an emergency.

鈼徧� Perform effectively under stress or in unusual situations.

鈼徧� Comprehend, organize, prioritize, memorize, analyze and synthesize information from scientific and clinical sources.

鈼徧� Analyze and evaluate results of patient examinations and formulate appropriate patient diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.

鈼徧� Apply information and complete decision-making and problem-solving tasks in a timely manner consistent with industry standards.

鈼徧� Recognize and act on the need for assistance with complex situations.

鈼徧� Apply creative and intuitive processes.

鈼徧� Formulate hypotheses based on theory, and design methods to test hypotheses.

鈼徧� Be accountable for the outcomes of academic activities.

鈼徧� Be accountable for the outcomes of clinical decision making and clinical care.
Social, emotional, and behavioral abilitiesInterpersonal attributes, adaptability, empathy and emotional stability sufficient to interact effectively and sensitively with peers, faculty and patients, to maintain professional demeanor, communication, and respect for others at all times. Capacity for self-reflection and change. 鈼徧� Communicate effectively and sensitively with peers, faculty, patients, clients and the community.

鈼徧� Comply with the ethical standards of the American Physical Therapy Association.

鈼徧� Respond appropriately to suggestions for improvement.

鈼徧� Accept criticism.

鈼徧� Work effectively in groups.

鈼徧� Monitor and manage one鈥檚 own stress.

鈼徧� Participate in multiple tasks simultaneously.

鈼徧� Present one鈥檚 self in a professional and empathic manner to peers, faculty, patients, clients and the community.

鈼徧� Maintain professionalism in the context of time, environmental, and situational constraints.
Self-health and hygiene abilities

Abilities and characteristics that do not compromise the health and safety of peers, faculty, patients and the community.

 鈼徧� Maintain general good health, self-care, and hygiene.

鈼徧� Minimize exposure to and seek appropriate treatment for communicable diseases.

鈼徧� Demonstrate appropriate behaviors and attitudes in order not to jeopardize the emotional health, physical health, mental health, and safety of peers, faculty, patients, clients and the community.

鈼徧� Pass a drug-screen examination and criminal background check.

Reference: Ingram, D. (1997). Opinions of Physical Therapy Education Program Directors on Essential Functions, Physical Therapy, 77(1), 37-45.听

 

Program Leadership & Faculty听

 

Dr. Erin Faraclas, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Program Director, Professor of Physical Therapy听

Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)

Dr. Faraclas is the program director and professor for the DPT Bridge Program at 伊人AV’s Institute of Technology (NEIT).听 Erin received her Ph.D. in Health Sciences and Health Promotion from Rocky Mountain University in 2021.听 Erin earned her MPT degree from American International College in 2003 and her DPT degree from Temple University in 2008. Before coming to NEIT, Erin was a core faculty member in the DPT programs at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Rocky Mountain University.听 Erin has over 18 years of experience as a physical therapy educator and has extensive experience with DPT programmatic accreditation.听 Erin also serves as a delegate for the American Physical Therapy Association鈥檚 (APTA) House of Delegates, representing Massachusetts.听 Erin is also the Treasurer for the APTA Academy of Education.听 Erin maintains clinical practice at a Day Hab in the greater Worcester area.听 Clinically, Erin has worked primarily in the inpatient acute rehab setting.听 Erin is a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) and a board-certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC).听 Erin has an established line of research exploring MS, quality of life, and the intersection between the two.听听 Erin鈥檚 scholarship accomplishments include several publications and peer-reviewed presentations.

Areas of Teaching: Health prevention, Promotion and wellness, Neuromuscular rehabilitation, Chronic illness, Evidence-based practice, and Research.
Areas of Interest: Multiple sclerosis and quality of life indicators, Population health in PT practice, and DPT student stress.

Dr. Carrie Minahan, PT, DPT, EdD
Professor of Physical Therapy, Chair, Curriculum Committee Member

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy (Emeritus)

Dr. Minahan is core faculty for the NEIT DPT Program. 听She holds a Doctor of Education with a focus in adult learning and development from South College (2024), Doctor of Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College (2010), a Master of Science in Neurological Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institution of Health Professions (1998) and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Vermont (1994). She has been in DPT education since 2010, and full-time DPT core faculty since 2016 and in hybrid accelerated DPT education since 2019. Her teaching areas are primarily in the foundational sciences and include anatomy and pathophysiology, clinical medicine, movement science, and clinical neuroscience. Carrie loves to integrate educational technology in teaching anatomy with 3-D applications and active learning strategies. She has a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University School of Education in Mind, Brain and Teaching and hybrid teaching and learning certification. Her scholarship interests and publications are related to evidence-based teaching and learning within physical therapy education with a science of learning and self-regulation of learning focus. Carrie has clinical certifications of competency in vestibular rehabilitation and hippotherapy, and most of her clinical career was spent in outpatient care of patients with vestibular and balance disorders across the lifespan. She holds the Neurological Clinical Specialist Certification (Emeritus) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Areas of Teaching: Human anatomy, clinical medicine, diagnostic imaging
Areas of Interest: Self-regulated learning in DPT education; strategic learning skills

Dr. Regina Kaufman, PT, EdD MS
Professor of Physical Therapy听

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

  • Russell Sage College, Troy, NY; Physical Therapy, BS
  • MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA; Physical Therapy, Neurology Concentration, MS
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA; Policy & Leadership in Higher Education, EdD

Dr. Regina Kaufman, PT, EdD, NCS, is Professor in the developing PTA to DPT Bridge Program. Dr. Kaufman has been a leader in physical therapist education for more than 25 years. She is an expert clinician, academic innovator, and influential scholar. She is credentialed as a specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She holds an EdD in Higher Education Policy, Research, and Administration from the University of Massachusetts, and a post-professional MS in Physical Therapy with a neurology specialization from the MGH IHP.

Dr. Kaufman is a master educator. She has been described as a thoughtful, engaging, challenging, and passionate instructor with deep knowledge and high standards. She is a leader in academic-community engagement in the health professions. She has developed innovative models for DPT program and student collaboration with local and regional community-based organizations in service to adults with chronic health conditions. In her 20 years at the helm of a pro bono PT clinic, and through pioneering work training and deploying students to lead falls prevention programs throughout local communities, she has helped countless adults live more satisfying lives while at the same time enhancing the quality of health professions education.

Dr. Kaufman鈥檚 scholarship has centered on faculty work in academic physical therapy, community-engaged education, and health humanities. She was a recipient of the 2006 Stanford Award from the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, a Faculty Fellowship from the Parkinson鈥檚 Foundation in 2016, and was a recipient of the 2018 Academy of Academic Physical Therapy/Consortium for Humanities, Ethics and Professionalism Award.

Areas of Teaching: Foundational concepts and skills, movement systems, balance and gait disorders, neuromuscular rehabilitation, community-engaged education and practice, critical inquiry
Areas of Interest: Community-engaged education and practice, faculty issues in the PT academy

Dr. Veronica McLaughlin, PT, MS, DPT
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Veronic McLaughlin, PT, MS, DPT is the Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in the developing PTA to DPT Bridge Program. Dr. Mclaughlin graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy (1998) from Northeastern University. She then continued for a Master’s of Science from Northeastern University (1999) with a focus on teaching. Dr. McLaughlin began teaching while earning her master’s degree as a laboratory assistant at Northeastern University. She continued in her education and obtained her transitional Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy (2015).

Clinically, Dr. McLaughlin has primarily worked in outpatient orthopedics clinics for 27+ years. Dr. McLaughlin continues to practice part time in an outpatient facility enabling her to stay current with contemporary Physical Therapy practice. She has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings as well as orthopedic including acute care settings, subacute rehabilitation, home care, and long-term care. She is an active member of the APTA both in MA and RI.

She spent the past eight years teaching multiple courses as a full-time core faculty member at Quincy College in a Physical Therapy Assistant program. She participated in both the initial accreditation and most recently, obtaining the ten-year accreditation for the Physical Therapy Assistant program.

Throughout the years, Dr. Mclaughlin has participated in various continuing education courses and conferences to stay contemporary in the content area she has taught. Since May of 2024, Dr. McLaughlin has become a certified clinical instructor level 1 through the APTA, participates in the 伊人AV Consortium of Clinical Educators, attends clinical education course at CSM and completed the APTAs New Faculty and DCE Workshop.

Areas of Teaching: Orthopedic, PTA education courses (Intro to PTA, musculoskeletal, physical agents, manual course, pathology, cardiopulmonary, simulation)
Areas of Interest: Clinical Education

Dr. Dawn Roberts, PT, PhD, MS
Professor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Dawn Roberts is a core faculty member for the NEIT DPT program. She holds a PhD in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2007), a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (1995), and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (1993). Dr. Roberts has worked with both children and adults with neuromuscular, orthopedic, and neurodevelopmental conditions in many clinical settings, including outpatient, acute care, school-based, and early intervention. She has taught full-time in DPT education since 2011 and in hybrid DPT education since 2024. Her areas of teaching include foundational sciences, movement systems, pediatric rehabilitation, and health and wellness. Dawn is certified in online education and also holds clinical certifications in dry needling and BFR. She has published and presented works studying the effect of physical activity and exercise interventions on individuals with chronic health conditions, and on interprofessional education in pediatric DPT curricula. She is a member of the APTA and the Academy of Pediatric PT, where she serves on the research committee.

Areas of Teaching: Neuroscience, Movement Systems, Health and Wellness, Evidence-Based Practice, Pediatric Rehabilitation
Areas of Interest:听Physical activity and exercise interventions in adults and children with chronic health conditions, Interprofessional education in pediatric rehabilitation

Dr. Joseph Soojian, PT, DPT, OCS
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Joseph Soojian is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, manual therapy, and hybrid education. At 伊人AV Institute of Technology, he teaches a range of foundational and advanced courses, including Human Anatomy, Therapeutic Interventions, Diagnostic Imaging, and Musculoskeletal Management.

Dr. Soojian brings a diverse academic background, having held adjunct faculty positions at South College across multiple campuses and at Colby-Sawyer College. His teaching experience spans hybrid and in-person formats, with a focus on anatomy, pain neuroscience, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Clinically, Dr. Soojian has practiced in outpatient settings in New Hampshire and Texas, treating a wide spectrum of orthopedic and neurological conditions. He is actively engaged in mentorship and continuing education, currently completing a fellowship in Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapy through Bellin College.

Dr. Soojian is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. His commitment to clinical excellence, student-centered teaching, and professional service aligns with the mission and accreditation standards of DPT education.

Areas of Teaching: Musculoskeletal practice and patient management, Gross anatomy, Clinical reasoning, Foundational concepts and skills
Areas of Interest: Student Success

Dr. Joey Swearingen, PT, DPT, ATC
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy听

Dr. Swearingen is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the 伊人AV Institute of Technology and a core faculty member in the PTA to DPT Bridge Program. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Systems Improvement at the University of South Carolina and holds prior credentials, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership, and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology.

Dr. Swearingen has over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and program administration. He previously served as Dean of Health Sciences and Program Chair of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, where he oversaw curriculum development, programmatic accreditation, and student success initiatives. Clinically, he is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist with advanced training in dry needling and manual therapy. His practice background includes a focus in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and geriatrics.

His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in Physical Therapy in Sport, as well as presentations at professional conferences. An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Dr. Swearingen is engaged in the Orthopaedic and Education Sections, with academic interests in self-regulated learning, instructional design, and strategies that promote belonging and success in physical therapy education.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Swearingen has served on multiple programmatic, college, and state committees/boards. His service has focused on quality enhancement efforts, faculty governance, and workforce development initiatives through professional and community organizations. His work reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice, academic innovation, and the preparation of future physical therapists to meet evolving health care needs.

Areas of Teaching: Orthopedic/musculoskeletal physical therapy, Therapeutic exercise and application, Fundamentals of physical therapy, and Clinical practice/application
Areas of Interest: Educational systems improvement, Self-regulated learning, Learning science, and Orthopedic evaluation & intervention

Dr. Dana Tischler, PT, DPT, PhD, MS
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Tischler is an Associate Professor in the PTA to DPT Bridge Program at 伊人AV Institute of Technology (NEIT). Dana earned her PhD in Integrated Health Sciences from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2023), DPT from Elon University (2010), Masters of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from The George Washington University (2005), and a Bachelor of Science in Fitness & Cardiac Rehab/Exercise Science from Ithaca College (2003).

Dr. Tischler has been a full-time core faculty member in DPT education since 2017, teaching at Ithaca College, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, the University of 伊人AV, and now NEIT. She teaches across several content areas within the DPT curriculum, including: cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatrics, foundational skills, simulation-based education, acute/critical care, research/scholarship, and ethics.

Dana has been a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy since 2019, and serves on the Pediatric Committee of Content Experts for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She maintains a clinical practice focused on treating medically complex infants, children, and adolescents in acute care. She has worked at Vanderbilt Children鈥檚 Hospital, the Children鈥檚 Hospital of Philadelphia, Primary Children鈥檚 Hospital, and is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Barbara Bush Children鈥檚 Hospital.

Dr. Tischler’s scholarly interests are in the areas of acute care pediatric physical therapy practice, Patient-reported outcome measures in pediatrics, acute care confidence and competence, simulation-based education, and participation/recreation for children with disabilities, with several publications and peer-reviewed presentations in these areas.

Staff

Samantha Neary, MS
Clinical Education Coordinator

Sam joined NEIT in Fall 2024 and serves as the Clinical Education Program Coordinator for both the PTA and Bridge to DPT programs for the Department of Physical Therapy. From her previous roles she brings with her particular expertise in program management, systems efficiency, counseling-informed student advising, and team and leadership development.

Starting her career in education at Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation as the Scholarship Coordinator, Sam now has over 15 years of experience in various aspects of academic and student affairs. As a graduate student in Northeastern University鈥檚 College Student Development and Counseling program (CSDC), Sam worked as a Career Assistant for Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed her practicum in Academic Advising at Berklee College of Music. She also contributed to CSDC Department Chair Dr. Vanessa Johnson鈥檚 research of the impact of study abroad on undergraduate students traveling to Ghana through Northeastern鈥檚 Dialogue of Civilizations program.

As Interim Director of Off-Campus Student Services for Emerson College, Sam honed skills in student advocacy, leadership, and community partnership. She then served several years as a Career Advisor at Roger Williams University and as an Academic Advisor at the University of Rhode Island for STEM students before becoming Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. As Assistant Dean, Sam established new systems for graduation review and degree progress tracking and instilled new professional development plans to improve staff retention.

Throughout her various roles, Sam has taught courses in career planning and first-year seminar, chaired campus committees, developed undergraduate student leadership training programs, and facilitated workshops regarding professionalism, leadership, and teamwork for undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff.

Sam also has experience in secondary education as a tutor and substitute teacher for various K-12 public school systems, as an Editorial Assistant for Wiley-Blackwell Publishing and Pearson Higher Education, and as a freelance journalist prior to her pivot to student and academic affairs.

Throughout all facets of life, Sam aims to lead with integrity, care, and competence.

Research Areas: Impact of study abroad on undergraduate students; Comparative higher education 鈥� systems in North America and Europe

Matthew Lepore
Academic Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Matt joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program team after contributing to NEIT鈥檚 Center for Technology & Industry (CTI), where he supported workforce development initiatives, industry partnerships, and grant-funded programs designed to connect students with career pathways in healthcare, technology, and trades.

In his current role, Matt provides academic coordination for the DPT program, working closely with students, faculty, and leadership to ensure smooth operations, timely communication, and program compliance. He brings experience in project management, student advising support, and higher education administration.

Matt is a graduate of 伊人AV Institute of Technology鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Business Management 鈥� Healthcare Management program, where he graduated with honors. He remains active in the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM), continuing to expand his leadership, professional development, and organizational management expertise.

Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Student Costs

 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total
Annual Tuition Private Institution Student $33,600 $36,256 $28,017 $97,873
Annual Institutional Fees for a Full-Time Student [includes general institutional fees, i.e. health insurance, recreation, etc] $900 $900 $900 $2,700
Total Expected Cost of Other Program-Related Expenses [includes: required texts, lab fees, and other program costs for the entire technical program] $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $4,500
Total Cost of the Program [includes: tuition, fees, other program costs for the entire program] $36,000 $38,656 $30,417 $105,073

 

Financial Fact Sheet

The 2024 Financial Fact Sheet for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program can be found here听

Accreditation Statement:

Effective 11/04/25, 伊人AV Institute of Technology has been granted Candidate for听Accreditation听status by the Commission on听Accreditation听in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email:听[email protected]). 听If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call听Erin听Faraclas at 401-739-5000 or email [email protected].
听
Candidate for听Accreditation听is an听accreditation听status of affiliation with the Commission on听Accreditation听in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. 听Achievement of Candidate for听Accreditation听status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial听Accreditation.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

  1. What are the entrance requirements for the DPT program?

    DPT Program: The requirements for application and admission for the DPT Bridge Program are listed above. Students who have an earned bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution in the USA will apply to the DPT program through (https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/).

    Early Assurance BS to DPT Program:听 Interested persons without an earned bachelor鈥檚 degree are invited to apply to the early assurance BS to DPT program.听 Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  2. Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply to the DPT Bridge Program?

    There are 2 routes of entry to the DPT Bridge program:

    DPT Program: For PTAs with a bachelor’s degree, and who have satisfied the prerequisites, application is directly to the DPT program through the .

    Early Assurance BS to DPT Program:听 Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  3. I am a PTA and I do not have a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Will this affect my coursework or the length of the program?

    Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  4. I am a PTA and have already earned my bachelor鈥檚 degree. Will this affect my coursework or the length of the program?听听

    For students with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree who are admitted directly to the DPT program, the standard program length of 9 10-week terms and 2 5-week intersessions over a total of 27 months, applies.

  5. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be accepted into the program?

    No, the GRE is not required.

  6. Is NEIT accredited?
    NEIT is accredited by the 伊人AV Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT鈥檚 .

  7. Is the DPT program at NEIT accredited?
    Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; [email protected] is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. 伊人AV Institute of Technology is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. On April 24 2025, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

  8. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?


    DPT Program:     Students must complete all courses required for the DPT at NEIT.

    Early Assurance BS to DPT Program:听 Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  9. Are there other things I should know about the admissions process?
    The DPT program at NEIT does not discriminate against qualified people with disabilities in the admissions process. We do require all students to meet the Program鈥檚 Essential Functions and Technical Standards* with or without reasonable accommodation.听听

  10. 听Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?听
    Yes. You are required to have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0/4.0 and minimum math/science prerequisite grade point average of 3.0/4.0 to be eligible for admission to the DPT Bridge Program. You are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.听听听听

  11. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check?

    All DPT students are required to have a criminal background check. The Joint Commission requires all healthcare facilities which they accredit to perform criminal background checks on students. Prior to entering clinical affiliation, students will be required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to the criminal background check required by (The Joint Commission), some clinical sites may also require a national criminal background check. It will be necessary for students to sign a Consent and Disclaimer permitting NEIT to perform a criminal background check and a Release and Authorization permitting NEIT to disclose the results of the criminal background check to a clinical site where the student is being considered for placement. Students have an obligation to self-disclose to the Program Director any criminal convictions or pending criminal federal, state or local charges which occur after a criminal background check has been performed. When they do, the student must undergo an updated background check. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. When a student is declined a placement by a site as a result of a positive background check, another attempt will be made to place a student in a clinical site. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. Further, students convicted of a felony will need to comply with state licensure requirements for The Rhode Island Department of Health. Students assume the cost for all background checks.

    NEIT does not assure that once a student is matriculated, the student will be able to attend any clinical affiliation training setting, sit for the national certification or gain licensure if the student has a prior criminal conviction. This is the student鈥檚 responsibility to discover what they must do to manage a positive criminal background investigation. A graduate from the program may not be able to obtain a license depending on criminal offense and the decision of the license board in each state.

  12. When do my classes meet?

    DPT Program: This is a hybrid program with a majority of coursework conducted remotely with both asynchronous and synchronous work completed online.听 听Required onsite intensive laboratory immersions periods ranging from 3 to 8 days at a time are planned for 7 out of the first 8 academic sessions of the program.听 These will be held at the East Greenwich campus.听 Additional information may be found in the NEIT academic calendar, the program website, and in the DPT Student Handbook.

  13. How large will my classes be?

    DPT Program: The planned DPT cohort size is for a maximum of 36 students.听 Most online classes will have 2 instructors, for a faculty: student ratio of 1:18. Most laboratory immersion sessions will have a faculty: student ration of no greater than 1:12.听 Small class sizes allow for individualized academic attention and coaching

  14. Where and when do my classes meet? Remote work occurs online; in-person onsite intensive work occurs on the East Greenwich campus.


    DPT Program    : DPT program classes will meet online Monday through Friday, mostly during daytime hours.听 Onsite immersion classes will be on the East Greenwich campus, for 3-8 days at a time toward the end of most terms and intersessions of the DPT program.

    Early Assurance BS to DPT Program:听 Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  15. How long should it take me to complete my program?

     

    DPT Program:听 If you successfully complete each course as listed in the DPT curriculum you will finish in 27 months, including 9 quarter terms and 2 intersessions.

    Early Assurance BS to DPT Program:听 Refer to the HPM early assurance BS to DPT program for additional information.

  16. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?

    Students entering either the DPT or early assurance BS to DPT program will be eligible for various forms of financial aid, including loans. See your financial aid officer for additional details. The DPT program has enough credits each semester to apply for financial aid

  17. What does my program cost?
    The cost of all programs by credit total is located here. All cost details will also be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your fees, cost for books and other course materials.

  18. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?
    The Career Services Office assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Career Services Office contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers has existed听as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not guarantee to its graduates employment or a specific starting salary.听听

  19. Where will job opportunities exist?
    The DPT program will prepare you to sit for the national licensure examination in any of the 50 United States and graduates will have the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.听听听
  20. Is there any state or federal licensing required in my field?

    All Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are required to pass the National Physical Therapist Examination to obtain licensure for practice as a physical therapist. Licensure requirements vary by state.听 Please refer to individual state regulations for details regarding licensure in a desired jurisdiction.

  21. When will the program be accredited?
    The program has submitted its application for initial accreditation to CAPTE during the period when the charter class (DPT Class of 2028) is proceeding through the curriculum. CAPTE will review the application and make a decision regarding initial accreditation during the first week in April of 2028.
  22. Does the planned graduation date align with the program鈥檚 accreditation process?
    Students in the DPT Class of 2028 will complete the requirements for the degree in March of 2028. The DPT degree will be conferred in late March or early April.
  23. When will I be able to take the national PT licensure exam?
    Students in the Class of 2028 who successfully complete all degree requirements on time will be eligible to sit for the April 2028 exam. The next date following the April exam is in July.
  24. What happens if the program does not become accredited? Will I still be able to take the licensure exam?
    According to CAPTE, 鈥淐andidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT’s website.鈥嬧��

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Public Complaint Policy

 

The public or any other stakeholder of the DPT program has the right to make a complaint and receive a response from the institution. In Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards, this is referred to as a 鈥渃omplaint which falls outside the realm of due process.鈥� If you feel that you need to let us know about an experience or encounter with any student, faculty, or staff member who is part of the DPT program, please use this form to provide all the relevant information. The Program Director will review and act on all program-related complaints in an expedient manner.

Submit a complaint to Program Director here