Doctor of Physical Therapy
For more than 75 years, Simmons has been preparing physical therapists to lead with skill, compassion, and clinical excellence. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program combines rigorous science, hands-on learning, and a deep commitment to advancing health equity. Here, you’ll train in an inclusive community, learn from expert faculty, and gain early clinical experience that builds confidence from day one.
Your DPT Experience at Simmons
- Early integrated clinical experiences get you into the field part-time in your first year
- Three full-time clinical internships with an experienced clinical practitioner invested in your development
- Personalized mentorship from faculty who will guide you throughout your academic journey
- Expert instruction from practicing PT professionals from Boston Children’s Hospital, the #1 pediatric hospital in the U.S. (Newsweek)
- Advanced skill development in state-of-the-art labs and Harvard Medical School’s Cadaver Lab
- Small case-based learning that deepens your research and collaboration skills in small-group tutorials
Exceptional Clinical and Research Education in Boston
Located in the heart of Boston’s medical and research hub, Simmons gives you direct access to world-class hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions. Our unique case-based tutorials feature a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling opportunities for close collaboration with classmates, independent research, and mentorship. With early and high-impact clinical experiences embedded throughout the program, you’ll graduate ready to excel.
Simmons has a great reputation, so that alone is a great way to enter the workforce. The remarks from the outside world are that Simmons students are well prepared and always curious.
Nina Testa, ’25 DPT
Physical Therapy at a Glance
100%
Employment Rate
100% of Simmons graduates are employed as physical therapists within six months of graduation.
#1
First-time NPTE Pass Rates
We have the highest first-time NPTE pass rate of Boston physical therapy programs.
*Results from Two-Year First-Time Pass Rates 2023-2024 by School Physical Therapist Programs, 2/2/25 , Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
300+
Clinical partners
We partner with world-class medical, clinical, and research facilities like Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston Sports Medicine, and many more.
Integrated Clinical Experience from the Start
Integrated clinical experiences allow you to observe and practice clinical skills in four unique experiences throughout your program. Three 12-week full-time placements let you apply your skills in real time and manage progressively more complex cases as you grow. This early, consistent exposure builds confidence, sharpens clinical reasoning, and prepares you for advanced patient care.
Spaces for Health Sciences at Simmons and Harvard Medical
Train in Simmons’ new science building featuring an 11,000-square-foot simulation center with 30 beds, 16 lab beds, 8 health assessment beds, 5 high-fidelity suites, and a fully equipped loft apartment for home-health practice. Students also benefit from our collaboration with Harvard Medical School’s Cadaver Lab, gaining invaluable exposure to advanced anatomy learning environments within their very first term at Simmons.