Physical Therapy
Learn. Lead. Heal. Discover Your Future in PT at Simmons University
With over 75 years of history, Simmons University is among the first schools in the United States to offer physical therapy education. A trusted leader, Simmons sets the standard for innovative, evidence-informed practices in the field.
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at Simmons, you’ll join a university that believes science and health professions are strongest when rooted in the needs of communities. Here, your classmates are collaborators, not competitors. You will learn in an inclusive environment committed to advancing health, innovation, and equity.
Simmons’ three-year, full-time program is for those with three years of undergraduate study at Simmons or a bachelor's degree from another institution. Prospective students must also have completed the required prerequisite coursework in physical therapy.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Simmons University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 617-521-2635 or email [email protected].
Why Study Physical Therapy at Simmons?
Located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, Simmons offers unparalleled access to world-renowned hospitals and medical research facilities.
We partner with more than 300 clinical sites. These include: Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Boston Medical Center. Our program collaborates with Harvard Medical School to deliver cadaver anatomy education. Physical therapists from Boston Children’s Hospital — the nation’s top-ranked pediatric hospital — provide expert instruction in pediatric care. You will have exceptional opportunities to put your knowledge into practice.
Simmons holds the highest first-time NPTE pass rate of physical therapy programs in Boston, according to The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Our graduates consistently achieve strong outcomes and thrive as leaders who combine technical excellence with ethical practice and a commitment to community responsibility.
In the program, you’ll gain professional experience at every stage of your training. You’ll attend lectures and labs delivered by content and clinical experts, master your skills in state-of-the-art laboratories, and participate in small-group discussions focused on clinical practice and best available evidence.
Why Does Simmons Stand Out?
- Hands-on cadaver anatomy training at Harvard Medical School
- Learn in small, supportive cohorts from impassioned and supportive peers
- Engage in collaborative discussions focused on clinical applications and case-based problems
- Gain experience in full-time clinical internships carefully selected to give you mentorship from practitioners across patient populations
- Receive ongoing mentorship and faculty support throughout your academic journey
- Learn and grow with faculty who know you and invest in you
What Physical Therapy Students Like About Simmons
- Small collaborative classes
- Strong, cadaver anatomy-based training
- Early and personalized clinical education and experiences
- Faculty who are approachable, dedicated, motivating, and supportive
- Supportive and constructive culture and learning environment
“Simmons offered something that no other school did. They were extremely unique in their individualized programs and investment into their students; they sought to treat their students, and even their applicants, as so much more than a number on a list.” – Isabella Carlos ’24DPT
Careers in Physical Therapy
Regardless of where they practice, Simmons DPT graduates have a lasting impact on patient care. One hundred percent of our graduates secure roles in the profession within six months of graduation! Our alumnae/i ease pain, increase mobility, prevent further injury, and help patients achieve a better quality of life.
Our alumnae/i are dynamic PT leaders who excel in a variety of settings, including:
- Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists and audiologists
- Hospitals — state, local, and private
- Home healthcare services
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Professional and intercollegiate sports
- Higher education and research laboratories
Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in physical therapy. Join a community of leaders who enhance patient quality of life and promote health equity.
Our Faculty
Justin Jones
Professor of Practice
Justin Beebe
Professor and Director of the DPT Program
Amitabh Dashottar
Associate Professor
Stacey Maguire
Professor of Practice and Physical Therapy Department Chair
Joanne Rivard (Malerba)
Associate Professor of Practice
Jenna Stuebe Powers
Associate Professor of Practice
Jillian Kulinski
Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of DPT Clinical Education
Rachel Verrill
Assistant Professor of Practice
Matthew O'Rourke
Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of DPT Clinical Education
Spotlight on Physical Therapy Students and Alums
A 3+3 PT Alum on the NFL Field
A graduate of the Simmons Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science & Physical Therapy (3+3), Alexia Malone Oliver ’16 ’18DPT is Assistant Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist for the Denver Broncos. We spoke to her about what it means to treat players on and off the field.
Clinton Valedictorian Chooses Simmons
Ella Askren, an academically-driven student and accomplished athlete, will attend Simmons in Fall 2025. At Simmons, she plans to study physical therapy and play soccer.
DPT Students Present Research at National Meeting of American Physical Therapy Association
Seven third-year students in the Simmons Doctor of Physical Therapy program presented their collaborative, peer-reviewed research at this year's Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) of the American Physical Therapy Association.