HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is proud to announce that its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has been granted accreditation candidacy, marking a major milestone in expanding high-quality, technology-forward healthcare education within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This candidacy affirms the strength of HU’s vision for an innovative, hybrid DPT program that blends academic rigor with the flexibility busy professionals need. Designed to meet growing workforce demands, the program is poised to elevate both the city of Harrisburg and the Commonwealth as leaders in health sciences and physical therapy.

An Innovative Model for the Future of Physical Therapy

Harrisburg University’s DPT program stands apart for its integrated use of cutting-edge simulation, telepresence, and immersive technologies, enabling students to develop essential clinical skills in a hybrid learning environment. This design allows working professionals to remain embedded within their home communities and clinical settings while advancing their degrees and strengthening local healthcare ecosystems.

“Our inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy students are trailblazers whose dedication and professionalism set a high academic standard for this new program,” said Kevin Purcell, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “I am deeply proud of the faculty whose scholarship, vision, and hard work have shaped an innovative curriculum that enables working clinicians to advance their education while continuing to serve their communities. I am confident this program will continue to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the profession, preparing graduates to improve lives and strengthen the quality of care across Pennsylvania and beyond.”

A Program Designed for Real-World Practice

The hybrid delivery model ensures students can balance academic excellence with professional momentum. The hybrid curriculum integrates expertly curated educational content, case studies, and interactive learning experiences, while routinely scheduled in-person lab immersions offer opportunities to refine hands-on competencies under expert faculty guidance. This structure supports clinicians at every stage of their careers, whether they are seeking advancement, specialization, or entry into the field.

The program also reflects HU’s broader mission to expand equitable access to STEM and healthcare education, and to supply the workforce with diverse, highly trained, future-ready professionals.

“Our program was intentionally designed to deliver an innovative, evidence-based curriculum that blends academic rigor with real-world application. Through our hybrid model, we expand access to high-quality physical therapy education while maintaining the deep connection, immersive learning, and individualized faculty support that every student deserves. This hybrid DPT model is a transformative pathway that redefines who can thrive in physical therapy education and prepares future physical therapists to lead with excellence in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.”  said Tonya Miller, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Associate Professor Academic and Program Lead Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Strengthening the Health Workforce in Pennsylvania and Beyond

Demand for doctorally trained physical therapists continues to grow, with healthcare systems increasingly relying on practitioners who can lead interdisciplinary teams, integrate emerging technologies, and respond to shifting patient needs.

According to a recent workforce forecast backed by the American Physical Therapy Association, the US had an estimated shortfall of 12,070 full-time equivalent (FTE) physical therapists in 2022. This gap is projected to persist through 2037. Demand for physical therapy services is expected to grow by 14.7%, outpacing population growth (8%) and leading to a projected shortfall of about 9,160 FTEs in 2037.

HU’s DPT program is intentionally designed to address these needs while attracting talented students from across the country to Pennsylvania’s capital region, both virtually and in person. As the program progresses toward full accreditation, Harrisburg University remains committed to fostering innovation, supporting its pioneering students, and partnering with regional health systems to advance patient care and workforce development.

For more information about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, visit HarrisburgU.edu or start a conversation with the Admissions Team today.

MEDIA CONTACT

Harrisburg University is approaching its 25th anniversary! Would you like to interview faculty, staff, or board members who were present at the beginning? Interested in talking about physical therapy in Pennsylvania and how HU’s DPT program aims to support this vital and growing sector of the health sciences economy? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University.

ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

Harrisburg University was recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges for 2025. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Effective October 29, 2025, the Harrisburg University of Science & Technology DPT Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: Accreditation@APTA.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Tonya Y. Miller, PT, DPT, Ph.D. (717-901-5100 ext. 1630) or email TMiller2@HarrisburgU.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not ensure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.