MUSC Doctor of Physical Therapy program receives CAPTE approval for new hybrid format

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has received approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for the substantiative change request to add a hybrid format. This milestone underscores the university’s commitment to advancing physical therapy education.

The Hybrid DPT program combines the flexibility of online learning with the essential hands-on experience of in-person clinical training. The approach is designed to make health professions education more accessible for a wide range of students who otherwise may not be able to attend.

Key features of the eight-semester Hybrid DPT program include:

• Accessible Learning: Students nationwide can access top-ranked MUSC DPT education through a dynamic blend of online learning and hands-on labs in Charleston, SC.
• Contemporary Educational Model: Curriculum tracks and threads guide students through specific study areas or professional development, ensuring they are prepared to meet the interprofessional expectations of being a physical therapist.
• Tailored Learning Experiences: The program includes electives, research projects, a therapy clinic, clinical education experiences, and opportunities for global learning or mission trips.
• Unique Coaching Model: Instead of an advising program, MUSC Hybrid DPT students are matched with a faculty coach and peers, forming a supportive community that helps them succeed in this innovative learning model.

Our new hybrid program builds on the esteemed reputation of MUSC’s residential DPT program, ranked No. 21 by U.S. News & World Report. This innovative approach blends dynamic online learning with real-world clinical experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the interprofessional requirements of physical therapists. With a robust curriculum, distinguished faculty, and high graduate success rate, MUSC produces graduates who excel in physical therapy and significantly impact healthcare nationally.

CAPTE’s approval of the Hybrid DPT program reflects MUSC’s ongoing dedication to providing top-tier educational opportunities. Applications are currently open for the inaugural cohort, beginning in August 2025.

For more information about the Hybrid DPT program, including admission requirements and application deadlines, please visit www.chp.musc.edu/dpt

About MUSC 

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.