Skip to Article
Samford University Logo
  • Menu IconMenu
    • Home
      • College of Health Sciences
      • Samford University
    • About
      • Campus & Community
      • Contact Us
      • Distinctives
      • Faculty & Staff
      • History
      • Tuition & Fees
    • Academics
      • Communication Sciences & Disorders
      • Kinesiology
      • Physical Therapy
      • Physician Assistant Studies
    • Community
      • Alumni News
      • Alumni Spotlight
      • Community Programs
    • Events
    • Giving
    • News & Media
      • News Archive
      • Videos
    • Students
      • Undergraduate
      • Graduate
    • Search
  • Search Icon

Fast-Track Doctor of Physical Therapy

Samford University offers a fast-track program that provides eligible students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor of science in exercise science and a doctor of physical therapy in just six years.
Fast Track PT Students
 
Fast-Track Doctor of
Physical Therapy
Samford University offers a fast-track program that provides eligible students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor of science in exercise science and a doctor of physical therapy in just six years.

Take the Next Step Learn More

Is This Program for Me?

The fast-track program is designed for incoming undergraduate students who declare exercise science as their major and demonstrate academic excellence. The fast-track pathway offers early entry into the workforce and a strong foundation in clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration and service in a purpose-driven education rooted in faith. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, schools and other health care environments.

This major is a great fit for students who:
  • Meet specific GPA benchmarks and program milestones
  • A condensed six-year timeline instead of the traditional seven
  • Strong faculty mentorship across undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Integration into Samford’s interprofessional College of Health Sciences
  • Early exposure to clinical observation and field experience
  • A cohesive academic plan focused on career readiness and ethical practice

What Makes Us Different?

Samford’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program offers rigorous academics, personalized support and hands-on learning in a Christ-centered environment. Students benefit from interprofessional collaboration with peers across health care fields and from faculty who bring clinical and research expertise into every course.

Foundation in Faith

The curriculum is shaped by a commitment to Christian principles and a calling to serve others through health care.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through labs, internships and service-learning in clinical, athletic and wellness environments.

 

Supportive Community

With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive individual guidance and mentoring throughout their academic journey.

Fast-Track to a Doctorate

Eligible students may apply to the university’s fast-track program, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years.

Physical therapy instructor

Shape Your Academic Journey

Samford’s fast track Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers a direct path for students to earn both a bachelor’s and doctoral degree in just six years. Designed for those entering college as freshmen, this accelerated program integrates foundational science with advanced physical therapy training. Students progress through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning, preparing for clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

  • GOSPEL Series reflects a commitment to Go Serve, Practice and Experiential Learning
  • Accelerated six-year track from bachelor's to Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Three 10-week clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics and specialty care settings
  • Interprofessional collaboration with students across the College of Health Sciences
  • Graduates are prepared for licensure, leadership and lifelong impact 

Field and Clinical Experience

Clinical education is a cornerstone of the program. Students receive early exposure to observation and fieldwork experiences during their undergraduate studies, followed by full-time clinical internships at the graduate level. The Department of Physical Therapy supports students in securing placements that align with their career goals. Sites are available across the country. Faculty and clinical staff provide consistent support and guidance throughout.
Clinical Faculty
Physical therapy students in kitchen
 

To learn more about becoming a clinical faculty partner, contact Dr. Dana Daniel Blake director of clinical education, at 205‑726‑4884 or ddblake@samford.edu or Amanda Lane, assistant director of clinical education, at 205-726-4781or aldicker@samford.edu.

PT on job site

Career Preparation

Graduates are prepared to meet licensure requirements and enter the workforce as compassionate, skilled physical therapists. The program emphasizes real-world readiness, ethical practice and evidence-based care across a variety of health care environments. Graduates go on to practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and other settings nationwide.

 Admission & Application Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Admission to Samford as an incoming undergraduate student
  • Declare exercise science as your major and select the fast-track pathway
  • Maintain required GPA and meet progression benchmarks to transition into the DPT program
  • Participate in advising and evaluation checkpoints throughout undergraduate study
  • Fulfill all DPT program admissions standards at the time of transition

Students and applicants with disabilities who seek accommodations must contact the Section 504/Disability Access and Accommodation Coordinator at 205-726-4078 or disability@samford.edu.

Application Process

  • ACT – 28 or greater
  • SAT – 1300 or greater
  • Late January - fast-track interviews
  • Late February – Fast-track applicants will be notified of final decisions.
  • Priority Deadline December 1st.
Student and Counselor
Apply
Library in Fall
Visit
smiling female student Request More Info
Request More Info
Students at Samford
Explore the Classes
Students Performing Calculations
Estimate Your Cost
female student on steps
Contact a Counselor
CAPTE Logo
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Samford University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Administration
Academic Affairs
Advancement & Marketing
Enrollment Management
Finance, Business Affairs & Strategy
Office of the President
Student Affairs
Connect with Us
Digital Publications
E-Newsletters
News Feeds
Social Media
YouTube
Employees
Accounting
Benefits
Employment
Faculty Resources
Holidays
Human Resources
Insurance
Manager Resources
Payroll
Purchasing
Retirement
Risk Management
Training
Quick Links
Bookstore
Bulldog Bucks
Caf Menu
Campus Map
Canvas Login
Fidelitas Strategic Plan
Form Central
Library
mySamford
Nondiscrimination Statement
Registrar
Student Success
Title IX Reporting
Video Livestream
Services
Accessibility & Accommodations
Career Development
Counseling
Event Planning
Facilities
Student Financial Services
Health Services
Post Office
Printing
Public Safety
Technology Services
Transportation
 
Samford University,
800 Lakeshore Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35229
      
205-726-2011

Cookie Preferences | Privacy Policy | Software Plugins

Microsoft Excel®

You will need Microsoft Excel® or compatible software like Open Office to read XLS, XLT, XLSX or XLTX files.

Microsoft Power Point®

You will need Microsoft Power Point® or compatible software like Open Office to read POT, POTX, PPS, PPSX, PPT or PPTX files.

Microsoft Word®

You will need Microsoft Word® or compatible software like Open Office to read DOC, DOT, DOCX or DOTX files.

Adobe Portable Document Format

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader® or compatible software like SumatraPDF to read PDF files.
Facebook Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon YouTube Icon

Contact Form

We use cookies to improve our site, personalize content and serve more relevant advertising on other platforms. We do not sell visitor data. View our privacy policy.  
AcceptPreferences

Privacy Preferences [policy]
Accept Necessary, Preference and Performance Cookies
To avoid these cookies use your browser's incognito/private mode.
  • Necessary cookies are not collected for this site.
  • Preference cookies allow this site to remember your choices.
  • Performance cookies provide vital information for troubleshooting problems and improving the user experience. They are anonymized and do not personally identify you.
Select Optional Cookies
to see more relevant ads on third-party sites when using this device.
to see more relevant content on this site when using this device.

SaveClose