Department of Physical Therapy & Human Performance
College of Health Professions and Social Work
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
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When Florida Gulf Coast University was founded in the early 1990s, Health Professions education was identified as a cornerstone of the new university's initial academic master plan. Within the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Performance, and in keeping with the university's mission, the Department offers the university’s first doctoral level program. The clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) is a 3-year program that is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). At the undergraduate level, the Department offers two science-based health profession programs. These include the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Performance recognized by National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Athletic Training which is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Performance is to promote expertise in human movement, exercise, and wellness across the lifespan. The faculty foster the development of self-directed, life-long learners through an applied scientific basis for practice, community involvement, an integrated curriculum, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The Department contributes to the advancement of the professions by demonstrating leadership and scholarship and promoting tolerance by valuing diversity.
Athletic Training academically prepares students to evaluate, advise, and treat athletes of any type and of all ages, to assist them to recover from injury, avoid injury, and/or maintain peak physical fitness. The Athletic Training program is 120 credit hours in length. Upper division requirements can be completed in five semesters. It is a limited access program.
Exercise Science encompasses the study of the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions of movement. The focus of the program is both on the preventative (e.g. athletic training, corporate wellness, strength and conditioning coaching) and restorative (e.g. aspects of movement science).
Physical Therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function. The eight-semester program includes 115 hours of graduate coursework This program utilizes a variety of instructional methodologies including independent distributive learning with substantial computer-based and videotape instructional materials in combination with on-campus learning experiences. It is a limited access graduate program.
