Tufts University Expands Doctor of Physical Therapy Program to Atlanta

Tufts University School of Medicine has announced the launch of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Atlanta. This new location expands the existing programs in Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle, addressing the increasing demand for qualified physical therapists in the United States.

The Tufts DPT-Atlanta program will adopt a two-year accelerated hybrid curriculum model. Students will engage in a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, complemented by immersive, in-person clinical skills labs. Applications for the program will open through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) in June 2026, with plans to enroll the inaugural cohort in Fall 2027.

Eric J. Hegedus, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Tufts, highlighted the significance of this expansion. “The Doctor of Physical Therapy has grown to be the second largest degree program at Tufts University School of Medicine. We are fortunate, with the addition of Atlanta, to offer such a transformative experience to students in even more locations,” he stated.

The decision to establish a program in Atlanta aligns with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, which indicate that the field of physical therapy is expected to grow significantly over the next eight years. The Southeast region is recognized as one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, prompting Tufts to bring its DPT curriculum closer to aspiring clinicians and communities in this dynamic region.

“We can better support aspiring clinicians in the Southeast, strengthen relationships with local healthcare providers, and help address the critical need for highly skilled physical therapists,” said Alexis A. Wright, the program director for Tufts DPT-Atlanta.

The program requires students to complete 127 semester credit hours over seven consecutive semesters, offering an accelerated timeline compared to traditional nine-semester programs. This format allows for a flexible approach to online coursework, accommodating various lifestyles and commitments.

The curriculum is designed to emphasize integrated learning across different clinical tracks. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of human movement systems through repeated practice and increasing complexity. It connects foundational science, clinical reasoning, and hands-on experience, ensuring well-rounded training.

Additionally, the program incorporates social determinants of health throughout the curriculum. Graduates will gain insight into how social, economic, community, educational, and accessibility factors affect patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Applications for the DPT programs in Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle are currently open. The Atlanta program is also seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Tufts University School of Medicine’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of the healthcare sector continues with this exciting expansion, reflecting both the institution’s growth and the increasing importance of physical therapy in the healthcare landscape.