Public Health / Physical Therapy

About the Dual Degree Program in Public Health and Physical Therapy

The DPT-MPH is a joint degree consisting of both the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. Physical therapy practice has traditionally been seen as rehabilitation or tertiary prevention. In the evolving healthcare environment, physical therapy practice is expanding into primary and secondary prevention activities as well. As physical therapists’ roles and responsibilities have increased, so have their educational horizons. The combined DPT-MPH degree will enable future physical therapists to become leaders in health promotion and health policy, and impact healthcare in innovative ways both domestically and internationally.
  
Dual degree candidates must be accepted into each of the programs in order to pursue dual degrees: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Public Health (MPH). 

Arcadia’s entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where students enter with a bachelor’s degree and prerequisites, is ranked 24th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Arcadia’s MPH in Community Health is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health and draws students from across the country who are pursuing various dual degrees.  The MPH offers future clinicians the opportunity to fully understand the policy, socio-environmental, and healthcare systems frameworks within which they will be clinical practitioners, enhancing their clinical approach and allowing for transitions into research, advocacy and/or management roles. 

The Master of Public Health Degree with a concentration in Community Health trains graduates to engage with communities to advancing health and empower individuals, families, and communities to improve their health.  It provides training in foundations of public health and health behavior, health equity, program planning and evaluation, research methods and quantitative approaches in public health (epidemiology and biostatistics.  Students apply this knowledge in their culminating capstone research and internship experiences which emphasize global perspectives and multidisciplinary approaches to social justice, health equity, and community advocacy.