Message from the Chair: Physical Therapy
Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program at New York Institute of Technology. It is my pleasure to share with you the heart of who we are, what we value, and how we prepare our graduates to become leaders in a dynamic and ever‑evolving healthcare environment.
Since the program’s beginnings in 1998 and the graduation of our first D.P.T. class in 2003, New York Tech has been committed to providing a contemporary, student‑centered, and forward‑thinking physical therapy education. Our mission reflects these values:
“The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at New York Institute of Technology develops compassionate, reflective, culturally responsive, and forward-thinking physical therapy professionals to deliver patient-centered, interprofessional care in an evolving healthcare environment. The program integrates rigorous and innovative academic instruction, comprehensive clinical education experiences, active participation in research and scholarship, and meaningful engagement in community service. Through this integrated approach, the DPT program fosters leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning.”
One of the greatest strengths of our program is our faculty. Our core and adjunct faculty members are not only experienced educators and scholars; they are active clinicians who bring their real-world expertise into every aspect of the curriculum. Many hold advanced clinical specialties and practice in areas such as pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, geriatrics, sports physical therapy, and pelvic health. Their commitment to teaching, clinical excellence, and mentorship ensures that our students learn directly from experts who are deeply engaged in contemporary practice.
Students in our program participate in rich and varied learning experiences. High‑impact practice opportunities with our clinical partners provide early and meaningful hands-on patient care. On campus, students train in our state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory, Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Lab, and the Ferrara Center for Patient Safety and Clinical Simulation. They also engage in research, scholarship, and opportunities in global health, experiences that broaden their perspectives and prepare them to serve diverse communities locally and internationally.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to develop clinicians who think critically, practice ethically, and understand the importance of treating the whole person. Through rigorous didactic instruction and 36 weeks of clinical education, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment interventions, health promotion, and injury prevention.
One of the hallmarks of our program is the strong sense of community that develops among each cohort. Our classes of 40 students learn, grow, and progress together, forming lifelong friendships and professional relationships that continue well into their careers.
For graduates seeking further specialization, New York Tech proudly offers a postgraduate Orthopedic Residency Program. This intensive one‑year experience prepares clinicians for advanced practice and eligibility for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) examination through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
It is an honor to support our students as they develop into the next generation of physical therapy professionals. Should you have any questions about our program or wish to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to welcoming you to the New York Tech D.P.T. family.
Warm regards,
Cheryl A. Hall, PT, D.H.Sc., M.B.A.
Associate Professor and Program Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
Degrees
Contact Us
Long Island
Cheryl Hall, Department Chair
chall@nyit.edu
Rosemary Gallagher, Department Admissions Coordinator
rgalla01@nyit.edu
Maria Severance, Senior Specialist
Maria.Severance@nyit.edu