What is the 3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?
Our unique partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse allows applicants to graduate with an undergraduate degree in exercise science (from SUNY Cortland) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in under six years.
How to Apply:
To be enrolled in this program, candidates must be admitted by both SUNY Cortland and SUNY Upstate Medical University.
It is recommended that prospective DPT students join SUNY Upstate's contact list.
Apply: SUNY UPSTATE MEdical university
Early Assurance 3+3 DPT Program
Deadline: February 1, 2025
High school seniors who meet the following criteria will be considered for an interview for the 3+3 DPT program at SUNY Upstate Medical University:
- Recommended minimum unweighted High School Grade Point Average of 90% or higher.
- Four years of science and four years of math. Regents, Honors, AP, or IB courses recommended.
- Eight (8) hours of observational experience with a Physical Therapist through participation in a Health Explorers Post, New Visions Program, shadowing or volunteer work is required. Applicants need to be able to articulate what Physical Therapists do and be knowledgeable about the field of Physical Therapy. Applicants can e-mail apply@upstate.edu updates of any shadowing completed after submission of the application no later than February 1.
To receive information about our school, prospective students are encouraged to join SUNY Cortland's contact list.
Apply to SUNY Cortland
ROLLING Admission
Why study physical therapy?
Physical Therapists have the rewarding role of helping people achieve physical independence, increase mobility and improve their quality of life. The versatility of a physical therapy degree will enable you to work with a range of patients across various settings.
From healing sports injuries and work-related incidents to helping pediatric and aging patients gain autonomy, DPT students get to see it all.
Earning your Doctor of Physical Therapy
Successful completion of this 3-year undergraduate program at Cortland will secure your enrollment in SUNY Upstate Medical's 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes a Doctor of Physical Therapy as the gold standard in physical therapy education. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree prepares a graduate for licensure in states nationwide.
Career Outlook
Physical Therapists work in a broad variety of environments, and their skills are in high demand. From hospitals to schools, workplaces to fitness centers, research centers to outpatient clinics, your degree will offer you a wide selection of employment opportunities.
The median pay for Physical Therapists the US was $99,710 per year or $47.94 per hour for 2023. The national employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Why Start at SUNY Cortland?
SUNY Cortland is known as a premiere institution focused on undergraduate success, especially in the fields of health, fitness, recreation, and physical education. In addition to being ranked among the top 10% of colleges and universities nationwide and the #1 SUNY university college by College Factual's 2025 list, SUNY Cortland was specifically nationally ranked among the top 3% of schools for undergraduates majoring in health, physical education, fitness, and recreation majors.
