WSSU's Department of Physical Therapy provides an integrative education program that is well-grounded in the basic, social and clinical sciences. The program produces competent and compassionate clinicians who are skilled in the areas of critical thinking and inquiry, clinical problem-solving, research, education, management and treatment delivery to address health disparities.
The faculty provide students with the educational and experiential foundation to practice physical therapy and instill within them the values of integrity, dedication, responsibility, leadership, accountability, wisdom, commitment to personal and professional growth, and willingness to serve a diverse society.
Programs of Study
(entry-level)
(tDPT)
Facilities & Technology
This innovative and unique program incorporates applied learning techniques across the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to be interactive, hands-on, and gain knowledge and experience while using cutting-edge technology. Students have access to various facilities and technology both on- and off-campus that will provide additional educational and experiential value as they grow towards becoming healthcare professionals. A few of the facilities and innovative technology that are utilized as applied learning techniques throughout the program include: learning labs at student-directed PT community clinics that serve medically disadvantaged residents of the region, a virtual hospital with human patient simulation, iPad-based electronic learning technology, a state-of-the-art Human Performance and Biodynamics Lab used for both clinical and research purposes, and much more!
Human Performance & Biodynamics Lab
The Human Performance and Biodynamics Laboratory is a collaboration between WSSU School of Health Sciences and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Multidisciplinary healthcare professionals (including physical therapists) often utilize this Lab to: design and conduct research in movement science, mentor and educate students in motion analysis, and/or collect data for clinical patient evaluation.
Community Care Clinic
WSSU's Department of Physical Therapy initiated a free physical therapy clinic housed within the Community Care Center of Winston-Salem, which services the medically uninsured and underserved residents of Forsyth, Stokes and Davie counties of North Carolina. The Community Care Center is the largest free medical clinic in North Carolina.
MSFit
WSSU's Department of Physical Therapy is partnering with MSFit Foundation to provide graduate students with hands-on experience working with MSFit participants.
We are excited to introduce "RamPOD INC.", a new podcast created and produced by Winston-Salem State University and the WSSU Department of Physical Therapy! RamPOD INC. stands for "Rams Promoting Our Diversity and Improving North Carolina", aiming to help improve the health and well-being of its listeners. Guests will share information about the WSSU DPT Program and/or ways for all of us to live a healthy, more inclusive life. Watch and listen to the first 5 episodes, linked below:
- RamPOD INC. - Episode 1 - Dr. Sara Migliarese and Dr. Emma White
- RamPOD INC. - Episode 2 - Dr. Emma White and Dr. Tiffany Adams
- RamPOD INC. - Episode 3 - Dr. Sara Migliarese and Dr. Vanessa Lane
- RamPOD INC. - Episode 4 - Dr. Sara Migliarese and Dr. Jennetta Spears
- RamPOD INC. - Episode 5 - Dr. Sara Migliarese and Dr. Ali Hartman
The CD Spangler Foundation awarded an initial $250,000 to the university, with the state matching, bringing a total of $500,000 to honor an outstanding innovator. A portion of these funds provides the salary for an endowed position- usually given to an individual who is a leader in their field, or provides a specialized function for the program that is not covered by state funds.
In 2023, Dr. Judy Foxworth, Professor and Chair, was appointed the inaugural recipient of the CD Spangler Endowed Professorship to promote her research agenda.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Winston-Salem State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085, 703-706-3245, accreditation@apta.org.
If needing to contact The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Winston-Salem State University directly, please call Dr. Judy Foxworth, Chair of the Department, at (336) 750-2190 or email foxworthj@wssu.edu.
The Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Sciences offers the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree plan which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Winston-Salem State University DPT graduates meet all education requirements for licensure through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) in all states and territories. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) developed and administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Please note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to take the NPTE. Determination of eligibility to take the licensure exam is by the state board(s) of physical therapy examiners.
The Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University is committed to the timely payment of all accreditation fees and submission of required documentation to CAPTE. The departmental chair submits all required documentation by scheduled due dates to CAPTE and submits issued invoices in a timely manner to the university for payment. The university is responsible for payment of the required fee by the due date.
WSSU PT 30-Year Anniversary Alumni Testimonials
On October 20th, 2023, the WSSU Department of Physical Therapy celebrated its 30-year anniversary with former and current faculty, staff, students, family and friends! Several WSSU PT Alumni recorded a special message in honor of the program's 30 years of excellence!!
The Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Sciences offers the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree plan which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Winston-Salem State University DPT graduates meet all education requirements for licensure through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) in all states and territories.
