CSU opens doors to Doctor of Physical Therapy program

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The new Charleston Southern University Doctor of Physical Therapy program opened its doors by opening its house recently, with tours of the classrooms and clinical spaces.

Effective April 26, Charleston Southern University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The first cohort of 48 students begins classes May 31 on a track to graduate in December 2024. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the commission that indicates the program may matriculate students in professional courses as the university works toward attaining full accreditation.

“It’s a day to celebrate, CSU President Dondi Costin said in a news release.” “Dr. Jacob Thorp and his team have assembled an extraordinary faculty.”

Thorp joined CSU in 2019 and serves as the director and a professor with the physical therapy department. Thorp assembled an advisory board which provided feedback and direction to pursue implementing the doctorate program. At two and a half years, the program is the fastest track to a DPT in the state, the news release said.

The program includes service-learning opportunities where students will meet needs in the community, the state and internationally, the release said. CSU also offers the state’s only dual MBA/DPT program, where students can complete an MBA in health care management.