So, why Duquesne Physical Therapy?

Fine teaching designed with excellence and compassion, crafted with love and steeped in tradition; Guaranteed for life. Unrivaled.

Learn Â鶹ֱ²¥ Our Program

Our Physical Therapy Faculty

Benjamin Kivlan, PhD, PT, SCS, OCS, CSCS

Benjamin Kivlan, PhD, PT, SCS, OCS, CSCS

Department Chair & Associate Professor

Jessica Davis, PT DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Jessica Davis, PT DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Clinical Education

Regina Harbourne, PhD, PT, PCS

Regina Harbourne, PhD, PT, PCS

Associate Professor

Jordana Lockwich, PhD, PT, DPT

Jordana Lockwich, PhD, PT, DPT

Assistant Professor

David Kleba, PT, DPT, MTC

David Kleba, PT, DPT, MTC

Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education

Theresa Crytzer, PT, DPT, ATP

Theresa Crytzer, PT, DPT, ATP

Assistant Professor

Matthew Kostek, PhD, FACSM

Matthew Kostek, PhD, FACSM

Associate Professor

Gregory Marchetti, PhD, PT, CPE

Gregory Marchetti, PhD, PT, CPE

Associate Professor

Helena Pingree, PT, DPT

Helena Pingree, PT, DPT

Assistant Professor

Dominic Violi, DPT, CSCS

Dominic Violi, DPT, CSCS

Assistant Professor

At Â鶹ֱ²¥, the SUCCESS of our students is the true measure of our Physical Therapy Program. The rigor of the program produces graduates who are well prepared to excel on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) that grants licensure to practice Physical Therapy. The 2021-2022 two year NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate* is 87.9% for the graduates of the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Physical Therapy Program.

First Time and Ultimate Pass Rate

Year First Time Pass Rate Ultimate Pass Rate (%)
2024  94.1% (32/34) 94.1%
2023 91.7% (33/36) 97.2
2022 80.6% (29/36) 80.6*
2021 80.0% (24/30) 96.7
2020 90.3% (28/31) 100
2018 88.9% (32/36) 94.4

*Not all NPTE attempts reported.

Physical Therapy is a profession that is very rewarding. Our graduates are accomplished clinicians that are recognized for their skills, compassion, and empathy. These attributes are attractive to employers who seek to employ Physical Therapists from Â鶹ֱ²¥. The 2020-2021 two year Employment/Job Placement rate is 100% for graduates of the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Physical Therapy Program.

Year Job Placement (%)
2021 100
2020 100
2019 100
2018 100

*Employment data will be updated as it becomes available. 

The rigors of the Physical Therapy program are well known. The curriculum is challenging and designed to for the student to ultimately achieve licensure . The 2021-2022 two year Graduation Rate is 94.3% from the professional phase of the program.

Year Professional Phase Graduation Rate (%)
2022 97.4
2021 90.3
2020 86.5

At the completion of the doctoral program in Physical Therapy the student will:

  1. Practice autonomously in a competent, safe, ethical, legal, reflective and professional manner.
  2. Use evidence-based principles and clinical reasoning skills to be autonomous practitioners who determine the physical therapy diagnosis of, and direct the prevention of and interventions for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions or changes in health status.
  3. Perform effective patient examination.
  4. Perform effective patient evaluation.
  5. Determine correct diagnoses.
  6. Develop a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.
  7. Provide physical therapy interventions to achieve patient goals.
  8. Utilize appropriate outcome measures.
  9. Integrate prevention, health education, and wellness initiatives.
  10. Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills
  11. Provide healthcare education to patients, clients, families, peers, and society, using culturally appropriate teaching methods.
  12. Demonstrate effective practice management.
  13. Demonstrate social responsibility and altruism.
  14. Demonstrate professional development, service and advocacy.
  15. Apply the principles of the basic human sciences to clinical practice.
  16. Apply principles of pharmacology to physical therapy practice.
  17. Apply principles of medical and clinical science to physical therapy practice.

Our PT Ambassador Program

Our Physical Therapy Program is well represented by student ambassadors who uphold the moral, ethical, and academic standards of the program.  Students who have excelled inside and outside the classroom are invited to be Ambassadors where they volunteer to share their knowledge and experiences as a physical therapy student with prospective students and families.  Ambassadors are recognized and rewarded for their excellence and dedication to service with financial aid compensation toward their studies.  Our student ambassadors are willing to meet for a tour, invite you to attend a class, or simply connect online.

Meet our PT Ambassadors

Chloe Warham

"I have known most of my life that I wanted to work with and help people. Physical therapy gives me the opportunity to help others become the best version of themselves. The support system of Duquesne's program is preparing and readying me to become part of the physical therapy community."

Chloe Warham, '24 PT Ambassador
Katrina Bucher

"I want to be a physical therapist so that I can help people get back to doing what they love. Duquesne is not only teaching me how to be a great clinician, but also how important it is to care deeply for every single patient you treat."

Katrina Bucher, '25 PT Ambassador
Christine Abdel

"During my education at Duquesne, I’ve learned how to prioritize patient-centered care, a highly valuable skill that is not always emphasized. Our professors show us how caring for people rather than just the conditions they suffer from are vital to a successful outcome. I hope to carry this skill into practice to make my patients feel valued and supported."

Christine Abdel, '25 PT Ambassador

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