Program Recognition
•Springfield College says it is the only institution in the nation offering a Dance/Pre-Physical Therapy program with direct entry into a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
•Springfield College ranked in the top 7% (40 out of 584) for best college for Physical Therapy by Niche (2025)
Training
•Earn both a bachelor's degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in seven academic years, including one summer
•Study ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, West African, hip-hop, house, and social dance forms
•Doctor of Physical Therapy students collaborate with Dance students each semester on movement analysis, injury prevention, and rehabilitation
Performance & Productions
•Dance students gain performance experience through the Repertory Touring Company, annual dance concerts, student productions, and work with internationally recognized guest artists
Professional Development
•Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival provides year-round access to performances, archives, lectures, workshops, and artist networking
•Students may shadow PTs treating dancers, pursue winter or summer internships for academic credit, and complete clinical experiences at sites focused on dancer rehabilitation
Degree Flexibility
•Students enter as Dance/Health Science: Pre-PT majors and begin physical therapy study at the end of the fourth year
•No second DPT application is required once academic requirements and program standards are met
