SUNY Canton and SUNY Upstate Medical University Create 4+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliation

The new agreement is designed to offer high school seniors a streamlined pathway to start in an associate degree program and graduate with a doctorate.

SUNY Canton and SUNY Upstate Medical University have entered into a new affiliation agreement for students who want to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

The new 4+3 DPT Early Assurance Program allows qualified high school seniors the opportunity to complete their undergraduate education at SUNY Canton and guarantees placement in Upstate’s competitive curriculum.

“The agreement strengthens our commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare fields,” said SUNY Canton Dean of Science, Health and Criminal Justice Michele A. Snyder. “It builds on the established advantages of our career-focused programs while offering students a defined trajectory to earn their advanced degree.”

According to the agreement, students accepted into the program will first earn an Associate in Applied Science in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, followed by the Bachelor of Technology in Health and Fitness Promotion program at SUNY Canton. Qualified students will then continue with their graduate studies at Upstate, culminating in earning their DPT.

Representatives from both campuses indicated that high-paying, in-demand careers await graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists median pay for Physical Therapists at $101,020 per year, and the job outlook is growing at a much faster-than-average pace.

“This new partnership creates a clear, supportive track for students to become physical therapists, combining the strengths of both institutions to prepare future healthcare leaders,” said Upstate Department of Physical Therapy Chair and Associate Professor Adam Rufa, DPT, Ph.D. "The program gives motivated students a head start on their journey to becoming physical therapists, with a clear path and strong support from both institutions."

Professor and PTA Program Director Deborah Molnar, DPT, noted that the program will attract students of the highest academic caliber to SUNY Canton as they consider a career.

“Through this unique affiliation agreement, students will receive extensive hands-on learning in our accredited PTA program with the opportunity to become licensed and work in the field while continuing their undergraduate courses,” Molnar said. “Students will receive an excellent academic and clinical foundation to be well prepared to enter the exceptional DPT program at Upstate. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our programs, our students and the healthcare community at large.”

To secure an interview for admission into the selective program, students should have:

• A high school GPA of 90% or higher (recommended).
• Four years of science and math.
• Eight hours of observational experience with a Physical Therapist.

To join the program, high school seniors must simultaneously apply to both SUNY Canton and Upstate. Upstate’s enrollment for the new the 4+3 DPT Early Assurance Program will run from Sept. 1 to Feb. 1, 2026. To apply, visit the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy - 4+3 Early Assurance Program website. SUNY Canton’s admission process uses the SUNY Application.

Previously, SUNY Canton and Upstate entered into agreements allowing students to seamlessly transfer into six upper-division health professions programs and partnered to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice program remotely.