Summer Discovery Program

Our Summer Discovery Program (SDP) is designed to introduce undergraduate students to physical therapy. The program offers students valuable exposure to various career paths in the profession.

This is an intensive week that will immerse participants completely in the profession of physical therapy. By the end of this week, participants will have gained exposure to multiple areas of the profession and the information needed to be more competitive and matriculate more effectively into Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

Participants will have access to some of the top faculty in the profession and receive mentorship from current Duke DPT students, faculty, local clinicians, and admission specialists.

View the SDP 2026 brochure.

Questions? Contact DPTSA@duke.edu.

Participation in the Duke DPT Summer Discovery Program will provide engaged structured exposure to: 

• Physical therapy as a profession, including career tracks and specialties
• Duke DPT course content and learning opportunities
• Meaningful interactions with current students, faculty, alumni, and staff
• Mentorship as it relates to the DPT program, application and matriculation process 
• Continued mentorship after the conclusion of the program

1. Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate institution as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. Students who have completed their undergraduate degree and/or are enrolled in graduate programs can apply, but SDP will prioritize students currently enrolled as undergraduates.
2. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher