Daemen University and Defiance College have entered into articulation and memorandum of agreements to establish “3+3” and “4+3” education programs leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at Daemen. Both programs will accept up to five students annually. 
Accepted students in the 3+3 program will complete a three-year program in exercise science with a pre-physical therapy concentration at Defiance, after which they will complete the three-year professional phase of the DPT program at Daemen.
Post-baccalaureate accepted students in the 4+3 program who successfully graduate from Defiance and meet Daemen’s DPT criteria will progress into the three-year professional phase of the DPT program at Daemen.
“We are excited to partner with Daemen University to create a clear and supportive pathway for our students pursuing careers in physical therapy,” said Dr. Olivia Lozar, associate professor of exercise science. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to student success and ensures that Defiance College graduates are well-prepared to transition into Daemen’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.”
“This articulation agreement between Daemen University and Defiance College reflects a shared commitment to student success,” said Dr. Greg Ford, founding dean of the Scott Bieler College of Health Professions. “We recognize the strong preparation Defiance students receive in exercise science and foundational prerequisite science coursework. This will undoubtedly position them to ‘hit the ground running’ and thrive in our DPT program, which has been built on nearly 50 years of academic excellence and a legacy of preparing highly skilled leaders of physical therapy.”