2U, Inc.,an education technology company, announced a new partnership with the University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy to offer DPT@USC, an online Doctor of Physical Therapy programme. The USC physical therapy programme is ranked #1 in the country by US News and World Report. Pending approval by accrediting bodies, DPT@USC is expected to launch in 2018. This programme will be a new Domestic Graduate Programme (DGP) for 2U.

"The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy has a long history of pioneering and shaping the profession through ground-breaking leadership in research, education and clinical practice," said Associate Dean James Gordon. "We are excited to partner with 2U to launch an online Doctor of Physical Therapy programme that will be both innovative, by leveraging the best elements of online and experiential learning, and accessible, by reaching more students nationwide to meet the growing demand for highly qualified physical therapists."

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 34 percent between 2014 and 2024. Doctors of Physical Therapy are recognized as authorities in the diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction. These practitioners contribute to the field through clinical practice, teaching, administration, and the discovery and application of new knowledge about physical therapy.

DPT@USC will prepare graduates for a professional career as physical therapists, and students will receive the same high-quality training as their on-campus counterparts without the need to relocate. Leveraging 2U's leading learning management system, DPT@USC will include collaborative, live classes that facilitate face-to-face interaction and high-quality, engaging coursework developed by USC faculty. In addition to spending a total of 50 weeks in full-time clinical internships, students will also travel to USC for more than 65 days of hands-on clinical skills laboratories.