Orientation

The purpose of Nova Southeastern University's D.P.T.—Tampa orientation is to prepare students for the exciting journey in becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. 

This webpage is updated as plans are finalized, so be sure to visit often.

Important Dates

• Registration
  • Online for fall term 1 of 2026 is between April 13–August 17.
• Canvas Orientation Course
  • Opens mid-July.
• Mandatory Orientation Dates
  • August 19, 2026—Virtual Orientation Day.
  • August 24, 2026—On-Campus Orientation Day (two family members or significant others are invited to attend).
• Start of semester online (asynchronous, at your location)
  • August 21, 2026 (classes open).
  • August 24, 2026 (classes begin).
• Fall 2026 Weekend Institutes are scheduled Wednesday–Sunday on the following dates (attendance is mandatory):
  • September 23–27, 2026
  • October 28–November 1, 2026
  • December 2–7, 2026

NSU Email

To ensure that you are receiving all important communications, establish your NSU email account.  Your NSU email username and password are needed to enter all your courses, including our orientation course. 

Fall Courses

The booklist contains a list of the three courses you will take in fall 2026, a course reference number (CRN) for each course, and the textbooks required.  Use the booklist information and Registering for Courses documents to complete course registration between April 13–August 17, 2026.

Register for Visible Body Courseware by clicking on the link VBC Registration Letter.

Orientation Days

The mandatory online and on-campus orientation days are critical because they will help you get "up and running" for classes that begin online on August 24, 2026. During orientation, you will be greeted by leaders from the  Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, meet the Physical Therapy Department chair, program director, faculty staff, Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) representatives, and fellow students.

Up to two family members or significant others may attend the on-campus orientation on Friday, August 21, 2026. There will be a welcome reception and scheduled activities planned for family members and significant others.