Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Manchester University empowers compassionate and skilled professionals to become dedicated champions in the health care profession. Embodying both empathy and healing, our DPT Program prepares physical therapists to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of populations.
Transform Lives Through Improved Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Our carefully crafted physical therapy degree program equips you to navigate the challenges of modern health care. This includes a blend of intensive physical therapy courses and hands-on clinical experiences. As a DPT graduate, you’ll possess the expertise to address a wide range of conditions, employing exercises, hands-on therapies and patient education to help individuals lead active, pain-free lives.
Throughout your physical therapy training, you’ll learn from expert faculty mentors who cultivate the skills needed for evaluating, diagnosing and effectively treating an array of conditions. Collaborative research projects with faculty further enhance your learning. This focus on research not only refines your skills but also underscores the significance of evidence-based practices in your professional journey.
Moreover, as a student in our physical therapy degree program, you’ll join the American Physical Therapy Association in your first year. This provides a gateway to participation in professional and scientific meetings, along with networking opportunities within the professional community.
Program Information:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- 106 Credit Hours
Location
- Fort Wayne
Ed Ball, PT. DPT, Director of Clinical Education of Physical Therapy
Why Choose MU for Your Doctor of Physical Therapy?
Earn your degree in less time
Hone your skills in our state-of-the-art labs
Seasoned Experts
The Ideal Destination
Our physical therapy degree program is built on a strong set of values that include a deep commitment to integrity, respect for the infinite worth of every individual, and a goal to serve for the betterment of others. Through patient-focused physical therapy training, you’ll be well-equipped as a highly skilled and caring health care professional with a sense of accountability toward the community and empathy for others.
What You Can Do With Your Doctor of Physical Therapy
Neurological Rehabilitation
Assist patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders in restoring movement and function.
Inpatient Care Therapist
Contribute to patient recovery within hospitals, providing crucial rehabilitation services following surgeries or serious illnesses.
Academic and Research Therapist
Pursue roles in academia and research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within the field of physical therapy.
Private Practice
Establish your own physical therapy practice, giving you the autonomy to manage patient care on your terms while making a significant impact on their lives.
Average Starting Salary for Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduates
Physical therapy is an exciting health care profession with a very promising outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy is a fast-growing profession nationally, with a 15 percent job growth expected by 2032—which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Physical therapists also have the potential to earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of around $95,620, according to BLS data.
The demand for physical therapists is driven by several factors, including the increasing number of aging baby boomers who are maintaining active lifestyles well into their later years. This demographic trend leads to a higher incidence of heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related injuries that necessitate physical therapy for effective rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity has risen significantly. As a result, there is a growing need for physical therapists to assist these patients in preserving their mobility and managing the impact of chronic health issues. This demand underscores the essential role that physical therapists play in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing various health challenges.
How the DPT Program Supports Your Growth
Student Life
Manchester University fosters a strong sense of community that extends from the classroom to student organizations and into the vibrant city of Fort Wayne. Students build lifelong friendships and carry this connection with them as they move into their careers. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, robust academic and library resources, and detailed guides like the Student Handbook and Clinical Education Handbook, students are well-equipped for success.
The Office of Career and Professional Development supports students in building their network and preparing for their future through resume building, interview coaching, and job offer negotiation. Manchester prioritizes student wellness by offering comprehensive health, counseling, and safety and security services, recognizing that well-being is essential to academic and personal success.
All Doctor of Physical Therapy students join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in their first year, giving them access to professional networking and national meetings.
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city, students enjoy a community rich with cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. Learn more about life in Fort Wayne, a city known for its affordability and welcoming atmosphere.
Curriculum
As an MU DPT student, you will learn physical therapy concepts through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Our anatomy and physiology classroom experiences incorporate the latest in virtual technology including virtual dissection using Anatomage. With Anatomage, students can examine a 3-D virtual cadaver. The state-of-the-art program labs, specialized care facilities and compassionate outpatient clinics will enrich your clinical education experiences.
View all courses of MU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Year 1
Semester 1 Coursework | 13 Credits | Summer
- DPT 710 – Clinical Foundations I | 4 credits
- DPT 712 Clinical Movement Science | 3 credits
- DPT 714 Clinical Neuroscience | 3 credits
- DPT 716 Clinical Physiology I | 3 credits
Semester 2 Coursework | 16 Credits | Fall
- DPT 720 Clinical Foundations II | 3 credits
- DPT 722 Musuloskeletal Practice I | 4 credits
- DPT 724 Neuromuscular Practice I | 4 credits
- DPT 726 Clinical Physiology II | 3 credits
- DPT 728 Integrated Clinical Experience I | 2 Credits
Semester 3 Coursework | 14 Credits | Spring
- DPT 731 Lifespan Practice I | 4 credits
- DPT 732 Musculoskeletal Practice II | 3 credits
- DPT 734 Neuromuscular Practice II | 3 credits
- DPT 736 Cardiopulmonary Practice | 3 credits
- DPT 739 Clinical Application of Research and Statistics | 1 Credit
Year 2
Semester 4 Coursework | 12 Credits | Summer
- DPT 747 – Professional Competencies I | 0 credits
- DPT 748 Clinical Education I | 8 credits
- DPT 749 Psychological Aspects of Health and Nutrition | 4 credits
Semester 5 Coursework | 13 Credits | Fall
- DPT 751 Lifespan Practice II | 4 credits
- DPT 753 Integumentary Practice | 3 credits
- DPT 755 Prosthetics and Orthotic Practice | 4 credits
- DPT 758 Integrated Clinical Experience II | 2 credits
Semester 6 Coursework | 12 Credits | Spring
- DPT 761 Complex Patient Practice | 4 credits
- DPT 763 Acute Care Practice | 4 credits
- DPT 765 Specialty Practice | 4 credits
Year 3
Semester 7 Coursework | 12 Credits | Summer
- DPT 777 Professional Competencies II | 0 credits
- DPT 778 Clinical Education II | 8 credits
- DPT 779 Practice Management and Administration | 4 credits
Semester 8 Coursework | 14 Credits | Fall
- DPT 787 Professional Competencies III | 0 credits
- DPT 788 Clinical Education III | 14 credits
Meet the Faculty
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Admissions Requirements and Application Process
Manchester’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will equip you as a highly skilled and caring professional with an appreciation for the greater good and the knowledge and experience to ensure positive patient, family and community health outcomes.
International Students are not eligible to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at this time. We are currently seeking approval and will update prospective students if approval is granted.
Office of Graduate Admissions
We are here to help!
The Office of Graduate Admissions is here for YOU! We are ready to answer all of your questions, send you more information and help guide you down your path to the future. We will be your guides throughout the admissions and enrollment process.
Some students even say that the friendliness and helpfulness of the OGA staff was their deciding factor in choosing Manchester! You’ll work with us throughout the enrollment process when you apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Recruitment Events & Program Information Sessions
Let’s connect!
We are ready and waiting to answer all your questions about our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program!
For questions or more information contact us at gradadmissions@manchester.edu call 260-470-2703
Requirements
To be considered for admission to the DPT Program, candidates must:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree from a US accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred on a 4.0 scale
- Successfully complete all prerequisite coursework a “C” letter grade or better at an accredited institution.
- Complete all prerequisite coursework by May 15 prior to summer admission.
The PTCAS application will open in mid-November 2025. Application materials are to be submitted through PTCAS.
A completed PTCAS application is required to be considered for admission (an essay, three letters of recommendation, report of 50 observation hours, report all institution(s) attended on the PTCAS application and request all transcript(s) be sent directly from the institution(s) to PTCAS). Applicants who studied outside the U.S. will be required to order a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation report from World Education Services (WES) indicating the US degree equivalency for each international institution attended and have it sent directly to PTCAS.
The annual admission cycle for the DPT Program is as follows:
- Late 2025 – PTCAS application becomes available.
- March 1 – DPT Program application deadline.
Course Equivalencies
Ready to Apply?
To be sure the courses from your college or university satisfy prerequisite requirements for admission to Manchester, see the course equivalency chart for each of the following institutions. If your institution is not in this list, you may direct questions regarding coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions or call 260-470-2703.
Prerequisite Courses
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2 Biology courses, excluding botany and zoology (labs preferred)
-
2 General Chemistry courses (labs required)
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2 General Physics courses (labs preferred)
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1 Human Anatomy course (lab required)
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1 Human Physiology course(lab preferred)
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1 Psychology course
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1 Statistics course
Annual Requirements
Students are required to complete the following items at an additional cost, yearly.
- Vaccines and immunizations
- Criminal background check, which includes identity verification
- Drug screen
- Health insurance coverage
Essay
Upload an essay to your PTCAS application.
Observation Hours
- 50 observation hours with a physical therapist
- Suggested to observe in a variety of settings (inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facility)
References
Upload two references to your PTCAS application:
- One from a licensed physical therapist
- One from applicant’s choice reference.
Interviews
Applicants who submit their PTCAS application will be considered for an interview. Admission decisions are made less than 2 weeks after each interview day.
Application Process
Ready to Apply?
Manchester’s DPT Program will equip you as a highly skilled and caring professional with an appreciation for the greater good and the knowledge and experience to ensure positive patient, family, and community health outcomes. If you’re interested in joining the DPT Program at Manchester University, we encourage you to apply now using PTCAS.
PTCAS is a common application system that enables you to apply to multiple physical therapy programs with a single application. PTCAS charges an application processing fee of $170 for the first program application and $70 for each additional use. The application fee for each program is paid at the time of submission using your debit or credit card and must be paid through their respective online payment systems.
- PTCAS Application Opens: November
- Application Deadline: March 3
- Orientation: May 27
- Classes Begin: May 28
- Education evaluations are only accepted through World Education Services.
Costs and Financial Aid
College is a huge step. And the financial implications for most people are significant. As you enter into this important new phase of your life, we aim to help you understand the true cost of attendance, including living expenses, transportation, meals and supplies.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.