Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life and help people live healthy and active lives. They diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions requiring rehabilitation. They also care for people who want to become healthier and prevent future problems.
How do physical therapists treat their patients?
Physical therapists treat their patients through prescribed exercises, hands-on care, and patient education. They develop a treatment plan to improve the patient's ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore functions, and prevent disability.
How do physical therapists impact the quality of health care?
Physical therapy bolsters medical care and significantly contributes to the allied health sciences. It is one of the most important aspects of an interprofessional education that facilitates patient recovery in different healthcare settings. Physical therapists transform people's lives by preventing disabilities and promoting overall health, reassuring longevity with an active life free of pain and disability, and positively impacting the quality of health care.
What challenges face the field of physical therapy?
Direct access: Patients in many states cannot obtain physical therapy services without a referral from their physician. This means they must have direct access to physical therapy, alleviating restrictive systems which require physician referrals and visitation limits.
PT Compact: It is a system that allows physical therapists licensed in one state to obtain practice privileges in another state. Some states have not introduced legislation to enact these privileges, which will enormously increase each physical therapist's ability to practice beyond boundaries.
Fair Copays: Insurance companies consider physical therapy as a specialty service. This imposes higher copays for the patient. Because physical therapy treatments often require multiple visits, higher copays create the impression that it's a more expensive treatment option.
Who is this program for?
Physical therapists need to sincerely interact with patients to understand their health issues, routines and goals. Once a patient is established, they visit the care clinic frequently over the next few weeks to seek care from their therapist before being discharged from the care plan. This program is most suitable for sociable and enthusiastic healthcare students who are empathetic toward patients' health concerns. They have a desire to make a positive impact upon their patients by giving them hope that they can enjoy happy and healthy lives free of pain.
What will I be able to do with this degree?
You will be able to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and gender who require physical therapy rehabilitation for various diseases, disabilities, and health conditions. Your service area may include a variety of healthcare practice settings such as: outpatient facilities, inpatient care, acute and sub-acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, senior living facilities, school and pre-school settings, home healthcare services and telehealth services.
I already have a professional degree. So why should I pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a physical therapist was $91,010 per year ($43.75/hour) in 2020. The demand for licensed physical therapists has also increased in recent years due to the rapid growth of the healthcare industry. The bureau projects a 21% percent employment growth between 2020 and 2030 with 49,100 new physical therapy jobs. This is the highest projected growth among healthcare jobs!
Can I earn continuing education credits from the DPT Program?
No, you cannot earn continuing education credits from the DPT Program.
Do I need GRE scores for admissions into the program?
The MU DPT Program does not require a GRE for admission.
What sort of references are preferred?
Our program requires three letters of recommendation in support of a prospective student's application: one from a professor/advisor, one may be from a licensed physical therapist, and one from applicant’s choice reference.
Can I transfer my previous credits?
Applicants can transfer credits for the prerequisite courses completed in accredited schools. However, students cannot transfer credits for DPT courses taken at other schools.
What is the timeline to apply?
Exact deadlines will vary depending upon Manchester University's academic calendar for that year. Applications for admission will generally be accepted until January of each year for admission to the summer cohort. Interviews will be scheduled beginning in mid-February through the end of the month. Final admission decisions will be made in mid-March, and classes begin at the end of May.
All application materials must be submitted through the PTCAS.
The annual admissions cycle for the cohort beginning in Summer 2023 is:
- PTCAS Application Opens: June 14, 2022, 11:59:59 p.m.
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2023, 11:59:59 p.m.
- Interviews Scheduled: Oct. 12 - April 5, 2023
- Final Admission Decision: April 10, 2023
- Orientation & Class Begins: May 22, 2023
What are the application requirements?
View our application process.
Is there a fee to apply?
Yes, you may view the updated application fee to PTCAS.
Where can I find instructions and FAQs regarding my PTCAS application?
You may view the PTCAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs.
Who can I contact with questions about the program?
How many credit hours are required for the DPT Program?
A typical DPT Program in the United States requires 110-125 credit hours; however, MU's signature DPT Program only requires 103 credit hours to earn your degree.
What is the cost per credit hour for the DPT Program?
View tuition and fees.
Are international students eligible to enroll in the program?
The Manchester University DPT Program does not enroll international students at this time. Please periodically check back with the program to see when international students might be eligible to enroll in the program.
Can I complete the program part-time?
No, students cannot complete this program part-time.
Am I able to take a break from the program if I need to?
Yes, students may be able to take a break from the program under exceptional circumstances. However, they are required to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions and obtain permission beforehand.
Is the DPT Program 100% on-campus?
With some portions completed at off-campus clinical sites as part of the educational curriculum, the MU DPT Program is otherwise 100% on-campus. However, specific emergencies and unavoidable circumstances, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, may require off-campus classes or remote learning.
Does the program have to be completed within a specific timeframe?
Yes, the program MUST be completed within the stipulated timeframe. However, students must contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to request exemptions under emergencies and unavoidable circumstances.
What is the lecture format? Do the courses have a balanced blend?
Yes, all courses will have a balanced blend of audio, video, simulation, lab, and lecture.
Do courses need to be completed in a specific order?
Yes, the DPT Program core faculty have carefully designed and sequenced various courses approved by the Graduate/Professional Curriculum and Assessment Committee. Therefore, all students will complete courses in a set order.
How quickly can students expect faculty members to reply with questions?
Faculty members will typically reply to student questions within 24 hours. After that, however, it will depend upon their schedule, semester, question content, etc.
What academic support is available if I am struggling in a class?
“Each faculty member is committed to each student’s success and achievement; they will attend to each student’s need to the best of their ability. Each faculty member will help to clarify a student’s concern before or after class, during office hours, or during the faculty member’s free time as time permits. Qualified teaching assistants are available to assist individual courses. Faculty and TAs will clarify student concerns and review or revise concepts during weekly office hours for each course. Faculty and TAs will clarify doubts and revise concepts during weekly office hours for each course. Students may also wish to discuss with their academic advisor/mentor. The Funderberg Library has an extensive and comprehensive collection of books and learning resources for additional support; therefore, each student will be provided with additional support if they are struggling in an academic course.
Will students be assigned a faculty advisor/mentor?
Yes.
Does Manchester University offer technical support for students?
Students have several options to request technical assistance. Manchester University’s ITS Help Desk is available M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 260-470-2727. Students can also visit the ITS webpage or submit a help desk request online.
What is your learning management system?
We use the learning management system, Canvas, to administer all coursework.