Begin Your Journey Toward a Rewarding Career as a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists assist people to live healthy and active lives while restoring, maintaining and promoting optimal physical functions and movement. These highly sought-after health sciences professionals evaluate, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological conditions through exercises, hands-on therapies and patient education.
Manchester University’s Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in pre-physical therapy is your gateway to this rewarding and fast-growing field. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate major in physical therapy when applying for DPT programs, our Pre-Physical Therapy Program also positions you as a strong candidate for our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field. You will benefit from guidance provided by experienced faculty members and gain invaluable hands-on experience, enabling you to fast-track your journey toward becoming a physical therapist.
Department Goals
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
To educate innovative physical therapists who optimize human movement and function across the lifespan, empowering individuals and communities through evidence-based practice, leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to social responsibility.
Vision
To be a leading DPT program that transforms lives by cultivating compassionate, skilled physical therapists who deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. Our curriculum and collaborative faculty will foster a learning environment that prioritizes research, education, justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and community well-being, empowering our graduates to transform lives.
Values
- Integrity, compassion, excellence, and accountability
- Justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social responsibility
- Lifelong learning, innovation, and collaboration
- Patient-centered care and altruism
Accreditation
CAPTE Accreditation
Effective 10/31/23, 11/12/24 Manchester University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 260-470-2700 or email gradadmissions@manchester.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Reporting an Accreditation-related Complaint with CAPTE
Meet the Faculty
Tara Jenkins
Dean, School of Health Professions & Nursing, Professor of Pharmaceutical and Graduate Life Sciences
Frank Aerts
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Brooke Murphy
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Barb Ritchie
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
