Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Bowling Green State University is Ohio's first and only public, accelerated, hybrid (online and in-person) DPT program. This program allows students to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in seven semesters.

Program Overview

The DPT program at Bowling Green State University uses a holistic review strategy for admissions and recruitment, reducing barriers to the physical therapy profession. The program adheres to the Non-Discrimination in Employment and Education policy established by the University. Persons with bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions, who meet the pre-requisites established by BGSU's DPT Program and demonstrate promising scholastic standing, along with professional potential, are considered for admission.

Mission and Faculty

The mission of BGSU's DPT program is to develop Doctors of Physical Therapy who create positive change in the lives of their patients and communities. The program achieves this by teaching competence, innovation, application, research, and collaboration. The faculty, all renowned members of the physical therapy profession, have created an intensive curriculum designed to challenge and empower BGSU DPT students.

Delivery Model: Accelerated + Hybrid

The DPT program is delivered in an accelerated, hybrid format, allowing students to complete the degree requirements in seven semesters. The program combines online instruction with face-to-face lab immersion sessions and clinical education settings.

Accelerated Defined

This approach allows completion of the DPT degree requirements in seven semesters, while meeting the established timing and content standards set by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Hybrid Defined

The accelerated, hybrid DPT program infuses contemporary learning technologies and experiences into modern professional training for aspiring physical therapists. By combining the best practices of distance learning with live, face-to-face immersive lab experiential sessions, the student is prepared to grow through clinical experiences both in their respective community and at nationally recognized centers of healthcare.

Creating Opportunity for All

BGSU's School of Physical and Occupational Therapy is committed to establishing a supportive and welcoming community for all students, educators, and staff. The program seeks to create opportunity by empowering student success and addressing health disparities and social determinants of health.

Outlook

BGSU DPT graduates will have the opportunity to practice across a spectrum of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, critical care units, and sports and fitness facilities. The physical therapy profession is set to grow 18% from 2019-2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career Paths

• Neurological physical therapist
  • Pediatric physical therapist
  • Private practice PT
  • Home services
  • Geriatric PT
  • Sports medicine
  • Women's health
  • Cardiac rehabilitation

Curriculum

The DPT curriculum is delivered across seven semesters, 108 weeks over 28 months, using an accelerated, hybrid learning delivery model. Approximately half of the curriculum is delivered online, with the remaining taking place in face-to-face lab immersion sessions and clinical education settings.

Sample Curriculum

• Clinical Neuroscience for the PT
• Pharmacology for the PT
• Movement Science
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Musculoskeletal Practice

BGSU Rehabilitative Science Service Scholars Program

This program offers students in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy a unique opportunity to enhance their academic experience through hands-on learning and service-learning projects.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The University has obtained approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).