Doctor of Physical Therapy
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-05-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Central Michigan University is designed for students who have already received their baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or are in their final year of undergraduate studies.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission into the DPT Program, applicants must have completed or be in the final stages of completing a bachelor's degree and the prerequisite course requirements. The admission criteria include:
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average in prerequisite and overall undergraduate academic coursework, with no grade below a 2.0 in each prerequisite course.
- Completion of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and developmental psychology.
- A minimum of 24 career exploration hours, which can be from one or more settings.
- Two letters of recommendation, one from a licensed physical therapist and one from a faculty member.
Prerequisite Courses and Equivalencies
The prerequisite courses for the DPT Program include:
- Anatomy with lab
- Physiology with lab
- Exercise physiology (with or without lab)
- Chemistry I and II with labs
- Mathematics (trigonometry, pre-calculus, or calculus)
- Physics I and II with labs
- Developmental psychology
- Statistics
Application Requirements
The application requirements for the DPT Program include:
- Submission of the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) application
- Payment of a supplemental fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Observation hours
- Official transcripts
Technical Standards
All candidates interviewing for admission and students admitted into the DPT Program are expected to demonstrate the attributes and meet the expectations listed in the technical standards. These technical standards are required for admission and must be maintained throughout a student's participation in the program.
International Student Requirements
International students must complete additional requirements, including:
- A course-by-course foreign evaluation by World Education Services (WES)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores
- I-20 requirements
Program Details
The DPT Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent physical therapists. The program includes coursework, clinical experiences, and research opportunities. Students who complete the program will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and become licensed physical therapists.
Accreditation
The DPT Program at Central Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Program Outcomes
The DPT Program at Central Michigan University is designed to prepare students for successful careers as physical therapists. The program outcomes include:
- Graduates will be able to evaluate and treat patients with a variety of conditions and disorders.
- Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Conclusion
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Central Michigan University is a comprehensive program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent physical therapists. The program includes coursework, clinical experiences, and research opportunities, and is designed to prepare students for successful careers in physical therapy.
