DPT/MBA Program

Program Overview

Mercer University's DPT/MBA combined degree program prepares physical therapists for administrative and leadership roles in healthcare. Students complete both degrees in four years, with the first year dedicated to MBA coursework and the remaining three years to DPT studies. Graduates gain a comprehensive understanding of business principles and physical therapy practice, empowering them to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape effectively.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Mercer University's College of Health Professions and the Stetson-Hatcher School of Business offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Business Administration (DPT/MBA) combined degree program. As the role of physical therapists in administrative and commercial aspects of practice grows, this program empowers graduates to meet the needs of individuals and society while preparing them for the administrative and leadership environment in which they will work. By combining ethical business and practice, this program enhances graduates' knowledge and ability to operate in a global healthcare market. Students admitted to the DPT/MBA program will complete both degrees in 4 years.

Outline:

Year 1

• Complete 27 credit hours of the 36-credit hour Specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the Summer, Fall, and Spring.

MBA Program Core Courses (Year 1)

• BUS 601 Global Managerial Economics (3 hours)
• BUS 603 Accounting for Managers (3 hours)
• BUS 605 Marketing Decision Making (3 hours)
• BUS 609 Financial Decision Making (3 hours)
• BUS 602 Human Capital Management (3 hours)
• BUS 613 Ethical Leadership (3 hours)
• BUS 606 Decision Making and Decision Analysis (3 hours) OR BUS 611 Supply Chain and Logistics Management (3 hours)
• BUS 699 Strategy/Capstone (3 hours)

DPT Year 2

• PT 500 Gross Anatomy I
• PT 501 Applied Anatomy I
• PT 502 Leadership Development I: Professional Behaviors and Communication
• PT 503 Research I: Methods and Assessment
• PT 504 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
• PT 508 Service-Learning I
• PT 510 Pharmacology and Systems Pathophysiology

DPT Year 3

• PT 603 Research III: Critical Inquiry and Appraisal
• PT 604 Geriatric Considerations in Patient/Client Management
• PT 605 Management of Patients/Clients with Musculoskeletal Conditions I
• PT 606 Interventions for Patients/Clients with Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions I
• PT 609 Integrated Clinical Experience II
• PT 615 Management of Patients/Clients with Neuromuscular Conditions I
• PT 616 Interventions for Patients/Clients with Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions II: Prosthetics and Orthotics

DPT Year 4

• PT 702 Leadership Development III: Management
• PT 703 Research V: Translation

Careers:

Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to assume administrative responsibilities in many healthcare organizations. With an MBA, physical therapists can effectively perform these roles and understand the current administrative and leadership environment in which they will engage.