Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Utah Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers a hybrid online/on-campus option, providing students with the opportunity to earn their DPT from a top-ranked school without relocating. This program combines engaging online learning with in-person immersion experiences and clinical experiences near students' communities.

Program Details

• Credits Required: 107
• Program Cost: $93,255.85
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Start Term: Summer

The Benefits of a Hybrid Education

The physical therapy program at the University of Utah has a long-standing tradition of excellence, dating back to the admission of its first class in 1969. The program takes pride in bringing together advanced educational philosophies and current research with the finest faculty to create an effective and supportive learning environment.

About the Hybrid DPT Option

This is a full-time program, and students are not recommended to hold other employment during their studies. The hybrid online/on-campus DPT option gives students from across the nation the opportunity to earn their DPT from a top-ranked school of physical therapy without having to relocate.

Curriculum

The curriculum utilizes an innovative layered approach to active student learning, including:

• Asynchronous Lessons: Didactic content and lab skills are introduced through recorded lessons that students complete online.
• Live Sessions: Each class holds weekly synchronous online meetings between students and faculty.
• Immersions: On-campus experiences consisting of physical learning and assessment. Immersions are roughly 6-7 days in length and occur at the following times:
  • During orientation at the beginning of the program (3-days)
  • Twice during each fall and spring semester, with one toward the middle and one at the end of the semester. Summer semesters include one immersion only.
• Clinical Education: Students complete 15 weeks (45 hours) of part-time clinical education in the spring semester of the first year and 42 weeks of full-time clinical education, including three back-to-back placements in the final year. Students may also complete optional part-time clinical education during didactic semesters in the second and third year of the program.

Faculty and Culture

The program is committed to excellence in education and research, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Degree Type

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

Prerequisites for Applicants

Applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements to be admitted. Prerequisite requirements are identical for all pathways (residential and hybrid).

Tuition

• Tuition: $871.55/credit
• Total Program Tuition: $93,255.85 (subject to change without notice)

Career Potential

Current salary information can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook. Physical Therapy has been named as one of the nation's 150 best recession-proof jobs. Physical Therapist ranks in CNN Money's 2013 Top 100 Jobs in America, and PT is included in their 10 Booming Jobs, with growth over the next 10 years at 30%. The Department of Workforce Services of Utah gives Physical Therapy a 5-Star Rating.

Application Deadlines

Applications for this program are only accepted for the Summer term, with a deadline of October 1.

Hybrid Pathway FAQ

1. Does the tuition differ based on my Utah residency status? No, we are pleased to offer the same flat rate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.
2. Are lab immersion costs included in my tuition? While the costs for the required lab immersion classwork in Salt Lake City are included in your tuition, students are responsible for the costs associated with travel to and lodging during immersions.
3. Can I keep my job and complete the hybrid pathway? While the hybrid pathway offers you the flexibility to live in your community and not have to relocate to Salt Lake City, we highly recommend that you do not work during this DPT program.
4. What are Live Sessions? These are weekly synchronous online learning experiences in groups of no larger than 15 students led by faculty.
5. Do I have to move or relocate for my clinical experiences? We will make every effort to identify and secure clinical experiences near your community. However, clinical site selection and placement are dependent on location availability, and almost all of our students in every pathway will need to relocate temporarily for a portion of their clinical experiences.
6. What happens if I move during the program? No problem! We simply ask that you notify our clinical education team as early as possible, as it could impact their ability to find a clinical education experience in your community.
7. How do I practice lab skills and techniques? Upon admission, we will recommend a list of equipment for you to purchase to help you be successful. This will include a physical therapy plinth.
8. Are there technology requirements I need to plan for? We require students in the hybrid pathway to have a laptop with a forward-facing camera and a tablet. Stable, high-speed internet appropriate to stream Zoom web meetings is also required.
9. Can I change the pathway that I’m in during the DPT program? No, we do not permit students to change pathways, so you must complete the DPT degree in the pathway to which you were admitted.
10. I'm an international student. Am I eligible for the hybrid program? No, international students are not eligible to be in the hybrid program.