Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The University of Utah's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has been preparing students to become highly competent and compassionate professionals for over 50 years. The program takes pride in bringing together the most advanced educational philosophies and the most current research, along with the finest faculty, to create an effective and supportive learning environment. The program's success is evident in its high graduation rate, high national licensure exam pass rate, and high employment rate.

Program Overview

The DPT program offers three educational pathways: two residential pathways in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah, and one Hybrid pathway. Each pathway requires its own application to be completed in PTCAS, with identical application requirements across all three.

Hybrid Pathway

The Hybrid pathway provides students with the unique opportunity to earn a DPT degree from the University of Utah without having to relocate. Didactic coursework is conducted through a layered learning model, which includes engaging asynchronous content, live online sessions, and two in-person immersions per semester. Immersions take place on the Salt Lake City campus and are required. Clinical experiences take place in students' communities, empowering them to learn in an intimate and innovative atmosphere while staying close to home.

Salt Lake City Residential Pathway

The Salt Lake City campus is nestled next to the Wasatch mountains and is within minutes of nearby hiking trails, ski resorts, and mountain biking trails. Salt Lake City is the birthplace of the DPT program. Students in Salt Lake City receive didactic coursework in-person via video conferencing technology with the St. George campus.

St. George Residential Pathway

Located on the Utah Tech University (UTU) campus, St. George offers state-of-the-art facilities, student services provided by the University of Utah and UTU, and close proximity to several National Parks. Didactic coursework is conducted in-person via video conferencing technology with the Salt Lake City campus.

Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) approved the Hybrid pathway in November 2022 and the St. George pathway in May 2022.

Program Leadership

• Department Chair: Dr. Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA
• Program Director: Dr. Jennifer Hale, PT, DPT, PhD

Prospective Students

The University of Utah Physical Therapy Department hosts general information sessions each month to provide information on physical therapy as a career, pre-requisites necessary for application to the program, and admission procedures. Most prospective students find their questions are answered during a session. All are welcome to attend.

Pre-PT Club

The Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) Club is a student-run organization with quasi-affiliation with the Department of Physical Therapy. Membership in the Pre-PT Club promotes camaraderie between persons interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy and provides opportunities for members to learn about the profession. The Club acts as a voice for physical therapy on campus, promotes interest in physical therapy, and provides service to the community.

Admissions Counseling

Admissions counseling information is available for prospective students.

Related Links

• PTAT History & Mission
• Accreditation
• Student Outcomes
• FAQs
• DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet

Accreditation

Learn about the program's accreditation.

Accolades & Affiliations

The program has various accolades and affiliations.