Program Overview

University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program has established a tradition of excellence for over 70 years. Our 2.5 year graduate professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree boasts a commitment to the education of a talented student body supported by a strong network of dedicated alumni and clinical faculty.

Program Overview

The PT Program educates competent, ethical physical therapists to assume the multi-faceted roles of clinical practitioner, patient manager, teacher, researcher, administrator, consultant and advocate. In addition to compassion, character and professionalism, certain essential skills are required in order to complete the PT Program. Upon successful completion of the PT Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in any state.

Expected Outcomes

The following are expected minimum outcomes for our students:

• 90% of our graduates will pass the NPTE on their first attempt to become licensed physical therapists.
• 85% of our graduates will feel competent to practice autonomously as Doctors of Physical Therapy within their first year post-graduation.
• All of our graduates will use critical thinking, evidence, and clinical reasoning in physical therapy patient management.
• All of our graduates will be prepared to provide physical therapy care to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan.

Curriculum

The DPT curriculum includes a comprehensive education in physical therapy, with a focus on clinical practice, research, and community engagement. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the multi-faceted roles of a physical therapist.

Education Programs

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program offers the following education programs:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• PhD in Rehabilitation Science
• Faculty Residency
• Orthopaedic Residency
• Pediatric Residency
• DPT-PhD Pathway
• DPT-MPH Track

Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapy Program at University of Colorado is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program has been continuously accredited since its inception in 1947.

Accreditation Status

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) reaffirmed the accreditation status of the program in 2020, based on compliance with all of the evaluative criteria. The accreditation status remains in effect for the full 10 year period until 2031.

Program History

The program received initial accreditation in 1947 from the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association. The program made the transition from offering only a certificate to awarding a baccalaureate degree in 1952, and continued at that degree level until 1990 when a Master of Science, Physical Therapy degree was initiated. In 2003, the program was approved to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree by the CAPTE.

Research

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program is committed to research and scholarship. The program has a number of research areas, including:

• Mobility Matters
• TIGRR (Translational Research in Rehabilitation)

Community Engagement

The program is committed to community engagement and has a number of initiatives to promote access and community engagement, including:

• Access & Community Engagement
• Belonging

Tuition and Financial Resources

The program provides information on tuition rates, fees, health insurance, and financial resources. The program also offers scholarship opportunities for prospective and current students.

Why Choose CU?

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program is unique in its commitment to excellence in physical therapist education. The program has a strong network of dedicated alumni and clinical faculty, and is located in a state-of-the-art facility. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and has a number of research areas and community engagement initiatives.