Degree Description

Midwestern University's Physical Therapy Hybrid Program offers a course of study leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree for qualified students using a blended learning model. The didactic phase of the Hybrid Program is delivered online using asynchronous and synchronous learning and includes seven in-person, immersive lab experiences on the Glendale Campus. The full-time, continuous, 30-month, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to deliver the academic and clinical education required to prepare students for their professional role as key members of the healthcare team and as an integral part of the healthcare delivery system. The general education, professional training, experience, and personal character development of physical therapists uniquely prepare them to coordinate care related to functional improvement and functional ability. The clinical phase of the program provides the students with necessary hands-on experience to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential to practice physical therapy in a variety of settings. All students will be required to travel for clinical education experiences. The focus of the professional clinical doctorate degree program is to prepare entry-level practitioners to provide physical therapy services in large, small, traditional, and nontraditional community and institutional practice settings that require independent judgment, leadership, and autonomous practice. The program also provides the foundation for graduates to identify and contribute to effecting solutions to the major, emergent health issues of our society and to contribute to the academic and clinical education of future practitioners. The graduate will be prepared to make valuable, ongoing contributions to society, healthcare, and the profession through leadership and collaborative, intra- and inter-professional efforts.

Time Limit for Completion of Coursework

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a continuous, full-time program for 30 months. The maximum allotted time for completion of the doctorate program is 45 months.

Program Goals and Expected Outcomes

Based on its mission, the Physical Therapy Program has developed goals for students, graduates, faculty members, and the Program.

1. Graduates and students will be prepared to provide culturally competent, whole-person physical therapy services to a diverse population across all levels of the healthcare continuum. 

2. Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the areas of clinical practice, service, and advocacy.

3. Graduates will have the ability to contribute to the educational growth of future practitioners and to the body of knowledge in the profession. 

4. Graduates and students  will participate in inter-professional education and/or inter-professional collaborative practice. 

5. Faculty will provide high-quality teaching and professional standards.

6. Faculty will participate in scholarship activities which may include the scholarship of discovery, integration, application, or teaching.

7. Faculty will be engaged in service to the Department, College, University, community, or profession.

8. The collective core faculty will demonstrate expertise in contemporary, evidence-based clinical practice in a variety of settings across the continuum of care.

9. The Program will contribute to meeting the needs of the physical therapy workforce that supports a diverse population across all levels of the health care continuum.

10. The Program will create post-professional educational opportunities for faculty, graduates, clinical instructors and the greater physical therapy community to facilitate continuous professional development in areas such as teaching, research, leadership, practice, service, and advocacy.

11. The Program will collaborate with other health professional programs, community partners and clinical sites to support the development of inter-professional collaborative practice across the curriculum.

12. The Program will cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusivity that benefits students, faculty, staff, patients, caregivers, and communities that we serve.

13. The Program will provide an innovative curriculum that integrates the highest educational standards and contemporary practice.