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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Acquire the clinical, professional and critical inquiry skills you'll need for a career as a physical therapist.

UND's competitive and highly-successful physical therapy program is accredited by the CAPTE. 100% of our licensed physical therapy graduates report employment within 12 months of graduation.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
6.5 years | 3 years pre-PT and 3.5 years professional program
Credit hours:
90 (pre-physical therapy); 125 (professional program)
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Why earn a DPT degree?

DPT Application Deadlines

There are three options for admission to the DPT program. Early acceptance interviews will occur in Sept. and additional acceptance options will occur in Nov. and Feb.

Individuals with completed applications, verified transcripts and higher prerequisite science GPAs receive a scheduling preference for interview dates.

Application Deadlines

Physical therapists provide services to those who have impairments, activity limitation and participation restrictions related to environmental or personal factors. Through UND's physical therapy doctoral program, you'll be able to:

  • Gain hands-on clinical experiences crucial to your development as a physical therapist.
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary for the entry-level practice of physical therapy.
  • Provide service to the community and/or to the profession.
  • Develop skills for life-long learning and critical inquiry related to clinical and basic science research.

The first three years of the curriculum are considered pre-physical therapy. The professional education component of the DPT requires three years and two summer sessions beyond meeting pre-physical therapy requirements.

The doctor of Physical Therapy program is competitive, accepting only 52 students per year.

UND's Doctor of Physical Therapy

  • Participate in direct delivery of physical therapy services in a variety of settings.

  • Choose from over 250 clinical sites across North Dakota and the U.S.

  • Take classes in the state-of-the-art School of Medicine & Health Sciences building.

  • Gain advanced knowledge and skills in the Sports Physical Therapy Residency program.

  • The Physical Therapy program at UND is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

  • UND's Pre-Physical Therapy program is recommended for all incoming freshmen. The three-year program provides the building blocks in your application to the DPT program.

What can you do with a doctor of physical therapy?

92%

First time national exam pass rate (2024)

UND

100%

Licensed graduates report employment within 12 months of graduation (2023-2024)

UND

Physical therapists assist patients in:

  • Restoring health
  • Alleviating pain
  • Examining, evaluating, and diagnosing changes in physical function and health status

Physical therapists are also involved with intervention, prevention, and the promotion of health, wellness and fitness. They are employed by:

  • Athletic facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Private practices
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • School systems
  • Skilled nursing facilities

Doctor of Physical Therapy Jobs

Graduates of the UND Doctor of Physical Therapy program can be found working at the following organizations, among others:

  • Achieve Therapy and Fitness in Grand Forks, N.D.
  • Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, Minn.
  • Physical Therapy Center of Wyoming
  • RehabAuthority in Fargo, N.D.
  • Spooner Physical Therapy in Phoenix
  • St. Luke's Health Systems in Boise, Idaho

Doctor of Physical Therapy Courses

PT 603. Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics I. 4 Credits.

This course will provide the anatomical and biomechanical knowledge to understand the human movement system and apply these concepts to the practice of physical therapy which includes the dissection of human cadavers. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremity will be covered along with the basic structural and functional relationships of the musculoskeletal, integumentary, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular/pulmonary systems. Prerequisite: Registered in professional physical therapy curriculum. F.

PT 607. Pathophysiology for Physical Therapists I. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of physiology and pathophysiology of systems for physical therapists. Associated health conditions, surgical interventions, the influences of co-morbidities and pharmaceutical interventions, and safety concerns are discussed with an application to physical therapy patient/client management. Prerequisite: Registered in professional physical therapy curriculum. F.

PT 609. Neuroscience for Clinical Practice I. 3 Credits.

Human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with emphasis on motor theory and the sensory and motor systems involved in the acquisition and control of movement. Discussion of normal functions as well as the clinical signs and symptoms of pathological lesions affecting the nervous system. Applicable health conditions, impairments, and activity limitations of the nervous system relevant to current practice are introduced. Prerequisite: Registered in professional physical therapy curriculum. F.

PT 611. Movement System Examination & Evaluation I. 3 Credits.

Integration of examination and evaluation techniques for diagnosis and prognosis of impairments and activity limitations of the human movement system. Emphasis is given to musculoskeletal and neurological examination and evaluation components. Prerequisite: Registered in professional physical therapy curriculum. F.

PT 615. Movement System Intervention I. 3 Credits.

This course integrates components of the movement system as it relates to human motor performance across the lifespan. This includes principles and applications of therapeutic intervention with integration of current evidence and clinical decision making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of physical therapy interventions. Prerequisite: Registered in professional physical therapy curriculum. F.

Leader in Physical Therapy

When Kayana Trottier transferred to UND, she followed her passion for physical therapy despite the challenges in her personal life. Now she's set to become a physical therapist.

Read KayanA's Story

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Explore More Options

Connect with the PT faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

  • Department of Physical Therapy
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Department Contact
Dr. Cindy Flom-Meland
P 701.777.2831
F 701.777.4199
cindy.flom.meland@UND.edu

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