Become a knowledgeable, reflective and service-oriented physical therapy practitioner through Rockhurst University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at RU
Within Rockhurst's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you will develop the skills, knowledge and competence to become a movement expert, working with individuals of all abilities across the lifespan. Through active learning experiences in continuing education courses that embrace clinical reasoning and reflection, you will provide education, physical therapy management, leadership, service and advocacy within the community and the profession. A DPT degree can increase your knowledge, raise your salary as a specialized health care professional, and advance your physical therapy career.
Rockhurst University Physical Therapy
Our Vision
To transform the health and well-being of our dynamic society by optimizing learning and movement.
Our Mission
Develop physical therapists who are prepared to embrace societal transformation through clinical and professional excellence.
Program Goals:
- To prepare physical therapists who demonstrate excellence in clinical skills and professionalism.
- To implement an accredited, entry-level physical therapy curriculum with effective instructional strategies.
- To contribute to the growth of physical therapy education and physical therapy practice through the dissemination of scholarship in the areas of discovery, integration, application, teaching and learning.
- To establish partnerships that support and enrich students, faculty and the community.
- To foster the growth of faculty in areas of teaching, scholarship and service.
PT Program at a Glance
Rockhurst University's Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science is committed to preparing competent, caring professionals who can help optimize movement and improve the life experiences for persons whose abilities are threatened or impaired due to developmental deficits, aging, physical illness or injury. Emphasizing and integrating critical thinking, problem solving and professionalism throughout the curriculum, the Rockhurst Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program prepares a student for licensure as a physical therapist and enhances the student's ability to clinically reason in a complex and changing health care system.
The Rockhurst DPT program admits a new class of students each June. The program is eight semesters in length and includes a wide variety of learning experiences including face-to-face and online learning experiences, service projects, hands-on laboratory activities, group and individual projects, integrated patient/client experiences and 34 weeks of full-time clinical experiences in a range of clinical sites across the country.
DPT Program Points of Entry
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accommodates and encourages multiple points of entry for prospective students:
Freshman Direct Entry
Students who plan to attend Rockhurst for their bachelor's degree may be awarded a seat in the DPT program based on their high school GPA and, if submitted with the application for admission, ACT or SAT scores. With this opportunity, you will begin your path to achieving your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree starting day one of your freshman year, and no additional application will be necessary for the graduate-level phase of your degree. We have built this program for completion in only 5.5 years. Learn More
DPT Traditional Entry
Students who have completed all prerequisite coursework and earned a bachelor's degree by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the DPT program start are encouraged to apply. This is a 2.5-year program. For more information, including program/class requirements, click here.
More PT Admission Information
- DPT Post-Baccalaureate (Apply during last year of undergrad with plan to enter PT School)
- Transfer Applications
- Articulation Agreements
- Contact Us
Additional Degree Info
Gain a competitive edge in today’s health care industry by earning two degrees at once — your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, along with either an MBA or a Master of Arts. Become a physical therapist and business leader at once!
- Both can be completed in just four and a half years, with the last year and a half completed while you work as a physical therapist or assistant.
- Cost for both degrees is less than what many institutions charge for the DPT alone.
Physical Therapy Additional Info & Resources
Information and resources for Rockhurst PT are available below.
Click for a preview of each.
@headline
@text
CAPTE Accredited
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Rockhurst University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; Telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly,
please call 816-501-4059 or email Beth.Harris@rockhurst.edu.
Find Your Program
Choose topic to quickly find specific program details