Doctorate of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

D.P.T. Overview

Grand Valley State University's Doctorate of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree is offered through the university's College of Health Professions and is designed to prepare its graduates for entry-level physical therapy practice

About the D.P.T. Degree

The program is highly competitive and admits an annual class of 44 students each fall. The program curriculum consists of three consecutive years of full-time study.

• Professional. The program values student commitment to learning, interpersonal skills, communication skills, effective use of time and resources, problem solving, professionalism and more.
• Accredited. Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Practical. Graduates will have an exceptional blend of clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills.
• Convenient. The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences puts students in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Health Hill near the Van Andel Research Institute, Spectrum Health, St. Mary’s Health Care, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center, and other specific health care providers and businesses.
• Personal. Built on doctoral core requirements but designed to meet individual career goals in research and practice, in health and allied health programs.
• Successful. Greater than 98% pass rate for Grand Valley graduates taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) over the past 25 years,

The D.P.T. in physical therapy requires 121 credits over 3 consecutive years.  The program includes classroom and problem-based learning, doctoral level research, and five different clinical experiences spanning from 5-9 weeks.   Admission to the program is competitive, with a maximum class size of 44 students.  Candidates may submit applications to the physical therapy program in the year that they attain undergraduate senior status. Nontraditional students are encouraged to meet with the D.P.T. Admissions Chairperson or the Student Services Coordinator for application information and transcript review.  Contact Darlene Zwart at zwartda@gvsu.edu for further information.

Related Programs

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
• Post Master's Certificate in Advanced Practice Nursing
• Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education
• Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration
• Seidman M.B.A. with an emphasis in Health Sector Management

Admissions

M.S.E. degree requirements and application for admission are available online. The $30 application fee is waived for undergraduate students and alumni of Grand Valley.

Cost

Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost and offers a number of ways to finance your graduate degree.