Physical Therapy (PT)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 109 (for 2026 cohort) Credits
Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating movement disorders to improve physical function and quality of life. Pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy provides advanced clinical skills, research opportunities, and enhanced career prospects in specialized fields.
Overview
Grand Valley's Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program is a competitive, three-year program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree and specific prerequisites. It emphasizes hands-on learning and is delivered by expert faculty in areas like orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics.
The curriculum includes essential topics such as anatomy, neurosciences, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular physical therapy, as well as pediatrics and geriatrics. Courses on clinical decision-making, professional development, integumentary care, and research are also part of the program, preparing students for the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination and their careers.
The program’s proximity to top rehabilitation centers and hospitals on Health Hill enhances learning and professional opportunities. The integrated curriculum, focused on hands-on experience, is delivered by expert faculty, ensuring practical skills. Collaborative research opportunities with faculty members enrich the learning experience, with results often published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Graduates consistently have a pass rate well above the national average on the licensure exam and a 100% employment rate, making it an excellent choice for aspiring physical therapists.
College of Health Professions
Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
gvsu.edu/pt
301 Michigan Street
NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5675
Program Director
Mike Shoemaker, DPT
(616) 331-3509
[email protected]
Apply Online
You can apply online via the ptcas site.
Application Deadline
Deadline for the fall semester is "verified" by October 15. The $30 application fee is waived if the applicant previously applied to GVSU. Students accepted into the program must submit a nonrefundable $500 deposit to hold their seat. If the student matriculates into the program, the deposit is applied to their first semester's tuition.
Career Opportunities
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 72,726.22 | 10% |
| $ 80,605.54 | 25% |
| $ 97,132.75 | 50% |
| $105,335.10 | 75% |
| $120,507.31 | 90% |
A "Best Graduate Program"
- U.S. News and World Report, 2025
100%
Physical Therapy Students Participate in Experiential Learning with Faculty
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (616) 331- 5675 or email Dr. Todd Sander at [email protected].
Grand Valley State University’s physical therapy program received its initial accreditation in May 1985 and is accredited through June 30, 2034. The next accreditation visit will occur in 2033. The degree conferred by the GVSU Department of Physical Therapy is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Premium Location and Facilities
Grand Valley's health programs are located in three outstanding facilities on Health Hill in Grand Rapids. This puts students closer to networking opportunities, clinical partnerships, and internships at some of the finest healthcare providers in the state.
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities for students and some may have deadlines as early as October 1st for the following year, so it is important to begin your search as early as possible. To learn about scholarships visit, GVSU Scholarship.
Some Physical Therapy specific scholarships include:
- David Daniels Memorial Scholarship Endowment - Benefits a senior-level physical therapy student
- Physical Therapy Urban Schools Endowed Scholarship - This fund assists students from urban schools enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
- Rev. Darrell and Joyce Black Doctor of Physical Therapy Scholarship - Provides assistance to students preparing for careers in physical therapy.
- Volkhardt Family Scholarship - Provides assistance to future nurses and physical therapists who demonstrate financial need.
- Wisner Doctor of Physical Therapy Scholarship - Benefits graduate students preparing to become physical therapists.
- Ruth M. Perry Doctor of Physical Therapy Scholarship - Benefits graduate students preparing to become physical therapists.
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