Physical Therapy Department Information
The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program prepares graduates to be licensed physical therapist practitioners. Graduates are prepared to assume roles in a variety of practice settings and for individuals with a diverse array of musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, lymphatic and other health conditions as well as for health, wellness and injury prevention.
Physical therapy education is built on a solid foundation in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Study of humanities and behavioral sciences provides preparation to develop effective interpersonal relationships with patients/clients, family members, caretakers, other health care professionals, third party payers, community agencies and other stakeholders.
Student physical therapists learn to strive for excellence in patient/client management across the lifespan, learning to value and respect diversity of gender, race, culture and disability, regardless of age. Graduates are self-directed learners who are critical thinkers using evidence and best practices to make sound clinical judgments. Physical therapist are experts in the examination, evaluation, diagnosis and development of a plan of care for individuals with movement disorders.
Career opportunities for physical therapists are continually expanding and include positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health care agencies, schools universities, industry, nursing homes, wellness centers, employee health programs, acute care facilities and private practice.
Admission Information
The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process. Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.
Costs
Students will be required to purchase clinical attire, examination tools to be used in the classroom or clinical practice and professional textbooks. Clinical Education experiences may require students to leave the Flint area. All students are responsible for providing their own transportation to all clinical sites and housing. Students are responsible for costs related to keeping all required health documents updated, including special tests required by clinical sites (drug screen, fingerprinting, etc.). Current estimates of costs are available to applicants through the Physical Therapy Department. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
DPT Curriculum
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of Michigan-Flint is a three-year degree program. The DPT program provides students with a comprehensive preparation for evaluating and managing patients/clients with impairments of body function and structure, activity limitations, and participation restrictions or changes in physical function and health status resulting from a variety of conditions.
The DPT curriculum provides students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary for excellence and success in physical therapists practice. The DPT curriculum requires 9 semesters (120 credits) of full-time course work over three calendar years. The DPT program is considered a “lock step” curriculum, meaning that the courses are taken in a specific sequence meant to build students’ knowledge and skills in a progressive and comprehensive manner. A part-time option is available on a limited basis.
Clinical Education consists of integrated clinical education experiences, full-time clinical education experiences, and three 10-week full-time clinical internships after the successful completion of the didactic curriculum. The DPT program at the University of Michigan-Flint affiliates with over 350 carefully selected clinical sites, including many within the major health care systems located throughout Michigan.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer of credit for courses in Years 1-3 taken prior to admission to the DPT program is the prerogative of the Physical Therapy faculty. Transfer courses must meet the requirements outlined in the Guidelines for the Transfer of Credit of Previous Course Work in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for Professional DPT Program, which is available from the Physical Therapy Department.
Academic Rules and Regulations
See the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Graduate Study sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all College of Health Sciences graduate programs.
