Physical Therapy

Degree Offered

DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Program Length and Locations

The program is three years in length, starting in August and ending three years later in May. The program will be offered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) campus and on the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) campus.

Description of the Physical Therapy (PT) Program

The College of Allied Health Professions at UNMC offers a program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). The program requires a bachelor's degree prior to admission to the three-year professional program at UNMC. The Division of Physical Therapy Education, established at UNMC in 1970, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and approved by the Nebraska Department of Education. UNMC enjoys full accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Colleges.

Students in the Division of Physical Therapy Education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center receive a comprehensive entry-level education in a program that includes didactic and clinical coursework, including full-time clinical experience. Upon graduation, students qualify to sit for licensure examination.

Program Goals

• Upon completion of the entry-level DPT program, the students/graduates will be successfully prepared for entry-level employment as licensed physical therapists.
• Upon completion of the entry-level program, the students/graduates will be prepared to successfully provide evidence-based, patient-centered care as members of an interprofessional team.
• Upon completion of the entry-level DPT program, the students/graduates will demonstrate commitment to professional development and service, including outreach to underserved populations.
• The faculty will conduct scholarly activities that contribute to the evidence and influence change in clinical and educational practice.
• The faculty will participate in a variety of professional service activities consistent with the expectations of faculty within the CAHP and University.
• The program provides educational and professional development opportunities beyond the entry-level degree curriculum to a variety of audiences.

Degree Requirements and Professional Standards

Students must receive a passing grade of “C” or better or “Pass” in all courses and maintain an overall quality grade point average of 2.33 (on a 4.0 scale) or above.  Grades of less than “C” are considered as failing within the Physical Therapy program. 

Students who entered the program in the fall of 2022 must receive a passing grade of “C-” or better or “Pass” in all courses and maintain an overall quality grade point average of 2.33 (on a 4.0 scale) or above. Grades of less than “C-” are considered as failing within the Physical Therapy program.

Physical Therapy education requires the student to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities for the curricular themes of Evidence-Based Practice, Team-Based Care, Clinical Reasoning, and Physical Therapy in Society. As such, students must successfully meet all of the program’s performance standards by passing all skills competency assessments and clinical education experiences, in addition to the successful completion of didactic work. The standing of a student in any course is determined by the instructor of the course by examinations, laboratory and clinical performance, class participation, written assignments, personal observation, and other methods of evaluation.

Physical Therapy Website

Physical Therapy

The mission of admissions in the College of Allied Health Professions is to advance evidence-based recruitment and admissions practices that are inclusive, equitable and balanced with respect to experiences, attributes and metrics to recruit and admit applicants for the purpose of preparing highly competent, collaborative and compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the health and healthcare of all individuals and communities. 

For specific PT admissions, application, and timelines, visit: Physical Therapy Admissions.

Curriculum Overview

The professional program is three years in length. Learning opportunities include lecture-laboratory courses, seminars, independent study opportunities, skills competency assessments and supervised clinical practice. The curriculum provides opportunities to develop abilities in teaching, supervision, administration, and research in physical therapy. Although a thesis is not required, opportunities may exist for interested students to actively participate in research. Patient simulations using various levels of technology are included throughout the curriculum (see the virtual tour of the Clinical Skills Center in the Michael Sorrell Center in this website). In addition, there are service learning and leadership opportunities available in UNMC student-run clinics. The Division reserves the right to modify the curriculum as necessary to comply with accreditation standards and to reflect advancements in the health sciences.

Clinical Education

The clinical education component of the curriculum provides students the opportunity to directly apply the physical therapy theories and techniques acquired during the classroom instruction, as well as the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes best learned in the clinical environment. The intent of clinical education is to provide the student with a broad exposure to physical therapy practice in a variety of settings and geographic locations. 

Currently, the clinical education component of the curriculum consists of 34 weeks over the course of the three year professional program. Clinical experiences are scheduled in advance and are subject to change at the discretion of the clinical education site or the Director of Clinical Education.

Some clinical education sites may require an assigned student to undergo a criminal background check and/or drug screening prior to participation in a clinical education experience. Please note, travel and living expenses for clinical education experiences should be anticipated.

First Year - PT 1 (late August - July)

Second Year - PT 2 (late August - July)

Third Year - PT 3 (late August - mid May)

Physical Therapy Website