• PT students

    Efficient and rigorous

    The structure of our program allows you to earn your DPT in just 30 months.

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    Clinical experiences

    DPT students experience practical professional learning in three clinical experiences during their program.

  • glass wall with etching

    Updated modern space

    Our program is housed in the newly redesigned and completely updated Ernest Wilbur Building.

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Information sessions

We have scheduled virtual information sessions where you can learn more about WMU's doctor of physical therapy program and the application process from Sarah Anderson, manager of recruitment and outreach.

Intro

 
Western Michigan University's Department of Physical Therapy is now accepting applications for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which welcomed its inaugural cohort in summer 2019. This new program allows you to earn your DPT in only 30 months. While the rigorous curriculum presents challenges to students and faculty, we know that our graduates will be highly-qualified practitioners, prepared to meet the challenges of today's PT landscape.

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What is a PT?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages who have injuries, medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to function and move properly in their daily lives. Physical therapists develop recovery plans and provide treatment and therapy to improve movement and manage pain.

Career info   Our DPT program

Knee pain study

The WMU Department of Physical Therapy seeks study participants aged 45 or older who have knee pain and/or knee osteoarthritis. The study consists of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) imaging of the knee to classify osteoarthritis and/or any swelling. A baseline and three follow-up visits consisting of functional tests and MSK US imaging will take place over the following month. Eligible participants will be given a pedometer and TENS unit for home use over the course of the study. Participants will be given a $100 gift card for participation. Screenings will take place at our lab in the CHHS building.

If you are interested or have questions, contact Sarah Anderson at (269) 387-8987 or sarah.anderson@wmich.edu.
 

Accreditation information

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Western Michigan 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: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (269) 387-7352 or email pt-info@wmich.edu.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at WMU satisfies educational prerequisites for professional licensure as a physical therapist in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

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  • 2023

    Accepting applications soon for the 2023 cohort

  • 2.5

    Earn your DPT in just 2.5 years (30 months)

  • 3

    Three clinical experiences with expert practitioners

  • 30

    Small cohorts of 30 students for focused instruction

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