Physical Therapy
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Program TypeDoctorate
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SchoolSaint Gianna School of Health Sciences
Combine your professional skills with your passion for helping others. Be a leader in serving and advocating for the populations that need you.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll focus on three critical areas of PT leadership — evidence-based practice, education, and scholarly activity. You’ll learn the practice of treatment and rehabilitation in a hands-on setting, and engage in the research, education, and preventative care necessary to meet current and future health care challenges.
Application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is through the (PTCAS).
View more information on .
- Gain Valuable Clinical Experience
Take part in enriching four full-time clinical education placements completed in diverse settings across the US and spaced throughout the educational program. This exposes you to a wide variety of practical clinical settings.
- Complete in Three Years
Students enrolled full-time can earn the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in three years. A bachelor’s degree must be completed before starting the program.
- Develop Your Understanding of How to Work with Populations in Need
You’ll help manage a pro bono clinic on campus and provide physical therapy services under faculty guidance. This provides opportunities for you to practice skills and serve the needs of the people in the region. You also have an option to participate in an international service-learning experience in Guatemala.
- Enhance Your Degree with a Concentration
You can add an optional business or concentration to the program, allowing you to focus more deeply on a subject of your choice. The business concentration is designed to enhance your business acumen to better meet the demands of modern healthcare practice. The bioethics concentration strengthens your ethical decision-making abilities while keeping the dignity of the human person as the central focus.
- Secure Your Spot Early
Incoming freshmen with exceptional high school academic achievements and official admission to the University of Mary can apply for Early Assurance to the physical therapy program. Also, students with 60 completed credits in their bachelor’s degree can seek admission through the Priority Admissions process.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
The University of Mary Program in Physical Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: . If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 701-355-8053 or email ptdept@umary.edu. -
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) has accredited the university to offer the DPT.
Featured Faculty
Jody Eckert, PT, DPT, EdD
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics, Chair of Doctoral Physical Therapy, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
I've served as faculty in the University of Mary DPT program since 2007. In fall 2021, I transitioned from the DCE role into the role of program director. I'm from Bismarck originally and my husband, Robb, and I feel blessed to be raising our two children (Emerson and Bobby) here in this community. Initially, I got my BA in Exercise Science from Concordia College in 2001 and then worked my way through a master's degree in PT and then two doctorates in PT and educational leadership. In my free time, I love spending time with my family outside skiing, hiking, and going on walks together. I also enjoy running, cycling, and reading. I'm an avid sports fan of any sport my kids are currently playing.
Lauren Emmel, DPT
Director of Clinical Education, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Fellow in Catholic Studies
I grew up in a small, rural community in Stearns County, Minnesota. I was influenced by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Benedict's Monastery throughout my childhood years, most especially through attending a Catholic grade school. As a physical therapist, I have worked primarily in the areas of pediatrics and acute care physical therapy. From very early on in my career, I desired to work with students as a clinical instructor. My desire for additional mentorship resulted in a call to the University of Mary. My husband, Nick, and I, along with our six children enjoy traveling, cooking, and time spent around the table.
Matt Schumacher, PT, DPT, MTC
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee Representative, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
I am a North Dakota native and grew up in Hazelton, ND. I attended the University of Mary and graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016. I am married to my wife, Tasha, who is a University of Mary graduate in Occupational Therapy. We have two boys together, Noah and Cohen. Professionally, I have traveled around the country with my wife, working in various orthopedic settings while also completing/in the process of completing many post-doctorate certifications. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through biking, running, and hiking while spending time with my family and friends.
