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 Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
View more information on program details and application and admission requirements.
- Gain Valuable Clinical Experience
Take part in enriching full-time clinical education experiences at diverse settings throughout the country.
- 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 prior to beginning 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 in order 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.
- 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: http://www.capteonline.org. 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, Director of Doctoral Physical Therapy Program, 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.
