Physical therapy student working with a child
  • Program Type
    Doctorate
  • School
    Saint 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 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 bioethics 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

View the Program Financial Fact Sheet and additional information regarding the accreditation of this program.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that physical therapist employment will grow by 15% through 2032. The demand for physical therapy is expected to rise due to an aging population that is staying active later in life. This increases the need for rehabilitation from chronic disease and disability.

Career Paths

  • Physical Therapist
  • Researcher 
  • Educator
  • Clinic Director
  • Policy Advocate 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program within University of Mary's Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences embodies the moral courage of its namesake.

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.

Take Your Next Step in Physical Therapy