Marian University is expanding its health professions programs with the launch of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. As a DPT student at Marian, you’ll have unique opportunities to learn alongside students in osteopathic medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs. This collaborative approach will help you develop into a competent, adaptive, and autonomous physical therapist committed to enhancing health and movement for all individuals and communities.
The Marian University DPT program is designed to:
The DPT program is currently in development, with applications set to open in Summer 2026. The first cohort will begin in January 2027, followed by annual Fall admissions. All dates depend on successful progress through the accreditation process (see statement below for more details).
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The DPT curriculum is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of physical therapy. Key areas of study include:
As a graduate of the MU DPT program, you will be prepared for a rewarding career in a variety of settings, including:
Participate in community outreach programs, applying skills while making a positive impact in local communities.
We have established strong partnerships with various healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. These relationships provide students with an array of hands-on clinical experiences across different practice settings.
Bridge towards graduate programs in physical therapy from Marian University undergraduate majors.
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their respective areas of physical therapy. With a blend of academic and research expertise and real-world practice experience, faculty provide students with invaluable insights and mentorship throughout their educational journey.
Train in our cutting-edge simulation labs equipped with the latest technology and adaptive equipment used in the field. This hands-on experience ensures students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Collaborate with students from other healthcare programs, fostering the teamwork skills essential in modern healthcare environments. Marian University is home to the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Leighton School of Nursing, and programs in Occupational and Physical Therapy.
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT's website.
Marian University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2026. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are required to participate in clinical experiences in order to successfully complete the program. Prior to participating in clinical experiences, all students are required to obtain and pay for a background check and any other mandatory screening processes. Upon completion, students are required to submit necessary documentation via the appropriate vendor, as identified by the department. The timeline for completion of the background checks and other screening processes will be articulated by the program.
Positive results from a criminal background check that are sufficiently severe in nature may result in the inability of a student to progress in the program and may result in dismissal. Examples of sufficiently severe offenses include, but are not limited to; violent felony convictions, convictions for crimes of deception, convictions for sex crimes, and placement on a sex offender registry. Any subsequent criminal arrests that occur after enrollment must be reported to the unit Dean or designee.
The appropriate personnel on campus and at a clinical site will evaluate the information and surrounding circumstances to determine if the student can participate in a clinical experience. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in clinical experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. The physical therapy program will take reasonable steps to find alternate placements, but a failure to place students because of a positive criminal background check may result in a student being unable to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program.
Even if allowed to progress in the program, students should be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students are advised to consult the appropriate certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details.
Successful completion of a program of study does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
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