*The PT program does not observe the week 6 Fall or Spring semester break
Credits
106
School of Health Professions
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Our program strongly welcomes and educates students who are committed to caring for patients in mind, body and spirit with an emphasis on primary care and preventative medicine, as well as continual lifelong learning.
Holistic physical therapy education
Concordia's PT program is committed to equipping you with a sound foundation in movement science, faith, and integrity. Whether you're currently a PTA or beginning your search for physical therapist schooling, our program will empower you to graduate prepared for safe, autonomous, and ethical practice, ready to serve your patients and community in mind, body, and spirit.
Sample Careers
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Home Care PT
- Pediatric PT
Faith-based
We are committed to engaging your mind and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world.
Questions? We’re here to help
Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.
Get answers to your questions
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Program Overview
Please join us for an upcoming virtual info session and learn more about our program and all of the benefits of getting your Doctor of Physical Therapy. Click here to register.
We're excited to offer multiple program pathways to help you take the next step in your career as a physical therapist. At Concordia, you’ll receive in-depth training for the entry-level practice of physical therapy as a generalist clinician. Not only will you explore the scientific underpinnings of PT but also the professional characteristics required in healthcare; learn how to supervise PT staff, create programs promoting healthy, holistic lifestyles, and follow the ethical and legal standards necessary in clinical practice.
The following PT pathways will help you to streamline your doctorate with the path that best suits your needs and educational background:
- Regular Admission
- For CUW students and external applicants
- Priority Admission
- For CUW students with any major who take all prerequisite science courses at CUW. Students in this pathway can earn their bachelor's and doctorate in 6.5 years.
- Accelerated PT bachelor's
- For incoming freshmen looking to earn both their bachelor's and doctorate in 5.5 years
- PTA to DPT bridge programs
Hear from the program director
Hear from our students
What to Expect
Our goal is to ensure that as a DPT graduate, you'll be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills for entry-level practice of physical therapy as a generalist clinician. Our comprehensive curriculum includes coursework in human anatomy, movement science, therapeutic exercise, neuroscience, clinical decision-making and problem-solving, and musculoskeletal disorders - just to name a few. Learn more about our program goals and outcomes on the outcome tab.
Our state-of-the-art facilities give you access to our human anatomy lab, where you'll have opportunities to interact with cadavers to supplement your education. By combining classroom, laboratory, and clinical education, you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to embody professionalism, servant leadership, and advocacy in the ever-changing healthcare system.
The physical therapy program at CUW is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is required for eligibility to sit for the licensing exam, for which Concordia graduates have an ultimate pass rate of 100%. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national physical therapy licensing exam. You may also be interested in adding a specialty to your PT license. Consider Concordia's orthopedic residency program as a way to add an orthopedic specialty to your DPT.
Questions?
Contact the Physical Therapy Department
Jill Reich
Administrative & Accreditation Support
Physical Therapy Program CUW
jill.reich@cuw.edu
262-243-4433
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Admission Process
Please join us for an upcoming virtual info session and learn more about our program and all of the benefits of getting your Doctor of Physical Therapy. Click here to register.
Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program apply through an online service called Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). To learn more about the PTCAS application process, prerequisites, CUW’s admission requirements, and admission deadlines, please visit the PTCAS website.
Admission Tracks
Regular Admission
The regular admission option is available to students who have, or will have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education before matriculation in the DPT program. Students will complete the Doctoral of Physical Therapy degree in 2.5 years.
To apply for this program you must have the following:
- 2 letters of recommendation
- at least one letter from a recent instructor who can speak about the applicant's ability to succeed as a graduate level student
- Ability to perform essential functions of a physical therapist
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 3.0 GPA and C or better in prerequisite science courses
- Two semesters of physics with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of chemistry with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of human anatomy and physiology with a face to face lab, both taught in a department of science, anatomy, biomedical science, or biology
- One semester of biostatistics, psychological statistics or mathematical statistics
- One semester of psychology (course in psychological statistics will not fulfill the psychology requirement)
- Submit minimum GRE scores (code 7697)
- 143 verbal
- 143 quantitative
- 3.5 written
- Successfully complete a personal interview
- All official transcripts from previously attended universities
- Complete a personal essay that speaks to your desire to pursue an education in physical therapy
View a detailed list of prerequisites on the PTCAS website.
Please submit your official GRE scores to code 7697 for the Concordia DPT program; they will automatically be sent to PTCAS. Do not send your GRE scores to the main university or graduate admissions code.
Priority Admission
The priority admission option will allow students to complete their bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 6.5 years. The option will be open to students who matriculate as freshmen.
To apply for this program you must have the following:
- Submit all applications materials by the PTCAS “Early Decision” deadline
- 2 letters of recommendation
- at least one letter from a recent instructor who can speak about the applicant's ability to succeed as a graduate level student
- Ability to perform essential functions of a physical therapist
- Bachelor’s degree from CUW, CUAA or partner school ( see below)
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 3.3 GPA and C or better in prerequisite science courses
- Two semesters of physics with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of chemistry with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of human anatomy and physiology with a face to face lab, both taught in a department of science, anatomy, biomedical science, or biology
- One semester of biostatistics, psychological statistics or mathematical statistics
- One semester of psychology (course in psychological statistics will not fulfill the psychology requirement)
- Successfully complete an “Early Decision” interview
- All official transcripts from previously attended universities
- Complete a personal essay that speaks to your desire to pursue an education in physical therapy
View a detailed list of prerequisites on the PTCAS website.
If completed, please provide your official GRE scores using code 7697.
Accelerated Admission
The accelerated admission option will allow students to complete their bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 5.5 years. The accelerated admission option will be open to students who matriculate as freshmen and who take all science prerequisite coursework at Concordia University Wisconsin.
To apply for this program you must have the following:
- Submit all applications materials by the PTCAS “Early Decision” deadline
- 2 letters of recommendation
- at least one letter from a recent instructor who can speak about the applicant's ability to succeed as a graduate level student
- Ability to perform essential functions of a physical therapist
- Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from CUW
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 3.3 GPA and C or better in prerequisite science courses
- Two semesters of physics with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of chemistry with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of human anatomy and physiology with a face to face lab, both taught in a department of science, anatomy, biomedical science, or biology
- One semester of biostatistics, psychological statistics or mathematical statistics
- One semester of psychology (course in psychological statistics will not fulfill the psychology requirement)
- Successfully complete an “Early Decision” interview
- All official transcripts from previously attended universities
- Complete a personal essay that speaks to your desire to pursue an education in physical therapy
Already a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)? Click here to learn more about our bridge program.
Partner Schools
St. Norbert College and Viterbo University
Current students and alumni of St. Norbert College (SNC) and Viterbo University (VU) will be given priority admission to the DPT program if they meet the following requirements:
- Have a verified PTCAS application by the deadline
- Have earned a 3.30 in the science prerequisite courses AND have a 3.0 overall GPA.
- All science courses will need to be completed at SNC or VU.
- For additional requirements for SNC and VU graduates, please check with your pre-physical therapy advisor.
The University reserves the right to delay or cancel the matriculation of cohorts, classes, or programs. Decisions regarding program matriculation are made by the University. Candidates for enrollment in accredited healthcare programs should contact the program director for detailed information and refer to their acceptance letter for any updates about delays or cancellations. Once a student is matriculated into an accredited program, the University is committed to completing the program.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Concordia University Wisconsin 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 262-243-4485 or email dale.gerke@cuw.edu.
The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.
Concordia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission hlcommission.org, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) approved Concordia University DPT program's application for substantive change and continues accreditation for a Bridge DPT cohort. Effective date of this approval was November 2, 2021. The first cohort of students matriculated into the Bridge DPT program on 1/3/22.
Please note
States have established standards of practice for physical therapists. While at the present time, we cannot provide a particular state’s specific requirements for licensing, we can assure you that we will provide you with the contact information for the state Board of Physical Therapy for the state in which you are doing study.
Any individual or organization with a concern about an experience with any student, faculty, or staff member of the Department of Physical Therapy at Concordia University may file a written complaint against the Department. Anonymous complaints will not be responded to by the director. Complaints should be addressed to: Director, Physical Therapy Program, Concordia University 12800 N Lake Shore Dr Mequon WI 53097-2402
Memberships
Hannah Baker
PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services 137
Phone: (262) 243-2245
Bio
Dr. Baker brings extensive clinical background in geriatrics, skilled nursing facilities, and student mentorship to teaching at CUW. She recently earned her Ph.D. in interdisciplinary health sciences through NIU.
Education
- Ph D - Inter professional health sciences, Northern Illinois University (2022)
- DPT - Concordia University Wisconsin (2013)
Contributions
- Johnson, H. (2021). Restorative Quality Improvement: Novel Application of Six Sigma in a Skilled Nursing Facility. (1 ed., vol. 36, pp. 67-73). Journal of Nursing Care Quality. https://pubmed.nc...
- Kim, J., Gray, J. & Johnson, H. (2021). The effect of a web-based deep breathing app on the stress of direct care workers: uncontrolled intervention study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. https://www.liebe...
- Johnson, H. (2018). Psychosocial Elements of Physical Therapy: The Connection of Body to Mind. (pp. 288). Thorofare, NJ: SLACK. https://www.slack...
Presentations
- Baker, H. & Shepard, H. (2025). Correlation of LASSI Score to Academic Performance in Bridge DPT Students. Oral Presentation. Wisconsin Interdisciplinary Research Symposium.
- Baker, H., Bennett, K. & Wilbanks, S., (2025). Concurrent and Predictive Validity of Parallel Walk Test in Community-dwelling Older Adults. Poster. Combined Sections Meeting.
- Baker, H., Bennett, K. & Wilbanks, S., (2024). Validation of the Parallel Walk Test as a Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Preliminary Analysis. Poster. ACRM Annual Meeting.
- Baker, H. & Bowen, V. (2024). Staying Home: Integrating Factors to Prevent Rehospitalization. Lecture. APTA-Wisconsin Spring Conference.
Research Interests
- Inter professional teams
- Long-term care physical activity
Teaching Interests
- Geriatrics
- Psychosocial aspects of health care
Kate Bennett
PT, DPT, ATC, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Office: Heidelberg Hall 209
Phone: (262) 243-2259
Bio
Dr. Bennett shares her extensive (20+) clinical experience while teaching clinical application of adult neurologic rehab, cardiopulmonary, and acute care skills.
Education
- DPT - Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica (2015)
- MPT - Physical Therapy, Marquette University (1999)
- BA - Psychology, Marquette University (1997)
Presentations
- Baker, H., Bennett, K. & Wilbanks, S., (2025). Concurrent and Predictive Validity of Parallel Walk Test in Community-dwelling Older Adults. Poster. Combined Sections Meeting.
- Baker, H., Bennett, K. & Wilbanks, S., (2024). Validation of the Parallel Walk Test as a Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Preliminary Analysis. Poster. ACRM Annual Meeting.
- Stolzman, S., Alfonsi, E., Bennett, K., Gruben, N., Loughlin, A., Pennings, O. & (2023). Facilitating Acute Care Competencies and Confidence in Doctorate Physical Therapy Students. Poster. APTA Wisconsin Fall 2023 Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Research Interests
- Gait parameters predictive of fall risk
- Acute dizziness
Teaching Interests
- Adult Neuro Rehab
- Acute care skills
Lee James Coleman
PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services H220
Phone: (262) 243-4291
Bio
Dr. Lee J. Coleman has taught across all three cohorts of the Concordia Doctor of Physical Therapy program and currently teaches courses in Evidence-Based Practice, Orthopedics, and elective manual therapy courses. <i>“I am passionate about mentoring and teaching DPT students the skills required to deliver quality, evidence-based patient care.”</i>
Education
- DPT - Physical Therapy , Concordia University Wisconsin (2011)
- BA - Biology, Saint Mary's University (2008)
Research Interests
- Professional Advocacy
- Pain Neuroscience Education
Teaching Interests
- Orthopedics
- Manual Therapy
Dale Gerke
PT, MPT, ScD Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics; Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Department Chair - Physical Therapy, Professor
Office: Heidelberg Hall H219A
Phone: (262) 243-4485
Bio
Dale Gerke is the Chair of the Physical Therapy Program at Concordia University Wisconsin. Gerke teaches in the Entry Level Physical Therapy program with content expertise in the area of orthopaedics, sports medicine, and medical imaging.
Education
- ScD - Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2009)
- MPT - Physical Therapy, Concordia University Wisconsin (2000)
- BA - History/Secondary Education, Wisconsin Lutheran College (1996)
Presentations
- Gerke, D., Nelson, E., Bruggink, B., Smith, Z., Goetz, E. & Menges, L., (2021). A Survey of Diagnostic Imaging Curricula in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs. Oral Presentation. APTA: Combined Sections Meeting. Virtual.
- Berrios Barillas, R., Frazier, T. & Gerke, D., (2017). Shoulder Pain: Visceral or Musculoskeletal in Origin. Oral Presentation. CUW SHP Conference. Mequon.
Research Interests
- Medical Imaging
- Musculoskeletal Pathology
Teaching Interests
- Medical Imaging
- Biomechanics
Emily Goetz-Sutinen
PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Director - Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services H 224
Phone: (262) 243-4285
Education
- Non-Degree Post-Graduate Program - Orthopedic Residency, Concordia University Wisconsin (2019)
- DPT - Physical Therapy, Concordia University - Wisconsin (2018)
- BS - Biology - Biomedical Sciences, St. Norbert College (2014)
Presentations
- Gerke, D., Nelson, E., Bruggink, B., Smith, Z., Goetz, E. & Menges, L., (2021). A Survey of Diagnostic Imaging Curricula in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs. Oral Presentation. APTA: Combined Sections Meeting. Virtual.
- Goetz, E., Menges, L. & Bidney, A., (2019). When are They Ready: An Objective Influence on Return to Sport Decision Making After ACL Reconstruction. Oral Presentation. Aurora Sport Symposium. Sussex, WI.
- Goetz, E., Menges, L. & Bidney, A., (2019). “Perform in Practice: A Lab on Implementation and Utilization of Functional Testing for ACL Return to Sport and More”. Demonstration. Aurora Sport Symposium. Sussex, WI.
Research Interests
- Medical Imaging in Physical Therapy
Teaching Interests
- Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Kevin Joseph Gries
PhD
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services 224
Phone: (262) 243-4293
Education
- Ph D - Human Bioenergetics, Ball State University (2019)
- MS - Human Performance, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2015)
- BS - Exercise Physiology, Concordia University of Wisconsin (2012)
Contributions
- Voss, A., Chambers, T., Gries, K., Jemiolo, B., Raue, U., Minchev, K., Begue, G., Lee, G., Trappe, T. & Trappe, S. (2024). Exercise microdosing for skeletal muscle health applications to spaceflight. (5 ed., vol. 136, pp. 1040-1052). Journal of Applied Physiology. https://pubmed.nc...
- Raue, U., Begue, G., Minchev, K., Jemiolo, B., Gries, K., Chambers, T., Rubenstein, A., Zaslavsky, E., Sealfon, S., Trappe, T. & Trappe, S. (2024). Fast and slow muscle fiber transcriptome dynamics with lifelong endurance exercise. (2 ed., vol. 136, pp. 244-261). Journal of Applied Physiology. https://pubmed.nc...
- Miller, M., Gries, K., Marcotte, G., Ryan, Z., Strub, M., Kunz, H., Arendt, B., Dasari, S., Ebert, S., Adams, C. & Lanza, I. (2024). Human myofiber-enriched aging-induced lncRNA FRAIL1 promotes loss of skeletal muscle function. (4 ed., vol. 23, pp. e14097). Aging Cell. https://pubmed.nc...
- Gries, K., Hart, C., Kunz, H., Ryan, Z., Zhang, X., Parvizi, M., Liu, Y., Dasari, S. & Lanza, I. (2022). Acute responsiveness to single leg cycling in adults with obesity.. (24 ed., vol. 10, pp. e15539). Physiological reports.
- Jobe, T., Shaffer, H., Doci, C. & Gries, K. (2022). Sex Differences in Performance and Depth of Field in the United States Olympic Trials.. (11 ed., vol. 36, pp. 3122-3129). Journal of strength and conditioning research.
Presentations
- Gries, K. (2023). Training Elite Athletes Across the Lifespan. Lecture. American Physical Therapy Association - Wisconsin. Pewaukee, WI.
- Thomas, J., Zahl, S. & Gries, K., (2022). Preparation of Medical Students to Prescribe Exercise as Medicine. Poster. Annual Meeting. Indianapolis, IN.
Research Interests
- Human Performance
- Muscle Physiology
Teaching Interests
- Exercise Physiology
- Health Promotion
Kathy Jo Lemley
PT, BSPT, MS, PhD
Coordinator - Anatomy Lab, Professor
Office: Heidelberg Hall H225
Phone: (262) 243-2615
Bio
Kathy Lemley teaches human anatomy and neuroscience in the Physical Therapy program. Her research focuses on pain perception and exercise for pain management across the lifespan as well as anatomy education.
Education
- Ph D - Interdisciplinary - Neuromuscular and Rehabilitation Science, Marquette University (2014)
- MS - Human Kinetics, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1999)
- BS - Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin (1984)
Contributions
- Berrios Barillas, R. & Lemley, K. (2021). Is compressed and limited synchronous delivery of anatomy content effective in transitional OT student learning?. (2 ed., vol. 5, pp. 11). Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. https://encompass...
Presentations
- Lemley, K., Stolzman, S., Chaussee, J., Gruben, N. & Pennings, O., (2024). Retrowalking Induces Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Healthy Young Adults. Poster. APTA Wisconsin Fall 2024 Conference. Madison, WI .
- Lemley, K. (2020). Anatomy of a Stroke. Oral Presentation. School of Health Professions Annual Conference. Mequon.
- Albers, M., Bares, K., Kitching, A., Miller, A., Olson, A., Schulz, A., Suess, B., Wegener, S., Morrissey, A., Stolzman, S. & Lemley, K., (2019). Effects of Retrowalking on Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study. Poster. Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference. Madison, WI.
- Lemley, K., Stolzman, S. & Morrissey, A., (2019). Leg Dominance May Influence Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Response to Moderate Intensity Retrowalking: A Pilot Study. Poster. American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Milwaukee.
- Sojka, M., Brunette, P., Barg, A., Wolf, A., Hausl, S., Thompson, S., Poirier, N., Sanders, S., Fischer, R. & Lemley, K., (2018). Does retrowalking result in exercise-induced hypoalgesia in adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis? A systematic review. Poster. Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Research Interests
- Neuroscience of Pain
- Non-pharmacological Management of Pain
Teaching Interests
- Human Anatomy
- Neuroscience
Elizabeth Louise Paly
PT, DPT, Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4230
Bio
My clinical practice spans over forty years, with experience in all aspects of acute care and outpatient physical therapy. My areas of expertise are in the physical therapy management of the geriatric patients with special interest in working with the individual with Parkinson Disease. I am a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist. I recently was re-certification which is good thru 2032.
Education
- DPT - Physical Therapy, Concordia University (2007)
- BS - Physical Therapy, Marquette University (1982)
Contributions
- Petersen, C., Steffen, T., Paly, E., Dvorak, L. & Nelson, R. (2016). Reliability and Mininal Detectable Change for Sit-to-Stand tests and the Functional Gait Assessment for Individuals with Parkinson Disease. (vol. 00, pp. 1-4). Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
Research Interests
- Intervention studies to facilitate improved functional outcomes for the individual with Parkinson Disease
Teaching Interests
- Physical Therapy management of the geriatric patient
- Clinical decision making, therapeutic exercise and supervising students practicing their hands-on skills to clients in the community thru the Community Clinic Courses.
Halee Shepard
PT, DPT, MBA, EdD
Director of Clinical Education - Physical Therapy, Assistant Professor
Office: Heidelberg Hall H224
Phone: (262) 243-2252
Education
- EDD - Doctorate in Educational Leadership, University of the Cumberlands (2022)
- MBA - Healthcare Management, Herzing University (2016)
- DPT - St. Ambrose University (2011)
- BS - Exercise Science, St. Ambrose University (2010)
Presentations
- Baker, H. & Shepard, H. (2025). Correlation of LASSI Score to Academic Performance in Bridge DPT Students. Oral Presentation. Wisconsin Interdisciplinary Research Symposium.
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Track Highlights
Please join us for an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about our program and all the benefits of getting your Doctor of Physical Therapy. Click here to register.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program - Bridge track is designed for licensed Physical therapy Assistants (PTA). Our flexible hybrid learning format allows you to learn online with one on-campus weekend required per month (Fridays 12 pm-9 pm & Saturdays 8 am-5 pm). Small class sizes allow you to connect personally with faculty and your cohort.
Entrance Requirements
Licensed PTAs with a bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience can earn a DPT degree in as little as 2.5-years. (103 credits) The hybrid program format allows students to continue working as a PTA for approximately 8 hours per week during the first two years of the program.
View the DPT Bridge curriculum schedule here.
All students applying for admission to the program must:
- Resume
- Proof of current license to practice as a physical therapist assistant
- Minimum of 500 patient care hours as a licensed physical therapist assistant
- Ability to perform essential functions of a physical therapist
- 3 letters of recommendation
- one letter from a current supervisor
- at least one letter from a recent instructor who can speak about the applicant's ability to succeed as a graduate level student
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or better in PTA education
- 3.0 GPA and C or better in prerequisite science courses completed within the last 10 years
- Two semesters of physics with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of chemistry with a face to face lab
- Two semesters of human anatomy and physiology with a face to face lab, both taught in a department of science, anatomy, biomedical science, or biology
- One semester of biostatistics, psychological statistics or mathematical statistics
- One semester of psychology (course in psychological statistics will not fulfill the psychology requirement)
- Submit minimum GRE scores (code 7697)
- 143 verbal
- 143 quantitative
- 3.5 written
- Successfully complete a personal interview
- All official transcripts from previously attended universities
- Complete a personal essay that speaks to your desire to pursue an education in physical therapy
How to Apply
Applicants who already have their bachelor's can apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Bridge program through an online service called Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Official application opens June 15th of every year.
Please submit your official GRE scores to code 7697; they will automatically be sent to PTCAS. Do not send your GRE scores to the main university or graduate admissions.
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, or do not meet the prerequisites, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in a continuous plan. Click here to learn more about our BSRS degree for PTA students.
Program learning outcomes
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate | First-Time NPTE Pass Rate | Ultimate NPTE Pass Rate | Employement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 67% | 83.3% | 100% | 100%* |
*All students who passed NPTE
Questions?
Contact the Physical Therapy Department
Jill Reich
Administrative & Accreditation Support
Physical Therapy Program CUW
jill.reich@cuw.edu
262-243-4433
Program Outcomes
Learning outcome data
*Graduation rate according to the formula in the Annual Accreditation Report
** The two-year average first-time pass rate
***Licensure examination pass rate consistent with the information published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
****Employment rate: % of graduates who were employed within 6 months of passing the licensure examination
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate * | 2-year Graduation Rate | First-Time Pass Rate | 2-year average 1st time pass rate** | Ultimate Pass Rate*** | 2-year average ultimate pass rate | Employment Rate **** | Number of Students per Cohort | Number of Concordia Undergraduates in Cohort |
| 2020 | 100% | 98.1% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 26 | 3 |
| 2021 | 96% | 98.1% | 95.7% | 98% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 28 | 16 |
| 2022 | 96% | 94.4% | 92% | 95.9% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 28 | 7 |
| 2023 | 100% | 96.2% | 92% | 92% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 28 | 10 |
| 2024 | 83.3% | 92.0% | 95% | 93.6% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 27 | 3 |
| 2025 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 25 | 9 |
| 2026 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Average outcomes
- Our average two-year graduation rate for the classes for 2023 and 2024 is 92%
- Our average two-year ultimate licensure pass rate for the classes of 2023 and 2024 is 100%
- Our average two-year employment rate for the classes of 2023 and 2024 is 100%
DPT program goals
Goal 1: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for entry-level practice of physical therapy as a generalist clinician
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills for safe clinical practice
- Possess entry-level knowledge and skills for patient/client management (screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, interventions (procedural & educational), documentation, outcomes assessment)
- Value and use evidence in practice
Goal 2: Embody the multiple facets of professionalism, within the clinic.
- Follow legal and ethical standards of clinical practice
- Demonstrate professional behavior
- Demonstrate effective written, oral, and non-verbal communication skills
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in clinical practice
Goal 3: Value service to the church, community, and profession.
- Report a belief in service as a professional duty
- Students/graduates will report participation in service activities
Goal 4: Demonstrate knowledge and skills for adapting to changes in healthcare delivery systems.
- Possess the ability to direct and supervise PT support personnel
- Possess the ability to manage financial resources (reimbursement; equipment/supplies; productivity; time management; environmental resources) within the clinic
- Be prepared to serve as a consultant within the healthcare system
- Possess the knowledge and skills related to developing prevention/health promotion programs
- Possess the knowledge and skills related to the management of care delivery (i.e., providing patient care through direct access; collaboration with other health care practitioners; participation in case management)
- Value the role of the PT in social responsibility & advocacy
Tuition & Fees
Students will benefit from a locked tuition rate for all three years of study. Tuition is based upon the year students enter into the program. Click here to download the student financial fact sheet.
| Class | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester Tuition | $18,300 | $18,300 | $21,000* |
| Yearly Tuition | $36,600 | $36,600 | $42,000 |
| Yearly Fees | $338 | $338 | $338 |
| Additional Expenses (textbooks, clinical education travel, etc.) |
$1,805 | $1,805 | $1,805 |
| Total Cost | $112,619 | $112,619 | $107,619 |
*Charged a total of five times.