University of Michigan - Flint

The Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) is a clinical doctorate. It is an entry-level degree that signifies a level of competency to practice within the scope of physical therapy. A clinical doctor degree prepares the student to perform all the duties necessary for clinical practice and therefore has clinical application rather than an academic application as found in a Ph.D. degree. In order to meet the needs of a direct access health care market and autonomous practice, the entry-level practitioner will require the privileges and responsibilities that a clinical doctorate affords.

The DPT degree at the University of Michigan–Flint meets the challenge of preparing physical therapists to practice in the 21st century. The DPT program operates under a guiding philosophy that entry-level physical therapists should be competent to treat persons from infancy through the elder years. This life-span approach enables our graduates to value and respect diversity of gender, race, culture, and disability regardless of age. Our graduates are critical thinkers, recognizing the value of and using the scientific literature to make sound clinical judgments. Our graduates understand the scope of physical therapy practice, recognizing when a patient needs medical management in substitution for or in addition to physical therapy.

The PT faculty mentor students into the profession by using a collegial model, which incorporates mutual respect and understanding between the faculty, staff, and physical therapy student as they proceed through the program. The collegial model and small class size encourage faculty and students to form close, effective working relationships that enhance student learning. The faculty has a consistent record of scholarly and service activity at the state, regional, and national levels of the profession and therefore mentor the student in leadership and service to the profession and community. The faculty also consists of members recognized for clinical specialization, which reinforces the clinical aspects of the physical therapy curriculum.

In short, the University of Michigan-Flint PT department is preparing physical therapists who are professional, competent practitioners for the rapidly changing health care industry of the 21st century.

Reasons students choose the UM-Flint DPT Program

• Excellent record of employment upon graduation
• New state-of-the art building
• Faculty to student ratio of 9 faculty to 40 students per class
• Outstanding faculty
• Competitive tuition and fees with scholarships and grants available
• Attractive cost of living in Flint

Accreditation

The professional DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314: accreditation@apta.org; (703) 684-2782 or (703) 706-3245, the national body which accredits educational programs in the profession.

The School of Health Professions and Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint has proposed a  new Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program. The timeline for initial offering of this program is yet undetermined, but it will likely begin in Fall 2008 or Winter 2009, pending approval.

Click here for additional information about the proposed t-DPT program.