Save Time, Money with Innovative Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway
The University of Michigan-Flint’s innovative Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BSHS/DPT) program is a smart and cost-effective choice for students interested in a fulfilling career as a physical therapist.
The traditional path to a doctorate in physical therapy is seven years. With the Accelerated Pathway, you can complete both a bachelor’s and doctorate in six years and with 33 fewer credits, saving one year of time and tuition.
You will take classes required for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, including general education courses, physical therapy prerequisites and health sciences courses during your first three years.
You will apply to potentially enter UM-Flint’s nationally-ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in your fourth year. If you are accepted, the first two semesters will also work as the final semesters of the bachelor’s degree.
In the three-year graduate program, you will obtain the experience, clinical perspective and expert guidance you need to become a licensed physical therapist and leader in the field.
The accelerated pathway doesn’t guarantee acceptance to the Physical Therapy program. You will need to maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.3 to remain in the program. You will also need to apply to and be accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
If you don’t maintain the required GPA in the accelerated program or aren’t accepted to the DPT program, you can transfer to the traditional four-year track to finish your bachelor’s in Health Sciences and then reapply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Why Choose UM-Flint’s Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BS/DPT) Program?
Save One Year of Time and Tuition
This innovative program will save you one year of tuition or a minimum of $13,000. You will also be prepared
to enter the workforce and a high-paying career one year sooner.
Nationally-Ranked Physical Therapy Program
UM-Flint’s Physical Therapy program was named the top program in the state of Michigan and ranked 83rd
in the nation by U.S. News & World Report on its list of the 2021 Best Graduate Schools. You will learn from excellent teachers and respected physical therapy faculty researchers at the top of their field who are ready to share their extensive real-world experience. Your faculty are here to support, mentor and guide you during the program and throughout your professional development.
Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway Curriculum
The Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway consists of three years in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and three years in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The bachelor’s degree requires 90 to 93 credits over three years and will include your physical therapy prerequisites, with exercise physiology, statistics and biological sciences/physical sciences. You also will take general education courses.
Your first year of the Physical Therapy program is 33 graduate level credits and those credits will be used to complete the bachelor’s degree.
UM-Flint’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program curriculum requires students to complete 120 credit hours of coursework over nine semesters (three calendar years) on a full-time basis. In the last year of study, you will participate in clinical internships where you will get valuable patient interaction experience.
Review the detailed Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BS/DPT) curriculum.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Careers
Graduates of the DPT program can become licensed physical therapists who are able to diagnose and treat patients with movement disorders, help patients restore physical mobility, promote wellness, and improve patients’ quality of life.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists in the U.S. is projected to grow 17% through 2031 with nearly 250,000 jobs in the market. In addition to the promising job growth rate, the median salary of Physical Therapists reached $95,620 per year.
Our alumni who responded to our DPT graduate survey boast a 100% employment rate. As the Physical Therapist field continues to expand, with a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy, you are well prepared to pursue career opportunities in various settings including:
- Local, state, and private hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Home health care agencies
- Schools and universities
- Wellness centers
- Private practice
Academic Advising for Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway Majors
Understanding program requirements, choosing classes, and other aspects of attending college can sometimes seem a little overwhelming. UM-Flint’s expert academic advisors can answer your questions and help steer you on the path to academic success.
Jennifer O’Roark is the dedicated academic advisor for this major. You can contact her at [email protected] or (810) 762-3288. You also can make an appointment with her online.
Get Started on the Accelerated Path to a Physical Therapy Career Today
If you want to get started on the path to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and want to save one year of time and tuition, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BSHS/DPT) program today. If you have questions, contact Jennifer O’Roark, the program’s academic advisor, at [email protected] or (810) 762-3288. You also can make an appointment with her online.