Physical Therapy (DPT)
Improve the quality of life for people in your community.
Physical therapists work with individuals across the lifespan to maximize participation in daily activities and promote an improved quality of life. We are movement specialists who help people rehabilitate from acute injuries, maximize mobility through chronic conditions, and lead healthier and more active lives. Physical therapists are the leading providers of non-surgical and non-pharmacologic healthcare.
We work alongside other health professionals in almost every healthcare setting including hospitals, clinics, schools, and the home. The rigorous entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree offered at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ will prepare you to pass the national physical therapy licensure exam and work in any setting of your choice.
- Time to Completion
- 33 months
- Format
- On Campus
- Degree(s)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- PTCAS Opens
- June 17
- PTCAS Preferred Deadline
- October 15
- PTCAS Closes
- May 15
- Program Start
- August
Next steps
Why Earn a Physical Therapy Doctorate (DPT) at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥?
Patient-centered healthcare is focused on interprofessional practice. As a DPT student at MBU, you will be able to learn collaboratively in class with students from a variety of health professions and have opportunities to provide service and outreach to local and regional communities.
Faculty & Facilities
As a DPT student, you will learn from scholars and practitioners with rich experience in patient care and healthcare leadership. Our faculty members have expertise in topics such as biomechanics, pediatrics, performing arts medicine, sports, orthopedics, and neurological rehabilitation.
Before heading into your clinical learning experiences, you’ll do much of your classroom learning at the Murphy Deming campus, a modern facility located within a regional healthcare corridor.
Studying in a cohort model means that you’ll start and finish the PT program with the same group of fellow students, so you’ll find a strong community of support as you complete your degree.
Immersive, Hands-on Training
At Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥, you can expect an education full of meaningful, immersive experiences that prepare you for success in your career as a physical therapist.
- Complete clinical experiences in outpatient orthopedics and medically complex patient settings
- Participate in specialty rotations including pediatrics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, and pelvic health
Excellent Preparation for Licensure & Practice
With a strong curriculum, hands-on experiences, and faculty mentorship, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ DPT students are well-prepared for the national certification exam — and for successful careers in physical therapy.
- 100% Ultimate Pass Rate on the NPTE Exam (Class of 2022 and 2023)
- 100% Employment Rate (of those graduates seeking employment)
Next steps
“I loved the small class sizes, and how much we were able to connect with our classmates and professors. I have friends and acquaintances who are studying physical therapy at bigger institutions and, comparatively speaking, I’ve been able to build many more long-lasting personal and professional relationships than they have. I feel this is important — particularly the fact that I’m beginning my career with a group of great mentors and colleagues in my corner.“
Raven Giles, DPT Class of 2023
Practice-Based Coursework
The DPT program includes classroom, lab, clinical, and community experiences. Coursework progresses from foundational sciences and assessment skills to more medically complex patient care.
Content integrates across the curriculum in areas including neurological, orthopedic, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, and acute care. Students at MBU get frequent opportunities to put their skills into practice during integrated clinical experiences, interprofessional classes, and community outreach.
Murphy Deming Student Services
Our team is dedicated to ensuring Murphy Deming students receive a high-quality student experience and support for their well-being, development, engagement, and success.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
Meaningful Career Opportunities
After earning their DPT degree at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥, our alumni provide compassionate care to patients of all ages in a variety of settings. Others have successfully applied for and completed specialty residency programs. MBU DPT graduates work as physical therapists or serve in related roles at companies and organizations including:
- Augusta Health
- UVA Health
- Duke University Health System
- HCA Healthcare
- MedStar Health
- National Sports Medicine Institute
- NeuroTour
- Rehab Associates of Central Virginia
- Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
- PT Solutions
- Synergy Rehab and Wellness (Ivy Rehab)
- BenchMark Physical Therapy
Questions? Contact us!
Ready to get started?
Next steps
Professional Licensure Disclosure
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
NOTE: Completion of an authorized educational program does not guarantee licensure or certification. States may have additional requirements such as a background check, jurisprudence examination, recommendations, etc.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ recommends students consult the appropriate licensing agency or board in the respective state or territory in which they intend to practice before beginning any academic program or coursework. If students experience difficulty finding the license requirements for a specific state or territory, please contact the program director or admissions.
Technical Standards
View the Minimum Technical Standards for Admissions, Continuation, and Graduation for the DPT program .
MBU is made for you.
How will you make your mark?
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ only accepts students from areas where it meets the educational requirements for licensure. If you’re interested in admission but not currently located in one of these areas, please reach out to admissions or the program director to have a conversation about your individual situation. We’re happy to help you think through the requirements.
For information on which states and territories our program meets the educational requirements for licensure by location, .
NOTE: Completion of an authorized educational program does not guarantee licensure or certification. States and territories may have additional requirements such as a background check, jurisprudence examination, other specific training requirements, recommendations, etc.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ recommends that students consult the appropriate licensing agency or board in the respective state or territory they intend to practice before beginning any academic program or coursework. Links to state license information can be found at . If students experience difficulty finding the license requirements for a specific state or territory, please contact the program director or admissions.
Student Consumer Information
MBU provides postsecondary education and employment data to help students make informed consumer decisions. Current and prospective MBU students may find information and resources useful in planning for college and careers through the MBU profile published by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).