Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and patient education.
Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2022-2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. While demand for physical therapists varies by geographical region and area of practice, unemployment rates are low across the country. As the population continues to age, the demand for physical therapy services will grow and the need for physical therapists is expected to remain strong.
The median salary for a physical therapist was $99,710 in 2023. Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting. (Source: "Best Jobs" - U.S. News and World Report)
A "3+3" program is an accelerated academic track that enables students to complete their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in 6 years as opposed to the traditional 7 years. At LMU, students pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science during their first three years of study (Pre-professional phase), and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree during their final three years of study (Professional phase). The Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science is awarded following completion of year four (first year of graduate study), and the Doctoral degree is awarded following completion of the Physical Therapy program.
For those who enter the program via Pathway #1 and complete all requirements, they will receive a Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science from LMU upon successful completion of all undergraduate requirements and first year of the Professional Phase of the DPT program.
For those entering the program through Pathways #2 or #3, these students may complete their degree in any area of study as long as the minimum requirements needed to apply for admission to the Professional Phase are met.
Admission to the DPT Program occurs once per year.
After graduation from an accredited physical therapy program, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Other requirements for physical therapy practice may be different from state to state due to varying physical therapy practice acts and/or state regulations that govern physical therapy.
Will the program prepare graduates to specialize in different areas of practice?
No. The LMU DPT program prepares graduates to practice as "generalists", but students receive additional education in certain areas of practice through elective courses offered during the Fall of the final year of the program. Elective subjects will vary based on the availability of content experts to teach the material and will range from courses on McKenzie and Maitland techniques, Advanced Wound Care, Women's Health practice, Chronic Pain management, Diagnostic Imaging, etc.
The program consists of 9 semesters and lasts approximately 3 years (36 months). The first year begins in May/June and the final year ends in mid-May. This includes didactic coursework and clinical education requirements.
Information about tuition and estimated cost of attendance can be found on the "Tuition and Costs" page. Note that this information applies to the Class of 20204 and will likely change for upcoming classes. For information regarding financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 1.800.325.0900 ext. 6336 or finaid@lmunet.edu
There are several available options for financial aid including loans, grants, scholarships and graduate assistantships. Please contact the LMU Student Financial Services Office at 1.800.325.0900 ext. 6336 or finaid@lmunet.edu.
No. The GRE is a multiple choice, computer-based, standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate programs or business schools. It tests analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning and is usually taken at the financial expense of the applicant. It has been shown to be weakly correlated to first-time success on the national PT exam (NPTE) and is not required for admissions into the DPT program at LMU regardless of admissions pathway.
Volunteer, observation, or work experience in a Physical Therapy setting, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist is required. The minimum number of hours required is 45 hours. A variety of types of clinical settings (for example: inpatient hospital settings, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient clinics) is recommended so that the applicant will have a well-rounded view of the physical therapy profession. Currently, due to to COVID-19, volunteer/observation hours are NOT required for admissions, but please check back regularly as this may change in the future.
No, only the highest grade will be included in the calculation of the GPA.
Yes. The purpose of the clinical observation hour requirement is to ensure that students are exposed to a variety of practice settings to ensure that they are fully aware of the role and responsibilities of a Physical Therapist. Because these hours were completed under the supervision of a licensed professional, they will count towards the requirement.
The DPT program is located in Knoxville, TN, approximately 15 minutes west of downtown Knoxville.
Anyone may file a complaint regarding any aspect of the program. Complaints should be in writing and addresses to the attention of the Program Director at:
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville TN 37932
If a student has concerns regarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU, they are encouraged to pursue the issue with appropriate faculty and/or administration at LMU:
Additionally, students are encouraged to contact the American Physical Therapy Association and/or the Commission on Accrediation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) with complaints related to accrediation:
A complaint from an employer of LMU DPT alumni or from the public will be directed to the DPT Program Director. The DPT Program Director will address and resolve the complaint when immediate remediation is needed.
Complaints from a clinical education site should be directed to the DPT Director of Clinical Education. Complaints about the DPT Program Director or Director of Clinical Education can be made directly to the Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the College of Mathematics, Sciences, and Health Professions and/or the VP of Academic Affairs.
Complaints regarding curriculum and DPT Program planning will be maintained and reviewed annually by DPT Program administration and faculty as part of the DPT Program assessment plan. Complaint records will be maintained in the DPT Program Administrative office and a copy may be kept in the DPT Program Director's Office for a minimum of five years.
Complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements shall be referred to the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (SACS),
Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (i.e., State Boards of Health, State Board of Education, and so on) within the Tennessee State Government and shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board (https://www.tn.gov, and then search for the appropriate division-"physical therapy").
Complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that Unit (https://www.tn.gov/consumer/).
