The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an integral part of the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bellarmine University, the physical therapist professional community, and the local health care delivery system. We embrace our heritage of Catholic higher education excellence in undergraduate liberal arts and quality professional education programs. The program is dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education and service by providing comprehensive academic and clinical experiences for diverse and talented students. This is accomplished through:

- active faculty and tiered student mentoring
- instruction grounded in clinical, scientific and educational evidence
- learning experiences that are reflective, practical, directed, collaborative and innovative
- directed and focused engagement with the community

We are responsive to the needs and demands of contemporary physical therapy practice, which are evolving and dynamic. Our goal is to develop autonomous patient-centered practitioners of physical therapy dedicated to service and life-long learning with skills, attitudes and behaviors commensurate with societal expectations for outstanding care.

Bellarmine University provides students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program with unique and challenging educational experiences from outstanding faculty members. Our faculty are not only academically prepared, they are also recognized for their clinical skills with many faculty holding clinical board certifications. Nearly all faculty are involved in clinical practice in addition to their teaching responsibilities, research and service. Our faculty members are board certified in areas such as neurology, orthopedics, sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, wounds, and pelvic health.

Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will participate in four clinical experiences which integrate over 1600 hours of training into the program. The department has agreements with over 350 clinical facilities across the United States. Students and faculty work together to develop an education plan for the clinical experiences. Students have an exciting opportunity to apply for an internship in Italy they spend 12 weeks in Tuscany at an outpatient facility, or in Umberide in a rehabilitation facility. They are provided the opportunity to learn the language before arriving in Italy, and are closely mentored during their stay. They have great opportunities and guidance for experiencing the culture, food, and events in Italy. Students return with a deep appreciation of a different healthcare system and cultural diversity. They also have a great opportunity to learn new treatment techniques not as commonly used in the US, and share treatment techniques they learn in school to help educate the physiotherapists in the facilities. Students also have the chance to travel for study abroad in Australia and Belize. 

Bellarmine provides students with integrated service-learning experiences to further develop hands-on skills in both campus and community settings. The DPT program operates multiple sites, including the nation's first endowed on-campus service-learning clinic.  Students provide pro bono service to individuals with a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and developmental conditions. Under faculty supervision, students direct all aspects of the clinic including developing all policies, providing patient care, and managing mock billing.  

Admitted students are required to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit at the time they accept the admission offer.  The $1000 confirmation deposit is applied to the student's tuition during the first semester.

Bellarmine University students receive priority admission consideration, but only up to 50% of the incoming DPT class will be selected from the Bellarmine undergraduate application pool.