The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three year entry-level DPT program that includes 36 weeks of full-time clinical experience interspersed throughout the program. Students are prepared as generalists, but also have opportunities to explore specific areas of physical therapy through a variety of full-time clinical experiences. The program consists of 105 credit hours of graduate coursework that is divided among traditional classroom coursework, laboratory skills, case based learning, clinical experiences and research. Selecting from a wide range of faculty interests, students conduct research side by side with a faculty advisor. For the previous 3 graduating classes, 99% of students admitted have graduated and 100% of those graduating have passed the licensure exam. Additionally, 100% of these graduates seeking to work as physical therapists are employed.

Our small class size (27 students per class) allows for the program to be student-centered with an emphasis on faculty-student interaction. The program's full-time faculty of 12 includes individuals who are certified clinical specialists or fellowship trained practitioners. Nine hold advanced doctoral degrees (Ph.D., DSc.) in a variety of areas. The combined teaching and clinical experience of the faculty is well over 200 years. The program faculty utilize a variety of teaching methods with an emphasis on student engagement and the integration of evidence-based clinical practice. While students are taking classes they work alongside the faculty treating patients in our on-campus pro bono clinic. This clinic provides free services for those with chronic neurological impairments. 

Bradley University has been recognized by the US News and World Report as one of the top Illinois universities of its type and is number six among Midwestern Regional Universities. The Wall Street Journal ranks Bradley among the Top 10 Universities in the nation for student engagement. The Bradley DPT program is ranked among the top 100 in the nation by US News and World Report. A mid-sized university with 5,400 students, Bradley is located in Peoria, IL and is three hours from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The tuition of the DPT program is affordable when compared to similar institutions. Cost of living in Peoria is much less than most large metropolitan areas. The Bradley campus community is friendly and engaging with state-of-the-art fitness and sports facilities. 

Admittance to the DPT program is competitive and the space per class is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. All highly motivated students who meet the requirements and have a bachelor's degree (or will have a bachelor's degree by June when the program begins) are encouraged to apply. The program may begin admitting highly qualified applicants prior to the application deadline.