Grand Valley State University Physical Therapy Program
College of Health Professions 301 Michigan St. NE, Suite 113 Grand Rapids MI 49503 United States
Program Description

Thank you for your interest in the Grand Valley State University Clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The mission of the Physical Therapy program at GVSU is "to advance the profession of physical therapy through excellence in education, scholarship and service." The mission is put into practice everyday of the program.

Our classes are offered in a variety of educational styles, from traditional lecture format to small collaborative problem-based learning groups to clinical experience. Our faculty continually update their teaching methods to best suit the students while also challenging them. Our program is dedicated to evidence-based learning and practice with all faculty involved in research and many continue to practice clinically.

Clinical internships provide our students with experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Students get the opportunity to further practice their knowledge and skills while serving the under-served of Grand Rapids, MI at student-coordinated and serviced Pro-Bono clinics.

This commitment to excellence continues into research. Students partake in a variety of research topics which include nutrition, vestibular rehabilitation, safe patient handling, manual therapy techniques, pediatrics, the risk of fracture in osteoporotic women, and individual case studies, among many others. 

Students list numerous reasons for attending the GVSU DPT program. Their top 10 reasons include: 

  Faculty credentials include twelve faculty members with Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., or D.P.T. degrees. There are also 12 faculty members with clinical specializations in orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, sport, manual therapy, or wound care. 

  40 + Adjunct Faculty

  Completely revised curriculum that includes research experience for all students 

  Potential for publication of student research

  5 advanced electives (sports PT, spinal manual therapy, pediatrics and neurologic PT)

  38 weeks of full-time clinical internship in 5 settings across the United States

  Opportunities to volunteer and coordinate Pro-Bono Clinics

  State of the art research facility including 3-D motion analysis, isokinetic testing, balance assessment, and instrumented treadmill equipment.

  4 major hospitals close-by to provide educational experiences

  98% pass-rate on National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination 

We look forward to discussing our program with you and welcome any questions or suggestions you may have. Please feel free to contact us through the College of Health Professions at chpss@gvsu.edu or 616-331-5900.

General
Program offers a guaranteed freshman admission pathway?
No
Dual Degrees
Will the professional (entry-level) PT program offer a satellite or branch campus to applicants during the upcoming admissions cycle?
No
Admission Interviews
Program conducts interviews as part of the admissions process?
No
Deposits
Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?
Yes
Total cumulative deposit
$500
Additional Information about Deposit
The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
Deposit Refundable?
No
Deposits collected on a rolling basis after offer of admission made?
Yes
Cost
Total Cost of Education for In-State Students
$109268
Total Cost of Education for out of State Students
$109268
Incoming Class Profile
Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class
62
Size of Most Recent Entering Class
62
% of students from IN-STATE
97%
% of students from OUT-OF-STATE
3%
Sex
% Male
24%
% Female 
76%
Race/Ethnicity
% African-American/Black (Non-Hispanic)
2%
% White (Not of Hispanic Origin) 
94%
% Two or More Races 
2%
% Declining to State 
2%
Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Status
Program housed at a Minority-Serving Institution No
Website
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