APTA - Midwestern University

Midwestern University's Physical Therapy (PT) Program offers a course of study leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree for qualified students. The full-time, continuous, 36-month, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to deliver the academic and clinical education required to prepare students for their professional role as key members of the health care team and as an integral part of the health care delivery system. It is the philosophy of the PT Program to develop culturally sensitive healthcare practitioners who are critical thinkers, generalist clinicians, and lifelong learners. Graduates of the PT Program will be prepared to meet society's expectations and able to adapt to an ever-changing healthcare environment. It is the belief of the PT faculty that the educational process requires a balance among didactic, academic, experiential, laboratory, and clinical education elements. This balance requires full effort of the academic and clinical faculty to provide relevant and pertinent applied clinical scenarios and experiences throughout the curriculum. The overall learning experience will develop the skills necessary for the PT Program graduates to deliver optimal care to the communities and individuals they serve.

The curriculum plan provides students with the necessary standards, knowledge, and skills to provide PT services to the communities they will serve and to use their education to teach others. The Program's curriculum is designed based on standards for contemporary PT practice and education. The curriculum's foundational sciences and the PT courses introduce the fundamental concepts of PT practice that provide an overview of the theoretical framework for clinical problem solving, clinical reasoning, analysis and synthesis of clinical problems, formulation and testing of hypotheses, and the critical application of scientific research to support clinical decisions. In keeping with the patient-client management focus, the biopsychosocial model is introduced to explore the theories and concepts that address issues related to values, beliefs, culture, mental status, health concerns, conflict resolution, biases, and wellness and to apply that knowledge in later coursework and experiential learning. Following introduction to basic concepts, students begin courses in which they learn the PT examination and evaluation processes that include history taking, systems review, medical screening, diagnostic and PT tests and measures, prognosis, identification of clinical problems, goals, interventions or plans of care, and the importance of evidence-based practice. In subsequent quarters, the complexity of problems posed by the patient cases increases and students apply these concepts to make clinical decisions. Courses focusing on a conceptual framework of health promotion and the prevention of disease and injury across the lifespan, are reflected throughout the curriculum. This framework accentuates the physical therapist's role in patient-client management, health promotion, wellness, health education, cultural issues, and preventative interventions to minimize risks of injury and disease. The curriculum prepares graduates to serve in administrator roles, as educators, and as consultants.

The PT Program integrates clinical education in the curriculum to help students apply didactic course concepts to clinical settings at increasing levels of clinical responsibility. Simulated clinic and clinical experiences that are incorporated at various stages of the curriculum, provides the experience needed to integrate new knowledge and skills into practice. The opportunity to apply knowledge and practice skills in a variety of clinical educational settings allows students to gain a realistic understanding of clinical practice and improve self-assessment skills, forming a framework for the integration of future courses.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is open on a competitive admissions basis to applicants having bachelor's degrees in any field but who have not completed an accredited physical therapy program. The program prepares entry-level practitioners to provide physical therapy services in large, small, traditional, and nontraditional community and institutional practice settings that require independent judgment, leadership, and autonomous practice. The program also provides the foundation for graduates to identify and contribute to solutions to the major, emergent health issues of our society, and contribute to the academic and clinical education of future practitioners. The graduate will be prepared to make valuable, ongoing contributions to society, health care, and the profession through leadership and collaborative efforts with others in physical therapy and interdisciplinary education, practice, and research.

An applicant who provides written notice of cancellation to the Director of Admissions and mailed/delivered to the institution at the address stated here within three days (excluding Saturday, Sunday and federal or state holidays) of signing a matriculation agreement is entitled to a refund of all monies paid. No later than 30 days of receiving the notice of cancellation, the school shall provide the 100% refund

The total cost of education is calculated by adding together the annual tuition, fees, and other required program expenses for the length of the program and does not include the cost of room and board or other personal costs.

Total Cost of Education for In-State Students

$43294

Total Cost of Education for out of State Students

$43294

Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class

Size of Most Recent Entering Class

% of students from IN-STATE

50%

% of students from OUT-OF-STATE

50%

Office of Admissions

Primary Contact

+1 888.247.9277

admissaz@midwestern.edu