Pacific University

The Pacific University School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training offers education for entry into the profession. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the degree granted to students who complete the three year entry-level program.

The School has graduated professional physical therapists since 1977. In 1985, the degree Bachelor of Science was replaced by the Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) as the entry-level degree into the profession. It was replaced by the DPT in the fall of 2000. The program in physical therapy is fully accredited by CAPTE. The School is a member of the College of Health Professions and shares facilities with twelve other health professions programs.

The primary goal of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is to graduate a well-rounded and highly competent clinician ready to assume duties in the standard areas of physical therapy practice, e.g., hospital departments, outpatient clinics, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. To achieve this goal, every effort is made to offer a curriculum well balanced in the areas of orthopedic, neurological, and general physical therapy with attention to the needs of pediatric patients, geriatric patients, and other special populations.

Threaded throughout the curriculum and emphasized in all courses are problem-solving, ethical and professional behavior, writing and speaking skills, evidence-based practice, lifelong learning and the importance of contributing to the growth and development of the profession.

The curriculum is organized so that didactic classroom learning is periodically intermixed with clinical learning. Beginning with the second semester of the first year, and continuing each year thereafter, students spend time in clinic. Thus, by the end of the program, 36 weeks are devoted to full-time clinical experiences and internships.

Currently the program affiliates with over 250 different clinical facilities. These include acute hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, school systems, specialized hospitals and home health agencies. Although the majority of these affiliates are in the Portland area and in Oregon, students also go to many other states including Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, California, Arizona, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and internationally in Italy. Students are required to participate in off-campus rotations for a portion of their clinical training and can expect to spend at least two clinical internships outside of the Portland-Metro area. New clinical sites are continually added in order to provide variety and quality to the students’ clinical experiences. There are several options for international internships including Italy and South Africa.

Is a Deposit Required for Accepted Applicants?

Yes

Total cumulative deposit

$500.00

Additional Information about Deposit

More information about the deposit will be sent to admitted applicants. Applicants can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions if they have additional questions.

Deposit Refundable?

Due Date of First Required Deposit

11/01/2021

Anticipated Size of the Next Entering Class

Size of Most Recent Entering Class

% of IN-STATE applicants accepted

35%

% of OUT-OF-STATE (non-resident) U.S. applicants accepted

62%

% of CANADIAN applicants accepted

% of INTERNATIONAL (non-U.S/non-Canadian) applicants accepted

Pacific University is a private institution, which means all students pay the same amount for tuition regardless of residency status. State residency is not a determining factor in the application review process.

Andrea Lybarger

Primary Contact

Assistant Senior Director of Graduate and Professional Programs Admissions

+1 503.352.7217

PT.AT@pacificu.edu

Phone	+1 503.352.7217
Phone 2	+1 800.933.9308