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The highly ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) provides students the opportunity to:

1) gain the knowledge and skills to practice physical therapy without the need for referral from another practitioner,

2) develop professional traits and leadership skills that will provide the student with a successful start in the profession

3) study with nationally and internationally know leaders in the field using the latest in evidence-based research .

Admission to the program occurs following completion of a baccalaureate degree (in any field) including 37 hours of prerequisite course work. The program is nine consecutive semesters in length (124 hours) and includes 39 weeks of clinical internship. Clinical internships are available across the U.S. in a variety of locations. During the program, students are provided with opportunities for elective work in specialty areas such as advanced gross anatomy, advanced spinal cord injury, aquatics, cervical spine, lumbar spine, sports physical therapy, and women's health. Program costs are lower than the national average, and in-state tuition is offered to students who are residents of states contiguous to Arkansas (Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas).  Other out of state students are eligible to apply for in-state tuition if satisfying the on campus housing requirement.

UCA is also home to a PhD program in Physical Therapy. Students with a strong interest in research or teaching may apply to the DPT/PhD program following the first semester of the DPT program. UCA's DPT program is physically located on a beautiful college campus of 11,000 students in the vibrant city of Conway, which is located at the foothills of the Ozark mountains just 22 miles from Little Rock. The Department of Physical Therapy is housed in a 40,000 square foot building completely devoted to physical therapy.  Shared facilities include a 4000 square foot gross anatomy laboratory for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs.  The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences has programs in nursing, communication sciences and disorders, dietetics, psychology, and exercise and sport science, and provides interprofessional training experiences for students in a new, state of the art Interprofessional Teaching Center.

All full-time physical therapy faculty members are doctorally prepared and have extensive experience in the field. During the program, students will learn from faculty who are American Board of Physical Therapy certified in neurology, pediatrics, sports, and pelvic health. The department also is home to a Residency program in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Combined DPT/PhD is possible after first semester of DPT program.

In-person interviews are scheduled during early December.  This one day event gives candidates an opportunity to meet UCA DPT students and faculty in addition to seeing all that our campus has to offer.

DPT deposit applies towards the first semester tuition if the student matriculates.  If applicant declines the offer after paying the $300 deposit, the money is non-refundable.

Competitive admission