The University of Mary is a private, Catholic, Benedictine university based in Bismarck, ND that offers an exceptional education at an affordable cost. Guided by the University of Mary's Benedictine values of Service, Prayer, Moderation, Respect for Person, Hospitality and Community, our mission is to prepare physical therapists - For Life.  The program is located on the University of Mary main campus overlooking the scenic Missouri River. Bismarck usually ranks in the top five on the Happiest Cities in America list, ranking number two in 2021. The campus is thriving and growing and serves close to 4000 undergraduate and graduate students.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Our experienced faculty represent specialty areas of practice in geriatrics, pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, and manual therapy and are assisted by several adjunct faculty who also have advanced practice knowledge. Our overall pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination is usually 100% and the first-time pass rate is over 90%.

The professional curriculum covers a multitude of interprofessional educational learning experiences that prepare the student to excel in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment, culminating in a course with students from seven other healthcare disciplines. Experiential learning includes evidence-based practice experiences and a group research project, which is presented at our annual Healthcare Scholarship Colloquium.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

The program believes in "learning by doing" and has strong connections with the clinical community to provide hands-on integrated experiences throughout the curriculum. Full and part-time clinical education experiences are thoroughly integrated into the curriculum from the first to the last semester. In the spring semester, students serve in our Pro Bono Clinic, which is managed by students and supervised by faculty. Four full-time clinical education experiences are completed during both summers and in the fall and spring of the third year. These experiences are completed in diverse settings throughout the US.

SERVICE 

Service learning is an integral component of the PT program at the University of Mary. Each year, our students and faculty participate in the University's Annual Day of Service. Each Christmas, our program has raised money to support a family in need. Furthermore, our students manage a pro bono clinic on campus to provide physical therapy services to the people in our community who cannot afford physical therapy services from a local provider. Our Student Physical Therapy Association also hosts an annual adaptive sporting event for kids with disabilities in our community. We also offer a Service Oriented Learning Experience class, in which students meet with organizations that address the social determinants of health and develop a project to address the needs of people in our local community or through an optional international service experience in Guatemala. Past projects have also included service on the Standing Rock Reservation, adaptive golf, and Go Baby Go which adapts battery-powered cars for children with disabilities.

COMMUNITY

One of our most important values at the University of Mary is community.  A physical therapy student at Mary can expect to be part of a warm and inviting atmosphere complete with supportive and caring faculty who have student success as one of their personal goals. Through this community, over 95% of the students graduate within the 32-month period. As part of community formation, all incoming students are assigned a mentor from the second- year class as well as their own faculty advisor.  Our students also become part of the physical therapy profession early by becoming members of the American Physical Therapy Association. This membership not only offers professional development but provides leadership opportunities for University of Mary physical therapy students. 

The program has on-campus interviews twice a year. If applicants are unable to attend an on-campus interview, we offer the potential for virtual interviews.

Accepted students are required to submit a non-refundable deposit that will be applied towards tuition.

Program gives a preference to applicants who have attended the University of Mary.