The University of New England (UNE) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers students an outstanding, entry-level doctoral program that has earned a national reputation for excellence. Since its founding in 1980, the program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The department takes pride in its friendly, student-oriented, and personal approach. The DPT program is part of the Westbrook College of Health Professions which shares UNE's Portland Campus with the Colleges of Dental Medicine, and Graduate and Professional Studies.  

WHY UNE?

Our Student Outcomes are Excellent:

* 91% of graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) on their first attempt (2021)
* 100% of graduates ultimately passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) (2021)
* 100% of UNE DPT graduates surveyed were employed within one year of graduation (2020-2021)
* 95% of enrolled students graduated from the DPT program (2021)

Our Faculty is Engaged:

The DPT faculty members are dedicated to excellence in all aspects of teaching and learning. This is evidenced by the low student-to-faculty ratio, the use of collaborative teaching models which include the expertise of community clinicians, the participation of community volunteers in labs, and community outreach projects. Additionally, experienced physical therapists, physicians, and other health care practitioners serve as adjunct instructors in the program. DPT faculty members have an established record of teaching, scholarship, clinical practice, and professional involvement at state, national, and international levels. 

Our Curriculum is Dynamic:

The 3-year-long, 106-credit curriculum is comprised of 82 didactic credits and 24 credits earned during three, 12-week, full-time clinical placements. The DPT program is affiliated with clinical sites across the US and in all parts of the healthcare continuum: acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health organizations, ambulatory care centers, outpatient private practices, school/preschool programs, and other settings. The program is dedicated to providing students with unique learning experiences such as advanced elective courses, interprofessional team learning, rural health immersion experiences, community service opportunities, leadership opportunities, and short-term international opportunities. 

Our Campus is Focused on Interprofessional Education:

The Center for Excellence in Collaborative Education (The Collaborative) solidifies UNE's historic commitment to interprofessional academic and community-based programming that prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders for team-based practice. 

Our Students Can Be Scholars:

All students participate in some form of scholarly work. This includes conducting research with faculty, writing a case report, or implementing an evidence-based leadership or teaching-learning project. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty to disseminate their work at professional meetings or in professional journals. 

Our Facilities are Top Notch:

Classroom and labs are designed to facilitate learning activities. UNE's high-tech simulation lab provides our students with experiential learning opportunities with standardized patients. We have a state-of-the-art Motion Analysis Lab and Human Sensory and Motor Performance Lab where faculty conduct human research. The Portland campus offers a full range of easy-to-access, outstanding student support services specific to graduate and professional students. 

Our Program Is Located in One Of The Best Small Cities In The Country:

UNE's Portland campus is designated a national historic district. The campus is quintessential New England, with a central green surrounded by classic brick buildings. As the state's largest city, Portland is a center for business, government, healthcare, and culture in Maine. Whether you're a sailor or a skier, a hiker or a biker, a golfer or a fisherman, Maine offers you four-season recreation. From its location on the Atlantic Ocean, with close proximity to beautiful freshwater lakes and great mountains, Portland has it all. Come check us out!

UNE's DPT program is not currently requiring in-person interviews as part of our process. Interviews will be conducted as an asynchronous online assessment through Kira Talent. Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the Kira assessment after application review. 

An initial non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required to hold your seat with the program. The due date for this deposit will depend on an applicant's acceptance date and will be outlined in the acceptance letter.  A second non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is due by March 1st.  These deposits are applied toward the first semester tuition if the student matriculates and will be forfeited if the student does not matriculate.