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The Physical Therapy Program is located within the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico (metro area population 907,679). With an elevation 5,000 feet above sea level, Albuquerque lies in the High Desert of central New Mexico at the crossroads of Interstate 40 (Route 66) and Interstate 25. Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, straddles the Rio Grande River and is bordered by the Sandia Mountains on the East and a string of five inactive volcanoes that make up Volcano City Park and Petroglyph National Monument, on the West. The city represents a synergy of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo peoples, where traditional and modern cultures coexist. Albuquerque is widely regarded as one of the the most culturally diverse cities in the Country. 

The Division of Physical Therapy, as part of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, has a mission of education, service, and research as it applies to the Physical Therapy Profession. The Division of Physical Therapy is committed to offering an educational environment that provides the academic and clinical opportunities primarily for New Mexico residents, to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the ethical and professionally competent practice of physical therapy. In addition to clinical practice, the educational experience inherently fosters competence in teaching, research, supervision, consultation, promotion of health, and prevention of dysfunction to help meet the needs of our communities.  Our vision is to prepare physical therapists as movement specialists and leaders to fulfill essential roles within interprofessional collaborative teams serving the diverse communities of New Mexico. Our mission is to develop highly skilled and compassionate doctors of physical therapy who optimize the human experience of New Mexico communities by enhancing movement and function through evidence-based practice.

The entry level professional clinical doctorate curriculum (DPT) is 34 months in length. Classes begin in August and end in May. Didactic content is presented in a uniquely integrated format. Before the degree can be conferred all students must successfully complete 33-weeks of full-time clinical education. Hospital and health care facilities throughout New Mexico, including rural health sites, and a number of facilities outside the state are utilized in the final clinical education experiences. Some of the unique opportunities available in our program include: small cohort size, a 2 week study abroad program in various locations around the world, a faculty directed student pro-bono Physical Therapy lab- "REACH" - and cadaver anatomy classes given in a state of the art laboratory (4-5 student ratio per donor). 

In-person Interviews are required for admission and will be conducted in December/January, 2022.  See program website for specifics.

Deposit will be reimbursed to student UNM Bursar accounts after a year is completed in the UNM DPT Program.  If a student leaves the program they forfeit their deposit.

Program gives strong preference to residents of the state of New Mexico.