The UTMB Physical Therapist Assistant to Doctor of Physical Therapy Bridge program is a two year and 4 month hybrid based program with minimal on-campus requirements for Physical Therapist Assistants to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The Bridge program will prepare the student in patient management from evaluation to treatment, application of evidence based practice, leadership, education, and research. UTMB Bridge students may participate in patient simulation labs and standardized patient experiences during didactic semesters to prepare them for four clinical internships. Clinical internships are embedded in the curriculum and are 7-8 weeks in length each. Students must be prepared mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially to relocate during clinical internships.   On-campus dates are typically 3-7 days in length and are scheduled 2 - 3 times each semester. On-campus dates are held to develop hands-on skills and are mandatory. Relocation and travel are at the student's expense.

The Physical Therapy program at UTMB is the oldest Physical Therapy program in Texas and is located on the UTMB Health campus, which allows students access to outstanding faculty and resources from the Health Professions, Nursing and Medical Schools. The faculty in the Bridge program have expertise that covers the vast specialty areas of the physical therapy profession including neurological, orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric and cardiopulmonary. Along with the expertise in these areas, we have faculty with APTA Specialization Certification in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics. The faculty members are committed to providing traditional and nontraditional learning experiences that are integrated around recurring themes related to the multiple roles of the physical therapist in patient care, health promotion, research, management, education, and community service.

Typically, UTMB DPT graduates have a 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment rate. Many of our students have continued their education by completing clinical residencies and specialty certifications.

We typically conduct Interviews via Zoom