The University of the Cumberlands Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is rich in integrated case-based instruction that builds in complexity and depth and in community-based learning experiences to prepare aspiring physical therapists for real-world practice and servant leadership. It is an intensive, full-time graduate degree program designed to be completed in six consecutive semesters, within just 24 months. Cumberlands DPT curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format including a combination of:

• Self-guided online coursework. Course content includes assigned readings, video recordings of lectures and labs and case-based presentations. Students will actively engage with the coursework through opportunities for formative assessments of knowledge and application and feedback
• Live classes in a virtual classroom.  Students will participate online in interactive presentations, case discussions, and collaborative question and answer sessions. Live classes in the virtual classroom will be held each weekday and some evenings and Saturdays.
• Hands-on training held on campus. During these hands-on immersions you will learn alongside a skilled and caring faculty and a cohort of thirty classmates which is much smaller than other hybrid DPT programs. You will apply the knowledge you gained in online education to engaging with real patients in supervised community-based service-learning experiences. You will participate in formative assessments and feedback on knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making. The curriculum includes eight immersions. The number and duration of immersions vary by semester. The first semester includes two immersions: midterm (12 -14 days) and final immersion (12 -14 days). The second and third semesters include two immersions: one at midterm and one near the end, each 14 days. The fourth and fifth semesters include one immersion at midterm, each 14 days, followed by an eight-week practicum at a contracted clinical site.
• Thirty-one weeks of clinical education practicums. This begins after one year of academic coursework and includes two 8-week and one 15-week full-time clinical education experiences at contracted clinical sites in Kentucky and across the country. Over the clinical practicums, emphasis is placed on becoming caring and skilled in all roles of the physical therapist in different practice settings.

Interviews are conducted during rolling admissions on the following dates:

• March 10, 2023
• May 19, 2023
• July 21, 2023
• September 22, 2023
• October 27,2023
• If needed, Nov 17,2023

Rolling admissions deposit is due within two weeks of receiving an offer of acceptance into the program. 

Once offered a seat in the program, applicants are requested to have their seat deposit submitted within two weeks from the initial offer of admittance.