Augustana University's hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares graduates with the core skills needed to advance and lead within the physical therapy profession. Students will graduate in two years ready to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and serve their diverse communities. Graduates will be prepared to innovate, integrate career and service, solve unstructured and critical problems, embrace lifelong learning and professional development, and improve the human experience in a diverse world.

Blending online education, hands-on lab immersions and clinical education, Augustana's DPT program utilizes technology and hybrid learning strategies to reach students in their chosen communities from around the country. The hybrid learning model brings together students and faculty from diverse backgrounds to learn with and from one another.

Our DPT program is designed for the delivery of a contemporary and evidence-based curriculum delivered by faculty members and contributors who are dedicated educators, clinicians, researchers, and innovation leaders in their respective professions. Contemporary experts facilitate student learning and professional growth with student-centered active learning experiences, modeled clinical and scholarly excellence, and steadfast professionalism. Using a hybrid learning model, the curriculum combines the best aspects of online learning activities and interactions, hands-on laboratory immersive sessions, and collaborative clinical education experiences into an innovative and dynamic learning experience. In so doing, the program will transform physical therapy education, improve scalability and access, increase flexibility for traditional and non-traditional learners, increase the level of active learning in courses, and seek to achieve quality student experiences and outcomes, through disrupting the status quo of DPT education and practice. 

Augustana DPT is designed for qualified individuals who wish to further their academic studies and pursue a career in the field of physical therapy. The program specifically targets students from diverse backgrounds, who are adult learners, with the demonstrated potential to navigate the academic rigor of an accelerated, hybrid model DPT curriculum. 

Applications will be scored based on multiple criteria that includes academic and life experience factors : Application Rubric.

We look forward to learning more about you!

The DPT Admissions Committee will invite selected applicants to participate in an interview. Interviews will be conducted through an interactive video platform, no travel required, where students will record themselves responding to a short series of questions. Students will be provided a short amount of time to prepare their response following each prompt. All responses will be time-limited and single-take to assess the applicant's ability to respond in the moment.

Accepted applicants are required to place a non-refundable deposit to hold their place in the class. This deposit will be applied towards their 1st trimester tuition.

Recruiting and enrolling a diverse student body is an important goal for Augustana DPT. We expect to enroll a diverse student body from a wide range of geographical, social, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. This hybrid format may be particularly suitable for students located in regions with limited local options for physical therapy education. 

Our holistic admissions process provides consideration for additional factors including but not limited to: demonstrated ability to balance school/work/life obligations and stress, completion and performance in highly recommended courses, relevant work/volunteer/service experience, experience with healthcare (volunteer/observation/employment), military experience, socioeconomic background, geographical background, affiliation with an underrepresented or disadvantaged group, and being an Augustana alumnus.

Admissions pathways specific to existing Augustana students/graduates, provided they meet all other admissions criteria, include: guaranteed admission for Athletic Training (MSAT) graduates,  undergraduates awarded the Augustana Faculty Ethos Honor, and Augustana students meeting Viking Athlete Scholar academic requirements. Augustana graduates will also be provided preference on their application. More detail about Augustana Admissions Pathways can be found at https://www.augie.edu/academics/graduate-education/doctor-physical-therapy/admissions-pathways-students-and-graduates