Located in the beautiful Grand Valley of Western Colorado, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Colorado Mesa University is a 2.5 year (105 credit) program that plans to accept its inaugural cohort during the Fall of 2023. A mandatory orientation for all matriculating students will take place on Friday August 18 of 2023. The academic program (including clinical education) consists of 8 consecutive semesters with graduation in May of 2026. 

The program commences with basic science coursework (e.g. Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Kinesiology) progresses to clinical sciences (e.g. Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, etc.) all the while being complemented by a myriad of specialty courses (e.g. Imaging, Pharmacology, Pathology, etc.). Anatomy will be taught using traditional (cadaver) and modern (virtual reality) modalities. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a talented group of core faculty augmented by local community experts. Class sizes will be small (1st cohort = 20; 2nd cohort = 22; 3rd cohort and beyond = 24) ensuring a personalized approach. Most faculty teaching clinical content remain engaged in clinical practice to ensure you are learning from clinician-academicians. Woven throughout the curriculum are a series of Professional Practice courses designed to address topics ranging from documentation, ethics, professionalism, the psychosocial aspects of healthcare, business and law among others. Additionally, during the curriculum, students will take two Research classes (EBM & Applied Statistics). These research classes will establish the foundation for two Capstone courses where students will ask and answer a Clinically Relevant Question most often in the form of a Clinically Appraised Topic (CAT). 

The program includes 34 weeks of clinical education spread over 4 separate full-time rotations. Rotations are 6, 8, 8 & 12 weeks in duration. Rotations will be take place in a variety of settings where the art and science of physical therapy is practiced. 

The program is housed in the newly constructed St. Mary's Medical Education Center (MEC). In addition to Physical Therapy, the Occupational Therapy program and Physician Assistant programs are housed in the MEC. Other allied health programs on campus include Athletic Training, Nursing and Radiologic Sciences making interdisciplinary learning opportunities abundant. 

Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Collectively, the program aims to provide a high-quality, cost conscious education. For the 2023-24 academic year, in-state tuition will be $515/credit hour while out-of-state tuition will be $772.50/credit hour. 

We welcome you to contact us to learn more about this very special place we call home. 

All applicants are required to complete the 'Snapshot' video interview as part of the Altus/Casper assessment. 

*The deposit will be applied to the first-year tuition and fees. 

*Deposits will only be refunded if the program does NOT receive affirmation from CAPTE to enroll students in the Fall of 2023. 

*Instructions for payment will be provided with the acceptance letter. 

Seats in the program will be secured upon receipt of the acceptance deposit. Enrollment will be capped at 20 students. 

Program gives slight preference to Colorado Mesa University graduates and Colorado residents particularly those who are from and intend to stay on the Western Slope after graduation.