Physical Therapy (DPT)

Improve the quality of life for people in your community.

Physical therapists work with individuals across the lifespan to maximize participation in and quality of life. We are movement specialists who help people rehabilitate from acute injuries, maximize mobility through chronic conditions, and lead healthier and more active lives. As an in-demand profession, physical therapists are the leading providers of non-surgical and non-pharmacologic healthcare.

We work alongside other health professionals in almost every healthcare setting including hospitals, clinics, schools, and the home. The rigorous entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree offered at Mary Baldwin University will prepare you to pass the national physical therapy licensure exam and work in any setting of your choice.

Time to finish
36 months
Format
In Person
Degree
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
PTCAS Opens
June 15
PTCAS Closes
December 1
Program Start
June

Why Earn a Physical Therapy Doctorate (DPT) at Mary Baldwin?

Patient-centered healthcare is focused on interprofessional practice. As a DPT student at MBU, you will be able to learn collaboratively in class with students from a variety of health professions and have opportunities to provide service and outreach to local and regional communities.

Faculty & Facilities

As a DPT student, you will learn from scholars and practitioners with rich experience in patient care and healthcare leadership. Our faculty members have expertise in topics such as biomechanics, pediatrics, performing arts medicine, sports, orthopedics, and neurological rehabilitation.

Before heading into your practical learning experiences, you’ll do much of your classroom learning at the Murphy Deming campus, a facility located within a healthcare corridor with modern learning spaces.

Studying in a cohort model means that you’ll start and finish the PT program with the same group of fellow students, so you’ll find a strong community of support as you complete your degree.  

Immersive, Hands-on Training

At Mary Baldwin, you can expect an education full of meaningful, immersive experiences that prepare you for success in your career as a physical therapist.

  • Complete clinical experiences in outpatient orthopedics and treating medically complex patient settings
  • Participate in specialty rotations including pediatrics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, and pelvic health

Excellent Preparation for Licensure & Practice

With a strong curriculum, hands-on experiences, and faculty mentorship, Mary Baldwin DPT students are well-prepared for the national certification exam — and for successful careers in physical therapy. 

  • 100% Ultimate Pass Rate on the NPTE Exam (Class of 2022 and 2023)
  • 100% Employment Rate (of those graduates seeking employment)

“I loved the small class sizes, and how much we were able to connect with our classmates and professors. I have friends and acquaintances who are studying physical therapy at bigger institutions and, comparatively speaking, I’ve been able to build many more long-lasting personal and professional relationships than they have. I feel this is important — particularly the fact that I’m beginning my career with a group of great mentors and colleagues in my corner.

Raven Giles, DPT Class of 2023

Cost & Financial Aid

A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.

DPT Program Financial Fact Sheet

Practice-Based Coursework 

The DPT program includes classroom, lab, clinical, and community experiences. Coursework progresses from foundational sciences and assessment skills to more medically complex patient care.

Content integrates across the curriculum in areas including neurological, orthopedic, pediatrics, and acute care. Students at MBU get frequent opportunities to put their skills into practice during integrated clinical experiences, interprofessional classes, and community outreach.

Unique student support

The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.

Meaningful Career Opportunities

After earning their DPT degree at Mary Baldwin, our alumni provide passionate care to patients of all ages in settings. Our graduates work as physical therapists or serve in related roles at companies and organizations such as: 

  • BenchMark Physical Therapy, Knoxville
  • Duke University Health System
  • HCA Healthcare, Nashville
  • MedStar Health
  • National Sports Medicine Institute
  • NeuroTour (traveling PT for performing arts companies)
  • Rehab Associates of Central Virginia
  • UVA Health

Questions? Contact us!

MDCHSadmit@marybaldwin.edu

540-887-4110

Ready to get started?

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org

NOTE: Completion of an authorized educational program does not guarantee licensure or certification. States may have additional requirements such as a background check, jurisprudence examination, recommendations, etc.

Mary Baldwin University recommends students consult the appropriate licensing agency or board in the respective state or territory in which they intend to practice before beginning any academic program or coursework.  If students experience difficulty finding the license requirements for a specific state or territory, please contact the program director or admissions.

Technical Standards

View the Minimum Technical Standards for Admissions, Continuation, and Graduation for the DPT program here.

It’s time to level up your career. Apply today!