Continuously accredited since 1944 and consistently ranked among the top public programs in the country, KU's doctorate program in physical therapy is nationally recognized for excellence in education, research and clinical preparation. With outstanding student outcomes, faculty who are leaders in the profession, and strong integration within a world-class academic health system, the program provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for every learner – regardless of pathway. 

The hybrid pathway of KU’s program offers an accessible and flexible approach for students pursuing a career as a physical therapist. Students learn independently through asynchronous, flipped lectures before meeting for active, synchronous online class sessions. This structure allows learners to engage with course content on their own schedule while still benefiting from real-time interaction and discussion with faculty and peers.

In addition to online coursework, students practice skills through virtual lab activities designed to prepare them for on-campus lab immersions. Held one to two times per semester, these immersions provide extensive hands-on practice with live faculty feedback, ensuring students build clinical confidence alongside their academic knowledge.
 
In Semester 2, all students begin integrated clinical experiences, including exposure to tele-rehabilitation through the JaySTART pro bono clinic. In the final year, students complete 36 weeks of full-time clinical education at one of more than 250 partner sites across the U.S. and internationally, strengthening clinical reasoning and practical skills.

Hybrid learners complete the same curriculum, clinical experiences and degree requirements as on-campus students delivered through a different mode of learning. Students receive consistent faculty support through synchronous class sessions, virtual office hours and structured mentorship.

All incoming students are intentionally paired with a peer mentor from the cohort before them to support the transition to graduate study and foster a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to engage in the KU Student Physical Therapy Organization, promoting leadership development and collaboration across both pathways.

Start Your Journey!

• Tour our incredible gross anatomy lab.
• Take a peek at our full degree curriculum (PDF).
• Preview a typical week of our hybrid pathway students (PDF).
• Ready to apply for our hybrid pathway? Start your application now.
• Would you like to find out more? Sign up for an online information session.
• Do you have questions about the program that haven’t been answered on our FAQ page? Email Robert for more information today.

On-Campus vs. Hybrid Pathway At a Glance

* Lab immersions occur only during the first seven semesters of didactic coursework.

Watch a video tour of our learning spaces:

A Note About Changing Pathways

Once you have accepted a position in one pathway, you are committed to that pathway and cannot switch to the other. Likewise, you cannot opt to change pathways at any point in the curriculum once you have enrolled in the program.