Continuously accredited since 1944 and consistently ranked among the top public programs in the country, KU's doctoral 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. There are two learning pathways within this program: an on-campus pathway and a hybrid pathway.

The on-campus pathway offers a dynamic, in-person experience for students pursuing a career as a physical therapist. This three-year, full-time program blends academic excellence, hands-on learning and real-world clinical experience, preparing graduates for meaningful, long-term careers in today's evolving health care environment.

Students benefit from daily interaction with faculty while engaging in live lectures, hands-on interactive labs and simulation-based learning in the state-of-the-art Health Education Building and Zamierowski Institute for Experiential Learning on the KU Medical Center campus. From the start, learners apply foundational knowledge through integrated clinical experiences and structured simulation activities.

In Semester 2, all students begin integrated clinical experiences, including exposure to tele-rehabilitation through the JaySTART pro bono clinic. In the final year, all 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.
 
On-campus students share the same curriculum, clinical experiences and degree requirements as hybrid learners, delivered in a traditional, immersive format. Faculty mentorship, peer support and in-person collaboration are central to the experience.

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.

About the On-Campus Program

KU’s traditional, on-campus doctorate program in physical therapy has been continuously accredited since 1944 and is ranked in the Top 10 of all public physical therapy programs by U.S. News & World Report. The program boasts excellent student outcomes, faculty with national reputations as leaders in education and research and integration with a world-class health system.

Students in the on-campus program engage in live, in-person lectures and labs as well as clinical simulations in the state-of-the-art Health Education Building and Zamierowski Institute for Experiential Learning on the KU Medical Center campus. Students also take part in interprofessional activities, integrated clinical experiences and full-time clinical rotations as core elements of the curriculum.

Watch a video tour of our learning spaces:

A Note About Changing Pathways

Once you have accepted a position in our program, you are committed to the on-campus or hybrid option, and cannot switch to the other. Likewise, you cannot opt to change your program at any point in the curriculum once you have enrolled in the program. Learn more about the hybrid program.

Questions?

For a list of frequently asked questions about our program, please visit our FAQ. For additional information about this and other programs available through the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, please explore our website or email us at ptrsat@kumc.edu.