As a nationally recognized leader in physical therapy education, KU is proud to offer a three-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to support your growth every step of the way. Our comprehensive curriculum combines academic excellence, hands-on learning and real-world clinical experience — preparing you not just for your first job, but for a meaningful and successful career in today’s dynamic health care environment.

From the beginning, our program is built to help you confidently apply foundational physical therapy knowledge in clinical settings. Through a thoughtful blend of integrated clinical experiences and simulation-based learning, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive. In your final year, you’ll take part in 36 weeks of full-time clinical experiences at one of more than 250 partner sites across the U.S. and around the world.

Whether you prefer to learn on campus or need the flexibility of a hybrid format, KU offers two pathways to the same exceptional education. Both our on-campus and hybrid option share the same application process, curriculum, clinical experiences and degree requirements. As you prepare your application, you can choose the pathway that best fits your learning style and life — or, if you're open to both, you’re welcome to apply to each.

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.