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Doctor of physical therapy program strengths
Manual, hands-on skills form the foundation of our doctor of physical therapy program. Classroom and clinical instruction emphasize problem-solving and critical thinking that prepare you to be an exceptional health care provider and lifelong learner.
Manual therapy
There is a strong emphasis on manual treatment and a patient-centered focus where treatment goals are related to functional improvements.
Integrated learning
Classes incorporate preventive care and promote positive health behaviors. Classroom and clinical instruction emphasize problem solving and critical thinking while preparing students to become lifelong learners.
Curriculum
Our curriculum promotes personal and professional development through integrated, sequential learning experiences presented in a block format.
Hands-on experience
Students have access to the advanced Human Performance Lab, which combines diagnostics and biotechnology to evaluate and treat movement deficits and physical conditions. They also practice in the Standardized Patient Assessment Lab.
Research
Students may choose to work on a research project or may choose to take elective coursework.
Global health
Students can do one of their rotations overseas through the global health department.
Dual degree
Students can develop their leadership skills, understand health care needs and enhance their careers with a dual degree leading to a Master of Public Health or a Master of Health Care Administration.
Internships
Students complete 36 weeks of internships at four different sites. DMU maintains more than 350 clinical sites throughout the United States.
Experienced faculty
Our faculty have diverse clinical backgrounds. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including case studies, problem-based learning, lectures, group projects, labs, and community-based labs.
Clinical experience
Students have learning opportunities early in their studies at the Des Moines University Clinic, an on-campus clinic providing health care services to the community.
Technology
Technology is incorporated throughout the D.P.T. program. The University uses wireless technology for access to the network and the Internet. All incoming students receive laptops and iPod Touches.
Anatomy lab
The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.
Small class size
Class size is ideal for knowing your classmates well and at the same time benefitting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Anatomy lecture is taken with first-year D.O. and D.P.M. students.
Student clubs
There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom.
Accommodations in education policy
The University complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act and other laws relating to the accommodations of disabilities in its educational programming.
Click here to view a PDF of the Accommodations in Education Policy 
Questions?
If you have additional questions, contact the admission office at 515-271-7864 or ptadmit@dmu.edu.
