Doctor of Physical Therapy
Transform Movement. Transform Lives.
Elevate Your Physical Therapy Expertise
In the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, you’ll gain the skills to help patients of all ages move better, feel stronger and live healthier through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.
Led by expert faculty, our program connects you with clinical partnerships and community-based experiences that bring classroom knowledge to life. Our state-of-the-art West Des Moines campus offers cutting-edge labs and diagnostic technology, giving you the tools to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field.
With all this support, you’ll be fully prepared to gain licensure through the National Physical Therapy Examination and ready to join the ranks of our consistently high pass rates.
29 Months
Program Length
$39,682
First-Year Tuition
Year 2: $47,622 — Year 3: $31,752
13 : 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
400+
Clinical Partner Sites Nationwide
Am I on Track for the DPT Program?
A Quick Check. You Might Be More Prepared Than You Think.
Undergraduate Degree
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. is required.
GPA
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is recommended.
Prerequisite Courses
All prerequisite coursework must be completed before matriculation.
Observation Hours
Applicants are required to observe physical therapists at work for at least 25 hours.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters are required to apply, with at least one from an academic advisor or professor.
Application
Submit your application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Applications open each June for the following year’s August start.
Why DMU?
DMU’s accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares you to advance health and quality of life through the science of human movement. A blended, evidence-based curriculum prepares graduates for professional practice.
Immersive Hands-On Learning
From day one, you’ll gain practical experience through integrated clinical education and early full-time clinical placements that complement your classroom learning.
Expert Faculty Mentorship
Build meaningful relationships with well-connected instructors who open doors to transformative opportunities, in the classroom and the clinic.
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
Train with virtual anatomy tools, high-fidelity simulation equipment and movement analysis technology that mirror real-world clinical environments.
Research That Makes a Difference
Curious about the “why” behind the work? DMU offers a research elective course, where you’ll collaborate with faculty on meaningful projects.
Put Your Education To Work From Day One
When you choose to earn your DPT at Des Moines University, you’ll experience an integrated clinical education model that ensures your classroom learning is immediately reinforced with real-world experience.
Throughout our 29-month program, you’ll complete three full-time clinical education experiences designed to deepen your understanding of the field and expand your impact. Four short-term integrated clinical experiences are also embedded in the DPT curriculum.
- Gain real-world experience working with patients in clinical and athletic settings at Des Moines University Clinic’s two locations.
- Experience early exposure to diverse populations and treatment settings.
- Access 400+ clinical partner sites nationwide for placements aligned with your interests — from sports medicine and pediatrics to orthopedics, acute care and beyond.
- Engage in community outreach through events like Back-to-School Physicals, the 50 and Better Health Fair and the IMT Des Moines Marathon.
What You’ll Learn
At our West Des Moines campus, you’ll train in a collaborative, technology-enhanced environment that prepares you to deliver holistic physical therapy services, with a strong emphasis on manual therapy rooted in movement science.
Our curriculum focuses on developing manual skills for patient evaluation and treatment, giving you the precision and confidence to provide personalized care that improves mobility and function.
You’ll also benefit from interprofessional learning experiences, working alongside students from other health care disciplines to build a deeper understanding of whole-person care.
Quick Facts: Curriculum and Courses
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Built for Current Clinical Practice
Curriculum aligned with APTA’s vision of movement specialists
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Hands-On Training
Train in state-of-the-art research laboratories
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Early Clinical Integration
Progress through integrated short- and full-time clinical education
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Interprofessional Learning
Learn alongside students from other DMU health professions programs and partner institutions
“In the DPT program, our culture of support and excellence helps students become thoughtful leaders and advocates for patient care. We’re invested in the growth of every learner and collaborate with our health care partners to reflect the changing needs of the profession.
The sense of community, professionalism and drive you will find at DMU is truly special.”
Julie Ronnebaum, PT, DPT, PhD, FNAP, GCS Emeritus
Chair and Program Director of DMU’s PT Program
Where Will Your DPT Take You?
Ready. Set. Go.
As a DPT student at Des Moines University, you’ll graduate prepared to apply movement science to improve lives and restore independence across diverse care settings.
Physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $99,710* and work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, outpatient and sports clinics, home health and schools, and work rehabilitation and wellness programs. Some graduates choose to further specialize through residency training in areas such as sports rehabilitation, orthopedics, geriatrics and pediatrics.
Learn here. Succeed everywhere.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Quick Facts: Graduate Outcomes
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99% Graduation Rate
Strong completion and student support
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High Licensure Pass Rate
Preparation for professional practice
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100% Employment Rate
DMU graduates are in high demand
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Extensive Clinical Partnerships
Connections that support learning and career pathways
Labs That Power Your Learning
As a DPT student at DMU, you’ll train in cutting-edge labs designed to bridge theory and practice, giving you the tools to master human movement and deliver impactful care.
Anatomy Lab
Learn from a team of expert anatomists through live, interactive online lectures and guided prosected lab activities using the Visible Body 3D Courseware.
Human Performance Lab
Step into one of the region’s most advanced motion analysis labs where you’ll assess and treat movement deficits, helping you understand the interplay between muscles, joints and nerves.
Human Simulation Lab
Practice in 16 outpatient clinical exam rooms and four critical care exam rooms that simulate real-world conditions.
Motor Control Laboratory
Use cutting-edge tools to analyze motion and tackle challenges like balance issues, gait disorders and movement dysfunction.
Portable 3D Motion Capture Laboratory
The DMU Clinic houses the Des Moines metro’s only portable 3D motion‑capture system, giving you hands‑on access to advanced technology for analyzing human movement in real‑world settings.
Feel the Connection
When you’re not in class, training in the field or studying for exams, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved on campus and beyond.
- Join one of 50+ student clubs and organizations to connect with peers and build community.
- Get involved with the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs to practice patient-centered care with cultural humility and learn to lead with empathy.
- Explore everything the Greater Des Moines community has to offer, from cultural events to outdoor activities and local favorites.
Connect With the DPT Program
The Stories That Define DMU
DMU Professor and Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious APTA Outstanding Research Award
DMU professor and physical therapist Shane McClinton, PT, DPT’07, PhD, earned the American Physical Therapy Association’s 2026 Outstanding Research Award.
Become Who You’re Meant to Be
Earn your DPT from DMU and step into your career with confidence and purpose.