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DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Transform Lives Through Improved Physical and Emotional Well-Being

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Manchester University empowers compassionate and skilled professionals to become dedicated champions in the health care profession. Embodying both empathy and healing, our DPT Program prepares physical therapists to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of diverse populations.

Our carefully crafted physical therapy degree program equips you to navigate the challenges of modern health care. This includes a blend of intensive physical therapy courses and hands-on clinical experiences. As a DPT graduate, you’ll possess the expertise to address a wide range of conditions, employing exercises, hands-on therapies and patient education to help individuals lead active, pain-free lives.

Throughout your physical therapy training, you’ll learn from expert faculty mentors who cultivate the skills needed for evaluating, diagnosing and effectively treating a diverse array of conditions. Collaborative research projects with faculty further enhance your learning. This focus on research not only refines your skills but also underscores the significance of evidence-based practices in your professional journey.

Moreover, as a student in our physical therapy degree program, you’ll join the American Physical Therapy Association in your first year. This provides a gateway to participation in professional and scientific meetings, along with networking opportunities within the professional community.

MU DPT AT A GLANCE

  • Credits: 106
  • Years to Completion: 2.5
  • Tuition: Learn more
  • Learning Environment: Manchester University Fort Wayne
  • Candidate for Accreditation Status: Learn more
106

Credits

2.5

Years

Tuition

Learn more

Fall Session

August 2025

Learning Environment

Manchester University Fort Wayne

Accreditation Status

Learn more

Why Choose Manchester’s Physical Therapy Degree Program?

Manchester University stands out as the ideal destination for pursuing your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. With a reputation for excellence in health sciences and a foundation in the liberal arts, we produce well-rounded health care professionals ready to offer ethical, evidence-based and compassionate care to diverse individuals and communities.

Our physical therapy degree program is built on a strong set of values that include a deep commitment to integrity, respect for the infinite worth of every individual, and a goal to serve for the betterment of others. Through patient-focused physical therapy training, you’ll be well-equipped as a highly skilled and caring health care professional with a sense of accountability toward the community and empathy for others.

Earn your degree in less time

While most DPT Programs require nine semesters (36 months), Manchester’s physical therapy degree program is strategically designed to be completed in eight semesters (30 months). With one less semester, you’ll save on tuition costs and join the workforce sooner.

Hone your skills in our state-of-the-art labs

Our DPT Program’s labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for advanced physical therapy education and practice. You’ll cultivate essential skills and knowledge through experiential learning opportunities by utilizing our innovative Anatomage® technology, which allows you to examine a 3-D virtual cadaver.

Meet the professors

Discover Manchester University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

" One of the visions we had initially for this program was: let's condense the curriculum. We're able to graduate in 2.5 years. "
Ed Ball, PT. DPT
Director of Clinical Education of Physical Therapy

What Can You Do with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree?

A Doctor of Physical Therapy from Manchester University opens the door to a world of diverse and impactful opportunities in the dynamic field of physical therapy. With an emphasis on hands-on experience and comprehensive physical therapy training, our program equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in various practice settings, specialties and career tracks.

Whether you’re inspired by patient interaction, research exploration or teaching the next generation of therapists, our physical therapy degree program is your passport to a fulfilling and multifaceted career. You’ll have the opportunity to take on a variety of specialized roles to align your career with your personal interests and strengths.

Career opportunities for physical therapists

Outpatient Facilities: Play a pivotal role in rehabilitation, injury prevention and enhancing physical function at private clinics or outpatient centers.
Inpatient Care: Contribute to patient recovery within hospitals, providing crucial rehabilitation services following surgeries or serious illnesses.
Sports Rehabilitation: Aid athletes in their journey to recover from injuries and optimize their performance within sports-specific settings.
Pediatrics: Specialize in treating children with developmental disorders, injuries or congenital conditions, promoting their physical development and well-being.
Geriatrics: Focus on enhancing mobility and quality of life for elderly patients in various health care settings, ensuring their independence and comfort.
Neurological Rehabilitation: Assist patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders in restoring movement and function.
Academic and Research Positions:  Pursue roles in academia and research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within the field of physical therapy.
Telehealth Services:  Embrace the growing trend of remote health care delivery, providing virtual consultations and guidance to patients from a distance.
Private Practice: Establish your own physical therapy practice, giving you the autonomy to manage patient care on your terms while making a significant impact on their lives.

Career outlook for DPT Program graduates

Physical therapy is an exciting health care profession with a very promising outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy is a fast-growing profession nationally, with a 15 percent job growth expected by 2032—which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Physical therapists also have the potential to earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of around $95,620, according to BLS data.

The demand for physical therapists is driven by several factors, including the increasing number of aging baby boomers who are maintaining active lifestyles well into their later years. This demographic trend leads to a higher incidence of heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related injuries that necessitate physical therapy for effective rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity has risen significantly. As a result, there is a growing need for physical therapists to assist these patients in preserving their mobility and managing the impact of chronic health issues. This demand underscores the essential role that physical therapists play in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing various health challenges.

At MU Fort Wayne, students enjoy dedicated class ratios that give them individualized access to instructors in the classroom and lab.
$95,620
+15 %
37,300
 Median Pay Job OutlookEmployment Change 2022-32 

Explore Our Doctor of Physical Therapy Courses

Our comprehensive physical therapy courses ensure you receive a well-rounded education in physical therapy. You’ll engage in immersive, hands-on courses designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. In addition to physical therapy courses, you’ll collaborate on and conduct faculty-supervised research, presenting and publishing your findings.

Notable physical therapy courses at Manchester include:

  • Management of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems Disorders: Learn to manage patients with inherited, congenital and acquired cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders such as heart abnormalities, cardiomyopathy and pulmonary diseases.
  • Management of Neurological Disorders: With our Doctor of Physical Therapy, you’ll explore pathophysiology, diagnostics and medical/surgical management of common neurological disorders like stroke and traumatic brain injury.
  • Professional Development and Leadership: Our DPT Program features multiple courses that cultivate essential skills and values for becoming an effective and culturally competent physical therapist. These cover a broad range of essential topics, including core values of the PT profession, effective communication, situational leadership, ethical decision-making, and health equity.
  • View our full Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum.

DPT Program Accreditation Status

Effective 10/31/23, 11/12/24 Manchester University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 260-470-2700 or email gradadmissions@manchester.edu. 

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

Reporting an Accreditation-related Complaint with CAPTE

Anyone, including Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students and their parents or legal guardians, can file a formal complaint against the Manchester University DPT Program using the CAPTE website if they feel the program is non-compliant or violating accreditation standards, required elements, policies, or procedures

Get Started on Your Doctor of Physical Therapy

Manchester’s Doctor of Physical Therapy will equip you as a highly skilled and caring professional with an appreciation for the greater good and the knowledge and experience to ensure positive patient, family and community health outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants who submit their PTCAS application will be considered for an interview. Admission decisions are made less than two weeks after each interview day.

Learn more about our admissions requirements, which include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • Prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology and more
  • Application materials, including references and an essay


Application Process

Our program starts in the summer of 2024. If you’re interested in joining our DPT Program, you’ll need to apply through the PTCAS common application system:

  • PTCAS application opens: Anticipated November 2023
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2024
  • Orientation and class begins: May 20, 2024
Be sure to check our website for application deadlines and more details about the application process.


Apply or Request More Information

Manchester’s DPT Program will equip you as a highly skilled and caring physical therapist with an appreciation for the greater good and the knowledge and experience to ensure positive patient, family and community health outcomes.

If you’re interested in joining our DPT Program, we encourage you to apply today or request more information.

Manchester University’s Non-Discrimination Admission Policy

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.