Department of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy Description 

The Department of Physical Therapy offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy* (DPT) degree. The program is a 3-year, 9-semester full-time, graduate program that will prepare graduates to be competent and compassionate licensed physical therapists working toward optimizing health and physical function across South Texas and beyond. Students will engage in didactic and hands-on experiences to develop the knowledge and skills to master the evaluation and treatment of people impacted by injury and disease across the spectrum of physical therapy practice including those with musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and multisystem disorders. Under the guidance and mentorship of expert faculty, students will work individually and collectively to develop and hone their evaluative skills, clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and application of evidence-based practice to practice in a complex and dynamic healthcare system. 

Students will master clinical excellence through the development of original research projects, interprofessional collaboration, and multiple hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates will enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge to practice in clinical, research, and academic environments and rapidly become leaders in the profession as clinicians, scientists, and advocates. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) coursework is based on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Standards for an entry-level doctoral program.