Are you seeking a career in one of the most rewarding and dynamic healthcare professions? Look no further than Walsh University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program – your gateway to becoming a pioneer in one of the nation's most sought-after and rapidly growing healthcare professions.
As a Walsh DPT student, you'll be at the forefront of a dynamic field that empowers you to make a profound impact on people's lives. Physical therapists are integral to the holistic care of patients, addressing movement disorders, promoting preventative measures, and minimizing disabilities across various age groups and healthcare settings.
Walsh University’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy program combines rigorous training in clinical expertise with a steadfast commitment to leadership and service. Our goal is to develop compassionate physical therapy professionals who are dedicated to expanding access to high-quality care in their communities.
As a student in our program, you will:
Our curriculum emphasizes:
Upon completing our comprehensive academic and hands-on clinical training, you'll be fully prepared to tackle the licensure exam required for practice in all 50 states, Washington D.C (District of Columbia), Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. Students can also explore the FSBPT State Licensure resource page for additional information.
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey that will open doors to a fulfilling profession, where you'll make a real difference in people's lives by helping them regain mobility, strength, and independence.
Join us at Walsh University to become a catalyst for change—expanding access to transformative physical therapy for all and be a part of the next generation of physical therapy professionals!
Did you know Walsh University DPT students graduate on average with 30% less debt than peer institutions?*
Learn more about your educational investment (Financial fact sheet PDF)
*Based on averages from the APTA June 2020 Debt Impact Report.
The Physical Therapy Program at Walsh University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
On November 1, 2000 the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) granted Accreditation to the physical therapist educational program at Walsh University. Based on Walsh's 2015 Self-Study, CAPTE reaffirmed accreditation of our physical therapy program through 2026, with commendation.
Accreditation affects the physical therapy graduate's ability to practice. All individuals applying for licensure in all 50 states, the territory of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia must graduate from an accredited program to sit for the licensing examination.
Graduation rate:
91.4% of students who entered our program graduated in 2022 and 2023
Licensure rate:
100% of graduates from the DPT Classes of 2022 and 2023 passed the National Physical Therapist Examination; 90.6% passed on their first attempt.
Employment rate:
100% of graduates who sought employment from the DPT Classes of 2022 and 2023 are employed 12 months after graduating.
There are several PT schools in Ohio, but Walsh University's DPT program offers a unique experience by blending Christian values with a sophisticated, comprehensive curriculum.
As a Catholic university, Walsh promotes service learning and models the teachings of Jesus Christ, fostering an environment welcoming to all faiths and backgrounds.
With smaller class sizes and dedicated faculty actively involved in the profession, Walsh provides the ideal setting to prepare exceptional physical therapists.
The DPT program embeds service learning through two primary courses where students design and implement a Community Health Program for underserved populations. Third-year students mentor first-years in this initiative, creating a positive feedback cycle.
Our students also self-select a variety of service experiences to meet student learning outcome requirements. Organizations where service experiences are completed include: GiGi’s playhouse, food pantries, Special Olympics, and APTA Physical Therapy Moves Me Campaign, to name a few. Student physical therapists have the opportunity to serve others in any capacity that advances their ethical growth as individuals and professionals.
We honor excellence each year through a Professional Service award to a graduating student.
Student physical therapists complete four clinical rotations across diverse practice settings, emphasizing the body systems covered in academic coursework rather than just the clinical setting type. These experiences encompass the full scope of patient management, interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, administration, and supervision.
Our students training spans from major health systems to smaller private practices, in K-12 school systems alongside teachers, occupational and speech therapists and in rehab and skilled nursing centers, learning compassionate care to all those in need.
At Walsh, students are able to make requests, where we strive to align special interest with program requirements. Terminal experience special requests have included experiences in major league sports (baseball), researchers in clinical labs, and specialty training sites such as in pelvic health or manual therapy care. We cannot guarantee special requests will be granted; however, our process permits a dialogue to discover what could be possible.
We honor excellence each year through a Clinical Excellence award to a graduating student.
Faculty and students collaborate on an original capstone project that integrates research skills and development of professional or community projects that are disseminated beyond the classroom.
Walsh DPT students have achieved notable success in disseminating their projects through textbook chapters, journal publications, local, regional and national conference presentations, quality improvement projects presented to rehab managers and educational sessions delivered to parents and students in local K-12 schools. Our evidence-based practice faculty coordinator guides students through a series of courses and matches students with faculty members for the completion of the project.
We honor excellence each year through a Research Award to a graduating student.
Despite being a smaller university, Walsh ensures an education rivaling larger programs through a skilled faculty comprising recognized scholars, professional association leaders, board-certified specialists, and specialty-trained professionals. Outside experts supplement instruction when beneficial to complement core faculty. Our program focuses on teaching first. Our service and scholarship complement our teaching.
Student have access to all University services, including counseling, accessibility services, the library and financial aid services.
You do not need your degree in hand for us to interview you or make an offer of acceptance. However, you must have completed your degree and all pre-requisite coursework prior to the start of graduate program courses. The only exception is for Walsh undergraduate students who are enrolled in the Early Assurance program.
Both overall and pre-requisite mean GPAs and mean GRE scores vary from year to year. The past five classes that have matriculated had a mean overall GPA of 3.66, a mean pre-requisite GPA of 3.52, and a mean verbal GRE score of 151, a quantitative GRE score of 151 and an analytical writing scaled score of 4.0.
Our program averages over 180 applicants to fill a class of 34 students.
Yes, you will need to submit a new application. The PTCAS system only keeps a one year cycle of admissions information. We would appreciate a written notification of your desire to be considered for the following year as well as what you plan to do to optimize your application.
View prerequisite course descriptions. We will also consider pre-requisites on a case-by-case basis. To have a pre-requisite evaluated for appropriate content, you must submit your request in writing to Graduate Admission Office and include both a course description and syllabus.
We encourage prospective students to pursue a major in any discipline that interests them as long as the student can complete the pre-requisite courses for the physical therapy program. Some majors, however, allow students to complete the pre-requisites while at the same time working toward a Bachelor's degree. The most common examples of majors that meet this description include biology, kinesiology, exercise science, and psychology.
At Walsh University, we believe that higher education should be made available to all who seek it. Our friendly, caring staff is here to help you understand the breakdown of tuition and fees and navigate the financial aid process. Please contact us at 330.490.7367 with any questions.
Graduate assistant positions are available on campus for DPT students to apply. Two, 10 hour a week positions are dedicated for work in the PT program during the first year of the program.
