Doctor of Physical Therapy (CUAA)

Mission Statement:

The Physical Therapy program at CUAA inspires a diverse student body for life-long service of patients in mind, body, and spirit grounded in evidence and best practices in rehabilitation and medicine.

Our Vision:

The Physical Therapy Program will be known as providing a program of study that blends learning methodologies to create a dynamic Interprofessional Patient-Centered Learning curriculum. This unique curriculum prepares graduates for a vocation as compassionate, confident, and active professional members of the healthcare team, who are capable of managing health and wellness together with the complex issues of disease.

Accreditation:

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Concordia University Ann Arbor is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE.  On December 1, 2022, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage.  Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status.  Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the [professional/technical] phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved.  Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

General Information:

The anticipated start for the physical therapy program at Concordia University Ann Arbor is Fall of 2023. The cohort size will be 28 students; the program is two and-a-half years (seven semesters) long and can be completed in less than twenty-eight months.  Upon successful graduation students will earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

This accelerated graduate face-to-face program consists of 105 semester credits which is spread over thirty didactic courses and three clinical experiences. Students will complete 1,280 hours of clinical education.  The curriculum incorporates interprofessional experiences, simulation activities and immersive, active learning activities to engage students in the rich professional content. This innovative curriculum utilizes Pass/No Credit grades. 

Outcomes:

  1. Our graduates demonstrate Christian values of care, compassion, respect, empathy and understanding, personal responsibility and trustworthiness in patient, peer, and colleague interactions.
  2. Our graduates serve as culturally competent professionals when engaging with patients, families, peers and colleagues, and within service roles in community and professional organizations.
  3. Our graduates will be prepared to provide high-quality, efficient, physical therapy services in a variety of settings through direct access or referral. 
  4. Our graduates will use clinical problem-solving skills to establish a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis, based on examination and evaluation of the patient, and carry out a safe and effective plan of care.
  5. Our graduates will demonstrate effective written, interpersonal, and professional communication in all interactions with patients, peers, and colleagues.
    • [interpersonal] Demonstrating appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with patients and families.
    • [written] Complete electronic documentation of the physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and outcomes
    • [professional] Communicate diagnostic results and clinical impressions with other practitioners as appropriate
  6. Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to select appropriate measures, collect accurate information, and analyze the results in order to determine the need for further physical therapy treatment.

Curriculum

DPT 5221Introduction to Professional Formation3
DPT 5431Foundations of Patient Management3
DPT 5551Foundational Science I: Anatomy and Palpation6
DPT 5331Health Literacy, Patient Education, and Prevention2
DPT 5432Patient Encounter4
DPT 5561Mobility Training2
DPT 7222PTs as Moral Agents and Influencers3
DPT 7445Musculoskeletal Lower Quarter I3
DPT 7562Exercise and Movement Science3
DPT 7552Foundation Science II: Pathophysiology2
DPT 7332Health, Disease and Society3
DPT 8446Musculoskeletal Lower Quarter II3
DPT 7563Treating Impairments of Body Structure/Function2
DPT 7800Clinical Education I4
DPT 7223PTs as Coach and Collaborators3
DPT 7333Healthcare Systems, Policy, Social Determinants3
DPT 7443Musculoskeletal Upper Quarter I3
DPT 7564Treating Activity Restrictions2
DPT 7444Musculoskeletal Upper Quarter II3
DPT 8572Participation in Life Roles & Sport2
DPT 8451Cardiovasular and Pulmonary I3
DPT 8453Integumentary, Lymphatic, and Post Amputation4
DPT 8573Rehab and Cancer2
DPT 8224Leadership of Self, Teams, and Organizations3
DPT 8452Cardiovascular and Pulmonary II3
DPT 8574Progression of Care3
DPT 8880Clinical Education II4
DPT 8334Community Needs Assessment and Program Planning3
DPT 8462Neuromuscular I4
DPT 8575Managing Complex Patients2
DPT 8225Leadership in Practice Management3
DPT 8463Neuromuscular II4
DPT 8890Clinical Experience III8
Total Hours105

Program Admission:

The anticipated start for the physical therapy program at Concordia University Ann Arbor is Fall of 2023. Applications for the inaugural cohort are expected to be available in July of 2022; we anticipate three types of applicants:

  1. CUAA BSRS applicants who meet the criteria for direct admission (see BSRS-PT track).
  2. CUAA BSRS applicants who do not meet the criteria for direct admission; however, meet the criteria for general admission (see below).
  3. Post-baccalaureate students who meet the criteria for general admission.

All applicants utilize the Physical Therapy Central Application Service (PTCAS). All qualified applicants will be considered for an interview. The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee is responsible for the review and recommendation of qualified applicants for admission to the Physical Therapy program. Applications are reviewed in the year prior to planned matriculation. The admission cycle opens in July and closes in October of the year prior to admission.

Five of the seven prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application.

  • Earned Bachelor degree from an accredited four-year higher education institution
  • 3.2 Cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the earned degree.
  • 3.2 Science GPA for all prerequisite courses
  • 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
  • 8 credits of General Chemistry I and II with labs
  • 8 credits of College Physics I and II with labs
  • 4 credits of Statistics

All students applying for admission to the program must submit through PTCAS:

  • All official transcripts from previously attended universities*
  • Three letters of reference (one from a college instructor, one from a physical therapist, and one additional from a reference that can address specifics about the applicant)
  • A personal statement that speaks to your desire to pursue your education in physical therapy as well as your personal story so we can learn more about you beyond your academic and test score achievements
  • Documentation of completion of 20 hours of Physical Therapy observation and 20 hours of service work with an underserved/underrepresented population (the identified hours must be completed at time of application)**
  • Completion of all program specific application questions and requested materials.

*Students with international transcripts must have them evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation service, and the official scores must be submitted directly from the evaluation service to PTCAS.

**Applicants with additional experience beyond 40 hours will not be granted preferential consideration.