The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum at The University of Iowa requires 2½ years post baccalaureate degree study and clinical experiences.
Based on the number of outstanding applicants, ~50 students are enrolled per year. New students begin in July each year and graduate in December 2½ years later.
Education is enhanced by close association with University of Iowa Health Care, one of the nation’s largest university-owned teaching hospitals. Students work closely with a faculty which includes expert clinicians and internationally renowned scientists.
Evidence-based practice is the curriculum’s focus. Our goal is to foster the development of problem solving and clinical reasoning skills of the students so they are ready to provide excellent patient care and assume the responsibilities and diverse roles and obligations of a professional physical therapist.
Our program consistently ranks among the top physical therapy programs in the United States. We are proud of the tradition of excellence that has been established here since the program’s inception in 1942.
During a clinical education experience, 2021 Iowa graduate Jack Moss provided care for critically-ill COVID patients in a challenging ICU environment. Read about his new understanding of interprofessional health care, the advantages of an Iowa DPT education, and the motivation he derives from his colleagues and patients.
Meet Lisa Becker-Schmall
Montana native Lisa Becker-Schmall is a 2020 Iowa DPT graduate who currently practices in Arizona. Hear from Lisa about why she chose Iowa, what life is like in Iowa City, and what she gained from a unique clinical education experience in fine arts physical therapy.
Meet Koleton Cochran
2020 graduate Koleton Cochran came to Iowa from out of state and immediately recognized a good "fit" for his educational goals. He shared some insights about the clinical preparation he received at Iowa and provided some wise advice for aspiring Physical Therapy students.
Outcomes
The following DPT student outcomes reflect students who have completed the DPT program in December 2022 and 2023 (2-year average):
100 %
Employment rate
100 %
Graduation rate
98.86 %
Licensure first time examination pass rate
100 %
Licensure ultimate examination pass rate
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Iowa is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 319-335-9791 or email physical-therapy@uiowa.edu.