Jennifer Mai, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Physical Therapy
Our lab-based courses allow students to interact with one another and learn in a ‘hands-on’ manner to reinforce ideas presented in lecture.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy includes the examination and treatment of individuals across the age continuum to improve movement, function, and participation.
Once you enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Clarke University, you will experience an incomparable, well-rounded education for students who want to graduate as exceptional physical therapy generalists. Clinical education is an essential part of your training as a physical therapist. The DPT program features a national network of clinical internships at some of the top clinics and medical centers in the country, along with access to service-learning experiences. We offer a program that is nationally recognized and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education through 2024.
CLINICAL PRACTICUM/PATIENT REFERRALS
Entrance Avenues
- High School Students –
Use this entrance avenue if you are a:
+ A current high school student
- 3+3 Options –
Use this entrance avenue if you are a:
+ A current Clarke undergraduate student
+ A current student at University of Northern Iowa (UNI), University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UWP), or Emmaus Bible College looking to enter the 3+3 program in the final year of your undergraduate studies.
- DPT –
Use this entrance avenue if you are a
+ A graduate student (who completed a baccalaureate degree or is about to graduate)
Application Deadline for DPT Graduate Program – November 2
NOTE – We have had some students reaching out regarding clinical hours. The admissions committee for the DPT program is aware that COVID-19 has negatively impacted the ability to get observation hours. We have been telling people to continue trying (periodically – don’t badger the clinics), but will not be holding the missing hours against you. In your essay, please note that your hours were limited due to clinic restrictions related to COVID-19. If clinics begin opening up and you have observation hours scheduled (but not yet completed), include that information as well.
Program Details
- 124 Credits
- Three years
- Medical school-grade cadaver lab
- 4:1 student to cadaver ratio for optimal learning
- Hands-on experiences begin in your second semester
- Faculty are all licensed, practicing physical therapists
- Inter-professional opportunities for collaboration and networking
- Class sizes limited to 33 guarantees you a one-on-one experience
- 36 weeks of clinical education experiences spread throughout the three-year program
- Financial aid is available
- For course descriptions and more information, please see the DPT Graduate Catalog and Handbook
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. You need to submit the graduate application form along with a series of other required documents.
Bradley Kruse, DPT/Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
I hope to foster a student’s desire to know; to help cultivate their intellectual curiosity. A continued desire to learn will impact our students and their future patients well after they have graduated.
Bill O'Dell, MBA/DHS
Professor of Physical Therapy
Baseball values a five-tool player. I encourage students to become an all-around therapist in the same way including memorization of science facts, critical thinking, developing clinical skills, communicating, and having a compassionate heart.
Alecia Thiele, DPT/DCE
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Clinical Education
I encourage individuals to critically think in order to be able to make informed, knowledgeable, free, and independent choices to solve problems and ethical dilemmas.
Britt Gosse, DPT
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy & Assistant Director of Clinical Education
My goal is to help students create a union between their traits as individuals and the knowledge, skills, and experiences they’ve gained in the classroom. We, as a program, provide environments and experiences for students to build a foundation as young professionals leading to competence and confidence in the clinic.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Sam Francois
Biology ‘15 Doctor of Physical Therapy‘17
The Physical Therapy program is extremely well rounded, preparing you for as much as possible in a world that is unpredictable.
Scott Schuessler
Human Health Sciences ’00, Master’s in Physical Therapy ’01, Doctorate in Physical Therapy ’06
Clarke taught me not only how to treat patients, but also how to run a business.
Rebekah Harvey
Doctor of Physical Therapy '19
Being a part of Clarke’s DPT program has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my life. Each day I become more and more in awe of the human body and the future potential I have as a therapist. My ultimate goal is to help people.
100
%
Job placement
Percent job placement rate Clarke physical therapy graduates have.
$86,850
The median annual wage for physical therapists in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
28
%
Job growth
Anticipated job growth is 28 percent from now to 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Accreditation
The Physical Therapy Department at Clarke University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 563-588-6382 or email graduate@clarke.edu.
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Experience Clarke Doctor of Physical Therapy for Yourself