Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy, a part of UMMC's School of Health Related Professions, offers a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) as well as four residency programs. At UMMC, DPT students have the unique educational advantages afforded by being a part of Mississippi's only academic medical center.

Students entering UMMC's physical therapy doctoral degree program are required to have at least 90 hours of undergraduate coursework. Once admitted to the program, they attend classes and clinical experiences full-time for a curriculum that spans three years. One-year residency programs in neurologic physical therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and sports physical therapy are available on a competitive basis for those already licensed as physical therapists. Sixty-three percent of applicants accepted to the UMMC residency programs have been graduates of the UMMC DPT program.

As a physical therapist, graduates will examine, designs, implements and modifies therapeutic interventions for persons of all age groups in order to promote health and wellness, enhance or maintain endurance, muscle strength and mobility, and treat pain, movement dysfunction or disability due to disease, injury, loss of a body part or congenital abnormality. The physical therapist helps individuals reduce injury risk and overcome movement dysfunction through exercise, education, assistive devices and manual techniques. 

For the community and individuals, the therapist provides health promotion and prevention consultation, assesses the living environment and recommends adaptations to eliminate functional barriers. Psychological, sociological and economic factors must be considered when interacting with clients/patients and community groups.

The physical therapy profession offers opportunities for advancement in the areas of education, clinical specialization, management, performing arts, professional sports consultation and research.

Employment opportunities exist wherever health care services are required, including hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, industry, research centers, nursing homes, community centers, wellness centers, clinics and school settings. 

About our programs

Doctoral degree

This entry-level professional program takes 36 months to complete. Students attend class full-time beginning in the summer session each year. There is a strong clinical component to the curriculum in this program.

Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Mississippi and are eligible to apply to take the examination for licensure to practice as a physical therapist in all 50 states.

• Learn more about this program.
• Accreditation and program outcomes
• Cost to Attend

Residencies

This program offers one-year residencies in neurologic physical therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy and sports physical therapy for licensed physical therapists. 

Important dates

• Mid-June - Online DPT application process opens
• October 1 - Deadline for DPT application and supporting documents
• November - February - Residency applications accepted

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