The Doctor of Physical Therapy from MBU

at Murphy Deming College of Health Science

Prepare to Become a Physical Therapist with MBU

Interested in helping others recover from injuries, illness, or chronic conditions that have impacted their strength, mobility, and quality of life? Prepare to become a licensed physical therapist with the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

With the MDCHS DPT program, you can build the knowledge and patient-centered clinical skills you need to pursue licensure as an entry-level PT in as few as 33 months. In addition to gaining real-world experience in a variety of healthcare settings, you’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with MBU faculty on research projects.

Why Earn Your Doctor of Physical Therapy at MBU?

The DPT at Mary Baldwin University blends clinical skills and professional development to equip you for lifelong patient care and advocacy as well as entry-level licensure. Benefits include:

Supportive cohort model: Study in small classes and progress through your program with the same group of students to foster a strong sense of community.
CAPTE-accredited curriculum: Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Experienced, board-certified faculty: MBU’s DPT program faculty bring expertise in many medical specialties to your classes, including neurology, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, sports, orthopedics, biomechanics, performing arts, and more.
Comprehensive career preparation: Progress from basic skills to medically complex care in supervised clinical experiences, including specialty rotations in areas that may include sports medicine, pelvic health, performing arts, pediatrics, and more.
A collaborative approach: MBU encourages interprofessional collaboration with classes that bring together students from a range of health professions to work together.
Experience beyond the clinic: Participate in service learning, advocacy activities, and research opportunities.

Curriculum Highlights

The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum prepares you for evidence-based, patient-centered care. Courses include:

• Kinesiology
• Clinical Imaging
• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal Management
• Psychosocial Aspects of Care
• Therapeutic Agents
• Health Promotion and Wellness

Preparation for Physical Therapy Careers

Our DPT graduates have a 100% job placement rate over the last three years. MBU’s curriculum prepares you for licensure that can lead to physical therapy roles in many settings, including:

Private or group practice
Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
Nursing and residential care facilities
Sports teams or collegiate athletics programs
Schools
Home health

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the DPT program apply via the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Admission requirements include the following

Admission requirements include the following:

A preferred overall GPA of 3.0.
GRE: You will need to request that your most current Graduate Education Examinations (GRE) score be sent to PTCAS. GRE must have been taken within five years of application to our program. The PTCAS GRE Code for Mary Baldwin University is 3866. There is no minimum GRE score needed to apply.
The PTCAS application form will require a brief personal essay.
Two references are required. At least one reference must be from a physical therapist. The online application will provide a form for you to send to your references.
PT Observation Hours: 40 hours are required in at least two different settings, such as hospital inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics, long-term care, etc. Instructions on how to provide this information can be found on the online application form.
Your official transcripts from your degree-granting institution must be sent to Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). If you are still taking prerequisite courses during the application cycle, please indicate these planned courses in your PTCAS application. Please note, however, that you will not be able to enroll in our program until your official transcript has been received verifying completion of these courses and that you have received a “C” or better.

Prerequisite Courses

Human or Vertebrate Anatomy* – 3-4 credit hours*. Lab recommended (Lab will be required beginning with the 2025-2026 application cycle)
Human or Vertebrate Physiology* – 3-4 credit hours*. Lab recommended (Lab will be required beginning with the 2025-2026 application cycle)
Biology – 3 credit hours. At least one course; Upper-level biology courses such as cell biology or histology are recommended but not required.
Chemistry – 8 credit hours. Must include labs
Physics – 8 credit hours. General physics, must include labs
Psychology – 6 credit hours. 1 intro and 1 upper or 2 upper-level psychology courses; Abnormal and developmental psychology are preferred.
Statistics – 3 credit hours. Can be from biology, mathematics, psychology, or business; NOTE: if a psychology course is used to meet this requirement, it cannot also be used for the psychology requirement. *Can be combined for A/P.

Additional requirements may apply. Please visit our main graduate admissions page for more information.

Ready to Find Out More About MBU’s DPT Program?

If you have questions, reach out to discuss your goals and explore how this program aligns with them. Our admissions team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

We’re excited about the opportunity to help you take the next step in your journey toward your Doctor of Physical Therapy.

*The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Mary Baldwin University/Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences 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; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 540-887-4046 or e-mail clturner@marybaldwin.edu.

The PT program accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the institution by SACSCOC.