UCCS will introduce a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the summer of 2024 as part of a recent partnership with CU Anschutz.
UCCS students will have the opportunity to earn a doctorate’s degree in about two and a half years after earning their bachelor’s.
According to Kevin Laudner, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, this program is designed to be taught in a hybrid format, meaning students will be learning in both in-person and online settings.
Students will have several weeks each semester to work in a lab, which includes working with cadavers and in clinical rotations.
According to Laudner, the students will take part in the program through cohorts. “Once we’re up and running, we’ll have three cohorts,” he said. “In total there will be 120 students, but we’ll have 40 just starting, 40 more in the middle of the program and 40 others finishing up.”
Laudner said students will have to meet a specific set of criteria to get into one of the 120 spots in the program. “They’re looking for well-rounded students, those who are good both in and out of class. There’s an essay section too, so it’s a huge commitment,” he said.
Within the entire state of Colorado, there are only two DPT programs. Laudner said that starting a DPT program at UCCS will help alleviate the shortage of doctors across the state.
The partnership between CU Anschutz and UCCS is the first within the CU system, and Laudner hopes that its success will set the groundwork for future partnerships.
Students who are looking to get involved with the DPT program should contact Jackie Berning at [email protected] for more information.
UCCS Hybl Center introduces new degree for student. Photo by Megan Moen.