Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is for individuals passionate about helping others achieve optimal movement, function, and quality of life through expert care.
Program Overview
To meet the healthcare needs of Kentucky and beyond, our program emphasizes person-centered care and clinical excellence across two unified campuses: one in Lexington, Kentucky and one at the Center of Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard, Kentucky.
Enrolled students will discover a supportive environment where inquiry, belonging, and professional growth are at the heart of the program. Students benefit from a comprehensive, research-informed education enriched by hands-on clinical experiences and meaningful community engagement, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Graduates are skilled clinicians, educators, advocates, and critical thinkers committed to improving health outcomes and advancing the profession.
Read more about the DPT program faculty, the curriculum, and our application and admission criteria on the DPT program webpage.
Our Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kentucky 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: www.capteonline.org. In order to take the licensure exam, you must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
Program Specific Requirements
The Physical Therapy Centralized Application Services (PTCAS) opens the application cycle on July 1st of each year. Finalized applications for admittance into our program are due the first of October. Importantly, the University of Kentucky’s DPT Supplemental Application is always due on the same date as the PTCAS application. Applicants should review the application instruction on the DPT admissions page.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
You can view a year-by-year curriculum outline on the UK Physical Therapy website.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
98%
5-year average
9th
U.S. News & World Report
21st
U.S. News & World Report
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Expand Your Learning
The DPT program embeds clinical education into the program curriculum. During a clinical experience, a student will be assigned to a facility and work with one or more clinical instructors to apply concepts and skills from classroom and laboratory to patient/client situations. Read more about Clinical Education on the DPT program page.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
