More 51漫画 the Program
This accredited 辫谤辞驳谤补尘'蝉听innovative听curriculum is built to听prepare students to be autonomous and contemporary interprofessional practitioners, respond to patient and societal needs, and be leaders within their profession and communities. We strive to promote the advancement of evidence-颅based physical therapy practice, with an emphasis on collaborating with local stakeholders to provide patient-centered initiatives that address the health-颅related challenges of the region.听
Our faculty听experts consistently demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and the advancement of contemporary expertise in the realms in which they teach. They听serve as leaders and role models for students, graduates, and colleagues within the University, Siouxland community, and profession, including, but not limited to, the realms of community service, professional service, interprofessional collaboration, and scholarly activity.
Program graduates听are prepared to practice physical therapy autonomously, provide health care services in underserved settings, and be leaders within their communities and profession.
| DPT Curriculum |
|
You can only learn so much inside a classroom, which is why our DPT听program focuses on hands-on clinical and service experiences. Working side-by-side with faculty and other professionals, you will encounter real-life situations that will prepare you to succeed in the听field.
Course Layout by Semester
| YEAR ONE: SUMMER |
9 Credit Hours |
| DPT 500: DPT Orientation |
0 |
| HSC 520: Behavioral Sciences for the Health Care Professional |
2 |
| HSC 501: Human Anatomy for the Health Care Professional |
7 |
| YEAR ONE: FALL |
17 Credit Hours |
| HSC 502: Human Physiology for the Health Care Professional |
3 |
| HSC 503: Human Neuroscience for the Health Care Professional |
3 |
| RHB 505: Normal Lifespan Development for the Rehabilitation Professional |
3 |
| RHB 506: Human Pathophysiology for the Rehabilitation听Professional |
3 |
| RHB 507: Pharmacology for the Rehabilitation听Professional |
3 |
| RHB 508: Human Medical Imaging for the Rehabilitation听Professional |
2 |
| YEAR ONE: SPRING |
16 Credit Hours |
| HSC 509: Human Kinesiology and Biomechanics for the Health Care Professional |
3 |
| HSC 521: Evidence-based Practice for the Health Care Professional |
2 |
| HSC 522: Teaching and Learning for the Health Care Professional |
1 |
| RHB 540: Foundational Rehabilitation Tests and Measures |
3 |
| RHB 541: Foundational Rehabilitation Interventions |
4 |
| RHB 560: Rehabilitation Scholarly Project |
1 |
| RHB 581: Laws and Reimbursement for the Rehabilitation Professional |
1 |
| DPT 520: Clinical and Community-Based Correlations for the DPT Professional I |
1 |
| YEAR TWO: SUMMER |
15 Credit Hours |
| HSC 640: Emergency Medical Responder |
2 |
| HSC 641: Prevention, Health Promotion, Fitness, and Wellness |
2 |
| HSC 620: Foundational Spanish for the Health Care Professional |
1 |
| DPT 600: Musculoskeletal Therapy for the DPT Professional |
8 |
| DPT 620: Clinical and Community-Based Correlations for the DPT Professional II |
2 |
| YEAR TWO: FALL |
18 Credit Hours |
| DPT 601: Neurorehabilitation for the DPT Professional |
8 |
| DPT 602: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for the DPT Professional |
4 |
| DPT 603: Integumentary Therapy for the DPT Professional |
2 |
| RHB 660: Rehabilitation Scholarly Project |
3 |
| DPT 622: Clinical and Community-Based Correlations for the DPT Professional III |
1 |
| YEAR TWO: SPRING |
18 Credit Hours |
| RHB 680: Rehabilitation Practice Management |
2 |
| DPT 640: Pediatric Rehabilitation for the DPT Professional |
2 |
| DPT 641: Geriatric Rehabilitation for the DPT Professional |
3 |
| DPT 642: Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Adaptive Equipment for the DPT Professional |
3 |
| RHB 643: Differential Diagnosis for the Rehabilitation Professional |
3 |
| DPT 644: Movement Analysis for the DPT Professional |
2 |
| DPT 623: Clinical and Community-Based Correlations for the DPT Professional IV |
3 |
| YEAR THREE: SUMMER |
11 Credit Hours |
| DPT 740: Sports Physical Therapy |
1 |
| DPT 741: Pelvic Health Physical Therapy |
1 |
| RHB 742: Advanced Pediatric Rehabilitation |
1 |
| DPT 743: Entry-Level Dry Needling in Physical Therapy Practice |
1 |
| RHB 744: Manual Therapy听Rehabilitation |
1 |
| RHB 745: Vestibular Rehabilitation |
1 |
| HSC 741: Health Science Service-Learning Experience |
1 |
| HSC 742: Health Science Independent Study |
1 |
| DPT 720: Clinical and Community-Based Correlations for the DPT Professional V |
1 |
| DPT 721: Clinical Education in Physical Therapy I |
8 |
|
HSC 743: Advanced Pain Management
|
1 |
| YEAR THREE: FALL |
16 Credit Hours |
| DPT 722: Clinical Education in Physical Therapy II |
8 |
| DPT 723: Clinical Education in Physical Therapy III |
8 |
| YEAR THREE: SPRING |
16 Credit Hours |
| DPT 724: Clinical Education in Physical Therapy IV |
8 |
| DPT 725: Clinical Education in Physical Therapy V |
8 |
| DPT 700: DPT Culmination |
0 |
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
136 |
听
|
| Student Outcomes |
听
Graduation听Rates
| GRADUATING CLASS |
RATE |
| 2024 |
100% |
| 2025 |
100% |
| 2 year average |
100% |
As of November 2025 per CAPTE calculation.
Employment听Rates
| GRADUATING CLASS |
RATE |
| 2023 |
100% |
| 2024 |
100% |
| 2 year average |
100% |
As of November 2025.Verified one year听post-graduation.
FSBPT Pass Rates
| 听 |
听2 -Year |
3-Year |
听5-Year |
听Overall History |
| 听 |
Classes of
2024 & 2025 |
Classes of
2023-2025 |
Classes of
2021-2025 |
Classes of
2018-2025 |
| Ultimate FSBPT Pass Rate |
听93.1% |
94.3% |
95.9% |
听94.4% |
| First Time FSBPT Pass Rate |
听75.9% |
79.3% |
听78.1% |
听77.3% |
As of November 2025.
|
| DPT Mission, Vision, and Values |
Our Mission
Within our Catholic Franciscan University, with a tradition of service, caring and openness to all, broad intellectual background with career development, and encouragement of growth in self-awareness and in one's relationship to others and to God, the mission of 51漫画's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is to pursue academic excellence in preparing the next generation of physical therapists to practice autonomously and respond to patient and societal needs of the region, including the underserved, by restoring, maintaining, and promoting optimal movement, activity participation, and wellness of clients. By challenging students to provide skilled, reflective, ethical, legal, compassionate, culturally competent, interprofessional, evidence-based, and patient-centered care, graduates will be prepared to be effective leaders and health care providers within their communities and the ever-changing health care听environment.
Our听Vision
The vision of the Department of Physical Therapy at 51漫画 is to be recognized regionally as an outstanding physical therapy education program that prepares students of all backgrounds to be leaders and effective health care providers within interprofessional teams, their profession, and underserved clinical and community-颅based听environments.
Our听Values
Consistent with 51漫画 and the profession of physical therapy, the DPT program is founded upon the core values of altruistic service, respect for others, cultural competence, and a relentless commitment to excellence. These values guide all program initiatives from course content to hiring practices to student admissions, and they ensure that the mission, goals, and outcomes of the program are achieved. An appreciation for the role of the program as part of a larger community will prepare graduates for making significant contributions to the communities in which they live and听serve.听
|
| Manuals & Policies |
DPT Student Handbook
A guide to the rights, responsibilities and policies for students enrolled in the Briar Cliff Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Learn More
Clinical Education Handbook
The clinical education student handbook serves as a supplement to other BCU Doctor of Physical Therapy and 51漫画 student handbooks.
Learn More
Students must demonstrate proof of immunization to participate in clinical education experiences. There are some clinical sites that will consider exemptions for some immunizations if the student is unvaccinated for religious or medical reasons. The DCE will work with students to submit exemptions as needed. Students should be aware that sites are not required to grant exemptions for immunizations. Students who do not have the required immunizations may have difficulty completing the clinical education curriculum requirements.
Briar Cliff Physical Therapy Clinic Handbook
This handbook serves as a supplement to other BCU Doctor of Physical Therapy and University student handbooks. 听It is to be utilized as a resource for DPT students and supervisory physical therapists who assist with the Briar Cliff Clinic
Learn More
Briar Cliff Clinic Emergency Action Plan
This handbook serves as a supplement听to the Briar Cliff Physical Therapy Clinic Handbook, as well as to other BCU Doctor of Physical Therapy and University student Handbooks. It is to be utilized as a resource for DPT students, faculty, and staff, as well as supervisory physical therapists, who assist with the Briar Cliff Clinic
Learn More
DPT FERPA Form
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives parents the right to have access to their children?s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (鈥渆ligible student鈥�). The law requires that you complete this form and submit it in order for a member of BCU physical therapy department to give a recommendation and/or provide any confidential information about your academic history with other听individuals.听
Download Form
Briar Cliff Student Handbook
A guide to student rights, responsibilities and services at 51漫画.
Learn More
University Academic Catalog
In the 51漫画 academic catalog, you'll find general university information, guidelines, majors, courses, academic requirements, etc. The catalog that pertains to you is based on the type of student you are and the year you enrolled at BCU.
Learn More
51漫画 Academic Advising Handbook
This handbook is intended to help BCU advisors and students succeed in achieving their academic goals. The handbook should provide a useful reference guide to university policies, procedures, and resources.
Learn More
Institutional Review Board
According to federal law, an听Institutional Review Board must approve proposed non-exempt research at the University before involvement of human subjects may begin.
Learn More
Grievances Outside of Due Process
Grievances made by individuals that fall outside of the due process, such as complaints from clinical education sites, employers of graduates, and the public, must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The written document should include circumstances of the grievance, specific concerns, and a possible remedy. The individual will be notified in writing of the Vice President for Academic Affairs? decision. Complaints, supporting documents, and a copy of the decision, will be maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Learn More
Grievances Within Due Process
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs (PT or PTA) that allege a program is not in compliance with one or more of听听or has violated any of CAPTE's expectations related to academic integrity.
Learn More
Public Safety Report
The safety and well-being of students, staff and faculty are primary considerations at 51漫画. We听must ensure all applicants have access to this information regarding campus听security.
Learn More
University Accreditation and Policies
Learn more about all university policies, including:听
Learn More
DPT COVID Vaccination Procedures
A guide to COVID vaccines and clinical site requirements.听
Learn More
|
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | Direct and Indirect Expenses |
|
The cost breakdown below outlines both the direct expenses Doctor of Physical Therapy students will receive from 51漫画 and the other estimated living expenses that students will need to budget for each year they are in school. The total tuition and fees costs will vary depending on the credit hours and the total number of indirect expenses will vary with lifestyle of each student. The chart below will help you estimate your investment and create your budget plan.
听Tuition1
|
Year 1
|
Year 2
|
Year 3
|
|
Cohort starting in 2025
|
$33,000 |
$33,000听 |
$33,000听 |
|
Cohorts starting in 2022-2024
|
$36,088 |
$36,088听 |
$36,088听 |
听Estimated Indirect Costs2
|
|
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment
|
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,700 |
|
Transportation
|
$0 |
$80 |
$6,000 |
|
Personal Expenses
|
$10,988 |
$10,988听 |
$10,988听 |
|
Loan Fee
|
$520 |
$520听 |
$520听 |
|
Off-Campus Living Expenses
|
$30,504 |
$30,504听 |
$30,504听 |
|
With Parent Living Expenses
|
$9,648 |
$9,648听 |
$9,648听 |
- Tuition rates are maintained throughout the three years of the DPT program for the cohort starting June 2025.
- Optional estimated indirect costs unique to student needs.听
The information provided is not a bill.听51漫画 reserves the right to modify the cost of attendance without prior听notice.听Tuition and fees听are re-assessed annually and are subject to change.听
Rates do not include graduation application fee or cap and gown charges. Those are assessed if, and only if, a student does graduate and are not bundled into semester charges. If a course adds a specific course fee, those fees are in addition to the above charges. Estimated expenses are not required expenses.听The听estimated personal expenses听includes Loan Fee Allowance and Personal Allowance. The Estimated Transportation & Travel includes health insurance, loan fees, immunizations, professional memberships, parking, clinical research travel and conference travel.听
|
DPT Application Process
Applications to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are handled through the . This application is unique to this program at 51漫画, and is utilized because it allows you to use one web-based application to apply to multiple physical therapy听programs. Once you have applied, the DPT admissions interview committee will utilize a rolling admissions process to review your application.听 The process for applicants being selected for interviews is competitive and based on the听applicant听pool, therefore applicants are encouraged to complete their application as early as possible.
Before you get started, be sure you meet all program requirements and prerequisites.听
| Application Requirements |
|
You will apply to 51漫画's Physical Therapy program through the . To be considered, you must meet the following requirements.听
- Evidence a bachelor's degree issued from a US-accredited institution will be completed prior to entry into the program.
- Strong Academic Performance 鈥� A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 is recommended. Matriculated students average an overall GPA and a prerequisite GPA of 3.5.
- Evidence of completion or planned completion of prerequisite coursework prior to entry into the program. No prerequisite grade lower than a C will be considered.
- 8 credits of Anatomy & Physiology (2 sequenced courses w/lab)
- 4 credits of Biology (1 course, not botany)
- 8 credits of Chemistry (2 sequenced courses w/ lab)
- 8 credits of Physics (2 sequenced courses w/ lab)
- 3 credits of Statistics (1 course)
- 6 credits of Psychology (2 courses. Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychology are recommended.)
- 2 Letters of Recommendations
- Licensed Physical Therapist
- Professor in Major
- 40 hours of observation/shadowing across multiple settings
Due to rolling admissions, applications are reviewed as they are received. After a review of your completed application, you may be contacted to participate in an invite-only interview process.
|
| Essential Functions |
|
This DPT program, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the expectation that physical therapy students must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, each of the听expected essential functions听in order to fully participate in and complete the graduation requirements for a Doctor of Physical Therapy听degree.
Learn More
|
| Course Prerequisites听 |
|
Students applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program should earn a baccalaureate-level degree by June 1 prior to entrance into this program.听Applicants are allowed to have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses left to be taken in the spring semester prior to entrance into the program.听
| COURSE SUBJECT |
LAB REQUIRED? |
CREDIT HOURS |
ACCEPTABLE COURSES |
|
Anatomy & Physiology
|
Yes
|
6
|
Anatomy
Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology: Combined
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Mammalian Anatomy & Physiology
Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology
|
|
Biology I
|
Yes
|
4
|
Biology: Cell
Biology: Embryology
Biology: General
Biology: General II
Biology: Genetics
Biology: Histology
Biology: Immunology
Biology: Microbiology
Biology: Molecular Biology
Biology: Zoology
|
|
Chemistry I
|
Yes
|
4
|
Chemistry I
Chemistry: Inorganic
Chemistry: Organic
|
|
Chemistry II
|
Yes
|
4
|
Chemistry II
Chemistry: Biochemistry
Chemistry: Inorganic
Chemistry: Organic
|
| Physics I |
Yes |
4 |
Physics I
Physics: General
|
| Physics II |
Yes |
4 |
Physics II |
| Psychology |
No |
6 |
Psychology: Abnormal
Psychology: Pathopsychology
Psychology: Developmenta
Psychology: Lifespan Development
Psychology: Growth & Development
|
| Statistics |
No |
3 |
|
| Acceptance Checklist |
|
If you are offered a position in the program and wish to accept, please complete the following steps to ensure you are ready to enroll.听听
1. Reserve Your Spot
Submit a $500, non-refundable deposit to听in our next cohort
2. Complete a criminal background check.
All students accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program must complete a background check through Certiphi Screening, Inc. This background check is a requirement of matriculation into the program and is at the expense of the student (cost is approximately $92). This check includes, but is not limited听to:
- A state background check
- A national background check
- The required Iowa Single Contact Repository or SING search. This search is required for all individuals providing health care services in the state of Iowa.
If the student has had a background check completed through听听within three months, the student may submit the same background check to 51漫画. It is at the discretion of 51漫画 to accept this background check. If 51漫画 does not accept this background check, or if background was not completed to the requirements of 51漫画, the student is required to complete the additional components at their own听cost.
When students begin their clinical education affiliations in our DPT program, they may be required to complete an additional background check with the most up-to-date information based on the clinical education site. This may be completed through Certiphi Screening, Inc as well, for an additional cost to the student. If the clinical education site requires a drug screen, this may also be completed through Certiphi Screening, Inc, if allowed by the clinical education site, at a cost of $29, accrued by the听student.听
3. Complete all required immunizations.听
Students entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are required to provide current proof of immunization prior to participating in any clinical education experience. No drug testing is currently required for enrollment at 51漫画, but students are responsible for obtaining any additional immunizations or drug testing that may be required at a clinical education site. Matriculating students will be provided a list of required immunizations after seat deposit. These immunizations must be valid through the duration of the student鈥檚 educational experience.
4. Prove active certification in听CPR/AED.
5. Submit Final Transcripts
Students must supply听an official transcript demonstrating听graduation from听an听accredited undergraduate institution & completion of all prerequisite听courses.听
|
听
The Department of Physical Therapy at 51漫画 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085.
Telephone:听703-706-3245
Email:听accreditation@apta.org
Website:听
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call听712-279-5280听or email听dpt@briarcliff.edu
According to the federal requirement of the Department of Education, Section 668.43(a)(5)(v), the Department of Physical Therapy program's curriculum meets all requirements for licensure in all states in the United States, including the District of Columbia
Recognition and Awards