The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine has received candidacy for accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program at LMU-Knoxville (9731 Cogdill Road) will welcome its inaugural class May 18, 2021.
“This is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work our faculty and staff have poured into developing this innovative program,” said associate professor and program director Dr. Kellee Harper-Hanigan.
“As we welcome our inaugural class, our students can feel confident that they are receiving the high-quality training that will prepare them to become qualified physical therapists to meet the health care needs of their communities.”
The DPT program is one of several graduate-level health professions programs to be added to LMU’s educational offerings. The full-time, 36-month program offers a thoughtfully organized curriculum designed to integrate traditional didactic educational content with contemporary clinical experiences that emphasize the importance of evidence-based and patient-centered care.
LMU offers three pathways of entry to the DPT program. Freshmen can enter the “3+3” or GPA (Guaranteed Professional Admission) program, an accelerated academic track that enables students to complete their bachelor’s degree and DPT degrees in six years, as opposed to the traditional seven years. Current LMU students and transfer students from other institutions may also enter the program after completing the prerequisite coursework.
For those who have already completed their bachelor’s degree, but want to pursue a DPT, they can do so without having to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Students at LMU-Knoxville have a unique opportunity for interprofessional education with other LMU health care professional programs including osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy and physician assistant programs. In addition, the state-of-the-art facilities include a human cadaver laboratory and multiple high-fidelity medical simulation learning spaces. Info here www.LMUnet.edu/dpt.
Summer Martin is director of marketing and public relations, LMU Health Sciences.