Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
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The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Indiana Wesleyan University prepares future physical therapists to provide exceptional patient care through evidence-based practice, hands-on clinical training, and compassionate leadership. As part of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, students are equipped to become confident clinicians who serve individuals and communities with skill, integrity, and empathy.
Rooted in IWU's mission of developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership, the DPT program emphasizes whole-person care and servant leadership through a Christ-centered approach to healthcare.
Median annual salary for Physical Therapy professionals in the United States*
$101,020 /yr.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics
As part of the DPT curriculum, students participate in an international service-learning opportunity that provides valuable, supervised, hands-on clinical experience while serving communities in need. All program-related travel costs are built into tuition.
IWU proudly offers our DPT program at an accelerated pace, allowing students to complete their degree and sit for national board exams up to six months earlier than peers at traditional programs.
Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities featuring an advanced anatomy lab, specialty-focused clinical labs for pediatric, neurological, and geriatric care, and cutting-edge technology — including Bertec systems — to enhance hands-on learning and clinical readiness.
By maintaining selective cohort sizes, our program fosters meaningful collaboration, individualized attention, and strong student-faculty relationships, giving students direct and consistent access to their advisor and program director throughout their academic journey.
Students are welcome to complete clinical experiences at sites across Indiana as well as throughout the United States, providing diverse hands-on training opportunities while building valuable professional connections and networking pathways for future career opportunities.
With highly competitive tuition rates and an exceptionally low cost of living, the program offers an affordable pathway to earning a DPT degree without compromising educational quality or clinical experience.
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program equips students with the clinical knowledge, hands-on experience, and critical thinking skills needed to become confident, evidence-based physical therapists.
Students are trained as movement specialists who assess and treat individuals across the lifespan while promoting injury prevention, wellness, and healthy living within their communities. Through rigorous coursework, immersive clinical experiences, meaningful community outreach, and collaborative learning opportunities, students develop the skills to provide compassionate, patient-centered care and lead effectively in today's evolving healthcare environment.
Rooted in a commitment to whole-person healing and professional excellence, the program prepares graduates to pursue a meaningful career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Graduates of the DPT program are prepared to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care as movement specialists. The curriculum develops skills to:
Our DPT faculty bring real-world clinical expertise and a passion for teaching to every course and clinical mentorship experience. Get to know the professors who will guide you through your doctoral journey.
Graduates of IWU's DPT program are prepared to step confidently into clinical practice, lead patient care teams, and serve their communities as skilled, compassionate physical therapists. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, clinical experience, and professional ethics, DPT graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact in a variety of healthcare settings.
The data applies to students experiencing the program between Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027.
Length of Program which includes all student instruction/interaction (including classroom, laboratory, exams, and clinical education). Include the total number of weeks where either full or partial attendance is required.
Length of Program in Weeks (excluding breaks): 120 weeks
Length of Program in Weeks (including breaks): 130 weeks
Does this program have a requirement for all students to complete at least one clinical education experience for which the students would be required to seek alternative housing or travel accommodations to attend: No
Note: Students are responsible for costs associated with housing, travel and food during clinical education.
*Note: These are costs experienced by students enrolled in the program between Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024. Annual costs are estimates and may be subject to increases. Students should contact the program for further information related to costs
*Note: Annual costs are estimates and may be subject to increases. Students should contact the program for further information related to costs.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Private Institution Student | $40,419 | $40,419 | $26,946 | $107,784 |
| Annual Institutional Fees for a Full-time Student (Includes general institutional fees, health insurance, recreation, etc.) |
$240 | $240 | $330 | $810 |
| Total Expected Cost of Other Program-related Expenses (Includes: required texts, laboratory fees, and other program costs for the entire technical program.) |
$2,160 | $1,015 | $785 | $3,960 |
| Total Cost of the Program (Includes: tuition, fees and other program costs for the entire program.) |
$42,819 | $41,674 | $28,061 | $112,554 |
*Note: Students are encouraged to explore the cost of living for areas where they may choose to live. One resource website is located at MIT.edu: livingwage.mit.edu
Does the institution offer financial assistance specific to DPT students? No
Does the program/institution offer scholarships specific to DPT students? No
Does the program offer graduate assistantships specific to DPT students? No
*Note: Other opportunities may exist at the institution for financial support. Please contact us for further information.
APTA student members are encouraged to visit the APTA Financial Solutions Center at https://www.apta.org/your-career/financial-solutions-center.
Outcome Data 2024/2025 (Accurate as of May 18, 2026)
| Year | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate | First-time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 90.9% | 100% | 68.4% | 89.5% |
| 2025 | 85.2% | Reporting in Progress | 61.1% | 89.5% |
| 2-year Average | 87.8% | Reporting in Progress | 64.9% | 89.5% |
Your future in physical therapy starts here. Take the next step toward a career built on skill, compassion, and purpose.
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