The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum at Marquette University is designed to cultivate both personal and professional growth. Grounded in a strong foundation of humanities and sciences, our program challenges students to develop not only their intellect but also their character.

Key Features of Marquette University's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program:

• Ranked 20th/ out of 245 DPT programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, 2024. 
• Earn two degrees in just six years, streamlining your path to success with our Early Assurance admissions process.
• Select from a wide range of undergraduate majors, tailoring your education to your interests.
• Focus on specialized areas of interests within the physical therapy curriculum, gaining expertise that sets you apart.
• Dual credential opportunities through our Exercise Physiology Major and Master of Athletic Training Program, enhancing your marketability in the healthcare field.
• Learn from our distinguished faculty, recognized for their leadership and expertise.
• A program that fosters cultural diversity, preparing students for an inclusive, patient-centered practice.
• Access to over 1,200 clinical education sites nationwide, providing a diverse range of hands-on learning opportunities and connections within the field.
  

   

  EXPECTED GLOBAL STUDENT OUTCOMES

  One of the defining characteristics of a Marquette education is the focus on cura personalis – care of the whole person. In that vein, we expect that Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will embody that characteristic. Graduates of the Physical Therapy program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the skills necessary to practice autonomously within a direct access environment in essential practice areas as defined by the Guide for Physical Therapist Practice.
  2. Use testing and differential diagnosis to screen individuals in order to determine appropriateness for physical therapy services, and/or to determine the need for referral to other health professionals.
  3. Apply evidence based decision making in planning patient care.
  4. Address social determinants of health within the plan of care.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduation Rates

Year of Graduation	Number of Students Enrolled	Graduation Rate	Recent 2-Year Average
2018	53	92.3%	96% (Class of 2017 & 2018)
2019	54	82%	88% (Class of 2018 & 2019)
2020	69	98.5%	91% (Class of 2019 & 2020)
2021	67	98%	96.25% (Class of 2020 & 2021)
2022	69	89%	93.5% (Class of 2021 & 2022)
2023	73	97%	93% (Class of 2022 & 2023)
2024	72	96%	94.5% (Class of 2023 & 2024)

National Board Examination Pass Rates

National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rates are reported by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Year of Graduation	Number of Graduates	Graduates Who Passed NPTE on First Attempt	First Attempt Pass (2-Year Average)	Overall Pass Rate on NPTE (%)
2018	53	100%	100% (2017 & 2018)	100%
2019	54	96.7%	98.4% (2018 & 2019)	100%
2020	65	96.8%	96.8% (2019 & 2020)	100%
2021	67	92.5%	94.7% (2020 & 2021)	100%
2022	59	86.4%	89.5% (2021 & 2022)	98% as of 2/24
2023	64	87.1%	86.8% (2022 & 2023)	100%
2024	69	91.3%	89.2% (2023 & 2024)	97.1% as of 8/24

Employment Rates

Graduation Year	Number of Graduates	Number of Graduates Who Sought Employment, Employed Within 1 Year of Passing the NPTE	Number of Graduates Who Sought Employment, Employed Within 1 Year of Passing the NPTE (2-Year Average)	Employment Rate for All Graduates (%)
2018	53	53	100% (2017 & 2018)	100%
2019	54	54	100% (2018 & 2019)	100%
2020	65	65	100% (2019 & 2020)	100%
2021	67	65	98.5% (2020 & 2021)	100%
2022	59	57	96.8% (2021 & 2022)	98%
2023	63	62	98.3 (2022 & 2023)	98%

 

State Licensure/Certification Disclosure

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements: None

No Determination Made: American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

Please contact Allison Hyngstrom, PT, PhD, Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy for more information.