Why This Program?

You can only learn so much inside a classroom, which is why our accredited and affordable Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program curriculum focuses on hands-on clinical and service experiences. The program includes a variety of experiential learning clinical experiences that will give you the chance to apply the techniques and theories you learned in the classroom.

Progressive Curriculum: Created with input from faculty and practicing expert clinicians across the country, our curriculum will prepare you to work with a variety of patients, from newborns to athletes to older adults.
Service-Learning Opportunities: In collaboration with community partners, you'll work side-by-side with faculty and clinicians to provide services to underserved populations across Siouxland. In doing so, you will gain vital experience and correlate what you learn with hands-on, interprofessional, service-learning opportunities.
Clinical-Focused Education Experience: Working in Briar Cliff's Physical Therapy Clinic and the assigned clinic experiences you will encounter real-life situations that will prepare you to succeed in the field. As an integral component of the physical therapy curriculum, we take great pride in ensuring the clinical education experiences reflect our mission and vision. We have secured hundreds of clinical experiences across the nation and are committed to placing students in experiences that meet their educational needs. Upon matriculation into the program, we meet with each student individually to match their professional goals with clinical education placement.

More About the Program

This accredited program's innovative curriculum is built to 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-based physical therapy practice, with an emphasis on collaborating with local stakeholders to provide patient-centered initiatives that address the health-related challenges of the region.

Our faculty experts consistently demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and the advancement of contemporary expertise in the realms in which they teach. They 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 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 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 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 Professional	3
RHB 507: Pharmacology for the Rehabilitation Professional	3
RHB 508: Human Medical Imaging for the Rehabilitation 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	17 Credit Hours
DPT 601: Neurorehabilitation for the DPT Professional	7
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	16 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 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 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	133

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rates

GRADUATING CLASS	RATE
2024	100%
2025	96.8%
2 year average	98.4%

As of August 2025.

Employment Rates

GRADUATING CLASS	RATE
2023	100%
2024	100%
2 year average	100%

As of August 2025.Verified one year post-graduation.

FSBPT Pass Rates

	2 -Year	3-Year	5-Year	Overall History
	Classes of 2024 & 2025	Classes of 2023-2025	Classes of 2021-2025	Classes of 2018-2025
Ultimate FSBPT Pass Rate	86.2%	89.7%	93.2%	95.6%
First Time FSBPT Pass Rate	75.9%	73.3%	78.1%	77.3%

As of August 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 Briar Cliff University'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 environment.

Our Vision

The vision of the Department of Physical Therapy at Briar Cliff University 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-based environments.

Our Values

Consistent with Briar Cliff University 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 serve.

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.

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Clinical Education Handbook

The clinical education student handbook serves as a supplement to other BCU Doctor of Physical Therapy and Briar Cliff University student handbooks.

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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. It is to be utilized as a resource for DPT students and supervisory physical therapists who assist with the Briar Cliff Clinic

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Briar Cliff Clinic Emergency Action Plan

This handbook serves as a supplement 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

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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 (“eligible student”). 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 individuals.

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Briar Cliff Student Handbook

A guide to student rights, responsibilities and services at Briar Cliff University.

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University Academic Catalog

In the Briar Cliff University 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.

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Briar Cliff University 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.

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Institutional Review Board

According to federal law, an Institutional Review Board must approve proposed non-exempt research at the University before involvement of human subjects may begin.

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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.

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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 CAPTE's Evaluative Criteria or has violated any of CAPTE's expectations related to academic integrity.

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Public Safety Report

The safety and well-being of students, staff and faculty are primary considerations at Briar Cliff University. We must ensure all applicants have access to this information regarding campus security.

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University Accreditation and Policies

Learn more about all university policies, including:

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DPT COVID Vaccination Procedures

A guide to COVID vaccines and clinical site requirements.

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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 Briar Cliff University 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.

Tuition¹	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Cohort starting in 2025	$33,000	$33,000	$33,000
Cohorts starting in 2022-2024	$36,088	$36,088	$36,088
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	$10,988
Loan Fee	$520	$520	$520
Off-Campus Living Expenses	$30,504	$30,504	$30,504
With Parent Living Expenses	$9,648	$9,648	$9,648

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.

The information provided is not a bill. Briar Cliff University reserves the right to modify the cost of attendance without prior notice. Tuition and fees are re-assessed annually and are subject to change.

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. The estimated personal expenses 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.

DPT Application Process

Applications to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are handled through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). This application is unique to this program at Briar Cliff University, and is utilized because it allows you to use one web-based application to apply to multiple physical therapy programs. Once you have applied, the DPT admissions interview committee will utilize a rolling admissions process to review your application. The process for applicants being selected for interviews is competitive and based on the applicant 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.

Application Requirements

You will apply to Briar Cliff University's Physical Therapy program through the PTCAS system. To be considered, you must meet the following requirements.

Evidence a bachelor's degree issued from a US-accredited institution will be completed prior to entry into the program.
Strong Academic Performance – 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 expected essential functions in order to fully participate in and complete the graduation requirements for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

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Course Prerequisites

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. 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.

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.

1. Reserve Your Spot

Submit a $500, non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot 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 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 PTCAS/Certiphi Screening, Inc. within three months, the student may submit the same background check to Briar Cliff University. It is at the discretion of Briar Cliff University to accept this background check. If Briar Cliff University does not accept this background check, or if background was not completed to the requirements of Briar Cliff University, the student is required to complete the additional components at their own 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 student.

3. Complete all required immunizations.

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 Briar Cliff University, 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’s educational experience.

4. Prove active certification in CPR/AED.

5. Submit Final Transcripts

Students must supply an official transcript demonstrating graduation from an accredited undergraduate institution & completion of all prerequisite courses.

The Department of Physical Therapy at Briar Cliff University 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: http://www.capteonline.org

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 712-279-5280 or email 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

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Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why This Program?

More About the Program