Physical Therapy

Each graduate from our Physical Therapy Program will be instructed to provide patient care; display the core knowledge to discuss prevention, onset, and impairments; address functional limitations; and create a plan of care based on goals and expected outcomes. This requires competency across physical therapy courses, emphasizing:

• Clinical Problem-Solving: Developing skills for examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, assessment/reassessment, and discharge planning.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Utilizing research-driven approaches.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Practicing inclusively with diverse clients.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within the healthcare community.
• Leadership: Preparing for leadership roles in healthcare delivery.
• Prevention and Wellness: Embracing health, fitness, and wellness orientations.
• Professional Development: Acquiring skills to establish disease, injury, and disability prevention programs.
• Community Service: Engaging in impactful community and professional service.

View program details in our Academic Catalog*

_{^{*Subject to change}}

Midwestern University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program trains entry-level practitioners to provide PT services in large, small, traditional, and nontraditional community and institutional practice settings that require independent judgment, leadership, and autonomous practice. Our PT Program offers different learning paths to suit students' preferences. Students in all programs will earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree.

Downers Grove Campus – Traditional Program

Midwestern University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) three-year doctoral-level program is designed to provide you with evidence-based practical and clinical skills enhanced by a spirit of collaboration and leadership. Our team of faculty experts are dedicated to your success and will help you build your future as a competent, caring, and skilled physical therapist. The curriculum spans 12 quarters, taking three calendar years (34 months). Highlights include:

• 2 cadaver-based anatomy courses to provide an anatomical basis for PT education
• Hands-on training via simulated lab experiences, clinic, visits, and clinical education experiences
• Numerous advanced electives to allow students the ability to pursue a variety of interests.

With a solid foundation, graduates adeptly address today's healthcare challenges, forming collaborative partnerships for clinical competence and continuous learning. The program totals 171.0 credits and encourages interdisciplinary teamwork.

PT Downers Grove

Glendale Campus - Residential Pathway

At the Glendale Campus, the residential pathway comprises 10 consecutive quarters across 30 months. The initial 7 quarters feature theoretical teaching at the Glendale Campus, followed by 3 quarters (33 weeks) of immersive clinical education. Embracing a spiral model, the curriculum revisits core content in-depth as students progress, encouraging critical integration across practice domains. This structure ensures practical alignment between theoretical concepts and clinical experiences, fostering a robust grasp of biological, physical, clinical, and behavioral sciences.

Highlights include:

• A spiraled curriculum that revisits content at higher levels as students progress, fostering deeper understanding.
• Integrated didactic quarters facilitate cross-practice content integration and sequential learning experiences.
• Robust foundation in sciences where students learn to apply research and evidence critically in practice.

PT Glendale/Traditional

Glendale Campus - Hybrid Pathway

Midwestern University's Glendale Campus offers a hybrid pathway, mirroring the residential track in sequence and timing. Over 7 consecutive quarters, students engage in online synchronous/asynchronous learning for 10 weeks, followed by immersive lab/classroom experiences on-campus for the 11th week. Post-didactic completion, students undergo three 11-week clinical education stints in varied care environments, effectively merging theoretical understanding with hands-on patient care.

Highlights include:

• In-person and online hybrid delivery.
• A spiraled curriculum that revisits content at higher levels as students progress, fostering deeper understanding.
• Both simulated and actual clinical experiences offered throughout the curriculum.

PT Glendale/Hybrid

Physical therapists practice in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, people's homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, and nursing homes.

State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

At Midwestern University, we prioritize research to advance knowledge and offer students enhanced learning opportunities, fostering close collaboration with faculty researchers and peers on innovative projects.

Research at Midwestern