Healing an injury changes a life.

We don’t train “good” physical therapists – we train excellent ones. The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at University of the Cumberlands offers a dynamic and integrated case-based curriculum. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is designed to be completed in six consecutive semesters within 24 months (2 years). Throughout the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you will engage in self-guided online coursework, live classes in a virtual classroom, and hands-on training on campus. The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum includes immersive experiences, clinical education, and practical training in various practice settings. We offer clinical partnerships with over 200 organizations across the country to ensure our students find opportunity in the industry. 

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Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$97,720

Average Salary

17%

Industry Growth

200+

Clinical Partnerships

100%

Student-Focused
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a professional graduate program with a dynamic curriculum that includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and social psychology, among others. As a student in this physical therapy education program, you will engage in self-guided online coursework, live classes in a virtual classroom, and hands-on training on campus. The DPT program curriculum includes didactic (book-learning) coursework, immersive experiences, clinical education, and practical training in various practice settings. In just two years of full-time classes, you could learn everything you need to know to become a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. 

By completing your Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Cumberlands, you will be prepared for a rewarding career as a licensed physical therapist. The comprehensive coursework and hands-on training you receive will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to help physical therapy patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance their overall well-being.  

Course Requirements

Anchor: Admission
Admission Information

Admission Information

Admission Requirements for DPT Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program considers for admission those students who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the healthcare community. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is open on a competitive basis to applicants having met admissions requirements. A competitive admissions framework, involving multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates.

This holistic admissions process considers academic and non-academic criteria. Some of the non-academic criteria that are given special admissions considerations are: geographic (rural, medically underserved) and/or economic background, first generation graduate student, history of service/leadership, and record of military service. 

Our program will put the emphasis on the student in the classroom with cohorts of only 30 students for each class. 

Click HERE to view the admission requirements for the University of the Cumberlands' DPT program.

Official Transcript Information: In accordance with University of the Cumberlands admissions policies and procedures, those students selected for admission to the DPT program are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended. These transcripts must be received directly from the college/university. Student-submitted copies are not acceptable. Official transcripts should be submitted through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Transcripts must be received prior to the scheduled class matriculation date or class standing will be revoked. Failure to submit the mandatory transcripts or fulfill any other requirements specified in a conditional offer of admission to the program, prior to the scheduled class matriculation will result in withdrawal of the conditional offer.  Any official transcripts that are not in the PTCAS portal must be mailed directly to:

Graduate Admissions Office
649 S. 10th Street Suite C
Williamsburg, KY 40769
Phone: 606.539.4390
Toll-free: 855.791.7199
Email: gradadm [at] ucumberlands.edu (gradadm[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

Transfer and Course Credit Policy: No transfer credit will be accepted for courses from other DPT programs.

DPT Prerequisites - Academic & Other

To qualify for the program, you must meet or exceed the following criteria:  

Application & Interview Process

PTCAS Application

PTCAS applications are now available. The first application cycle for Spring 2026 opens January 17, 2025 and closes June 1, 2025. The second spring 2026 application cycle opens on June 15, 2025 and closes November 1, 2025.

Completed Applications

The Office of Graduate Admissions will send correspondence verifying receipt of PTCAS applications with all required materials to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75. The letters will also include instructions on checking the status of the required application materials online. Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and ensuring the submission of all required documents. Only applicants who submit completed applications with all required application materials will be considered for potential entrance into the Program.

Please Note: Applicants are responsible for notifying The Office of Graduate Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or email address. All application withdrawal requests must be made in writing via e-mail to: The Office of Graduate Admissions  ptadmissions [at] ucumberlands.edu (ptadmissions[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

When applicants are considered eligible for interviews after review of their completed admissions files, they are notified of available interview dates and invited by The Office of Graduate Admissions to schedule an online interview. A typical interview involves participation in the following activities which are coordinated by the Office of Graduate Admissions: completion of a writing prompt; a group and an individual interview with at least two interviewers, a virtual tour of the university, an opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor, and a questions and answer session with the faculty. During interview sessions, interviewers question applicants about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Program. The interviewer rates prospective students on a standardized evaluation form. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee reviews the full application files for interviewed applicants and then formulates and submits recommendations to the Director of Graduate Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions then notifies applicants in writing of an admissions decision.

Technical Standards

The University of the Cumberlands Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is committed to the education of all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the technical standards and essential functions of the educational program in which they are enrolled and the profession that they pursue. 

Technical standards and essential functions for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program define the observational, communication, cognitive, affective, and physical capabilities and professional responsibilities deemed necessary to complete the program and to perform as a competent practitioner of physical therapy. In accord with federal regulations established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the technical standards and essential functions are described to assist each candidate for the educational program in evaluating their prospect for academic and clinical success. Each student is given the opportunity to read and acknowledge their understanding of the standards and functions prior to beginning of the program. Students matriculating through the program must be capable of performing the following standards and functions, with or without reasonable accommodations, throughout the professional curriculum, through a continuous evaluation process to determine ongoing proficiency. When a student’s ability to perform is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to perform the technical standards and essential functions described.

Detailed Lists

Students admitted to and matriculating through the University of the Cumberlands Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must be capable of completing the following technical standards and essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation: 

Group of graduates cheering

Tuition

Our rates are affordable and competitive.

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the program is to provide an innovative career-focused education that nurtures highly skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy.

Begin contemporary entry-level practice as a licensed physical therapist.
Participate in professional organizations and community entities.
Develop effective, patient-focused physical therapy diagnoses and treatment plans.
Engage in scientific inquiry, leadership, and service.
Advocate for access to physical therapy, with a deep commitment to rural and underserved populations.

Program Metrics

Anchor: Career Outcomes

DPT Careers & Outcomes

All stats from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Physical Therapist: $97,720

Physical Therapist: $97,720

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.

PT Assistant: $62,770

PT Assistant: $62,770

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Occupational Therapist: $85,570

Occupational Therapist: $85,570

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.

Fitness Trainer: $40,700

Fitness Trainer: $40,700

Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities.

Exercise Physiologist: $47,940

Exercise Physiologist: $47,940

Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover.

Massage Therapist: $46,910

Massage Therapist: $46,910

Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Anchor: Accreditation

Accreditation

The Connie D. Hauser School of Physical Therapy at The University of the Cumberlands 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 [at] apta.org (accreditation[at]apta[dot]org); website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 606.539.4251 or email: physicaltherapy [at] ucumberlands.edu (physicaltherapy[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).

Complaints to the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CAPTE grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The only mechanism through which CAPTE can act on an individual’s concerns is through a formal complaint process. For more information please visit the CAPTE website.

The process for filing a complaint with CAPTE is available here

Program Complaint Processes are available here

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Physical Therapy

Our faculty are experts in the classroom and in practice. 

Dr. David Levine

Dr. David Levine

Adjunct Professor
Physical Therapy

Dr. David Levine

Contact Information

david.levine [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Elizabeth Sargeant

Dr. Elizabeth Sargent

Associate Professor
Physical Therapy

Dr. Elizabeth Sargent

Contact Information

elizabeth.sargent [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Center
Dr. Rajiv Dalal

Dr. Rajiv Dalal

Professor
Physical Therapy

Dr. Rajiv Dalal

Contact Information

rajiv.dalal [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Center

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