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When deciding where to go for your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, choose a program that aligns with your values, offers a high-quality educational experience, and prepares you for the challenges of the profession.
Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is going strong! In 2020, the program welcomed its first Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) cohort. The BSRS program is the undergraduate precursor to the DPT program. These students have now begun their doctoral studies.
The DPT program is on track to receive full accreditation in November 2025. In April 2024, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy granted CUAA’s DPT Program Candidate for Accreditation status. A DPT program typically takes around two to three years after achieving this status to become fully accredited. The final accreditation decision typically occurs near the graduation of the first cohort of students.
Once accredited, CUAA will become the eighth higher education institution in Michigan—and the second faith-based school—to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Read on to learn what else sets CUAA’s DPT program apart from the rest.
1. Accelerated Program: Shorter Timeline for a Faster Path to Practice
CUAA’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to help you achieve your goals quickly without sacrificing quality. The program can be completed in as little as 5.5 years. This is shorter than even the accelerated version of many comparable programs. CUAA’s accelerated graduate face-to-face program consists of 101 semester credits spread over seven semesters, which includes 29 didactic courses and three clinical experiences.
2. Flipped Classroom: Maximizing In-Class Time with Instructors
CUAA takes an innovative approach to learning with its flipped classroom model. Rather than spending class time attending lectures, students engage with asynchronous material, including lectures and readings, prior to attending class. This model allows instructors opportunity to facilitate active, hands-on, and engaging classroom experiences during which students apply the content learned.
The flipped-classroom method allows the learner to dive deeper into the material during class sessions, participate in case discussions, and interact with instructors and peers in real time. Many students will attest that this model is a more dynamic approach to education that helps solidify their understanding of physical therapy principles in a practical, application-focused way.
3. Small Cohorts
One of the most valuable aspects of CUAA’s DPT program is its commitment to keeping cohort sizes small. The low teacher-to-student ratio ensures you receive personalized attention from professors who are truly invested in your success. In smaller cohorts, students can build stronger relationships with their peers and instructors, enhancing collaboration and fostering a supportive learning environment. The individualized instruction and guidance you’ll receive throughout the program will help you excel both academically and professionally.
4. A Christian Approach to the Discipline
CUAA proudly integrates its Christian values into the physical therapy curriculum while meeting standards of physical therapy education. The CUAA approach emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not only on the physical well-being of individuals but also on their spiritual, emotional, and mental health. Students in the CUAA DPT program are prepared as physical therapists who serve patients, families and communities with a Christ-centered approach to care. To be a Christ-centered practitioner is to lead with a servant heart with a strong commitment to the values of care for those in need, compassion for the sick, respect for the sanctity of human life, and empathy for those that suffer allowing decisions and actions to be guided by integrity and love in all interactions both personal and professional.
5. Strong Clinical Partnerships and Hands-On Experience
CUAA’s DPT program offers robust clinical training opportunities, ensuring you gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings. Through partnerships with local clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, you’ll have access to diverse clinical rotations that will help you hone your skills and develop the confidence needed to excel as a physical therapist. This practical experience is invaluable, as it prepares you for real-world challenges and helps you refine your clinical decision-making abilities.
6. Outstanding Faculty and Mentorship
At CUAA, faculty members are not only educators; they are mentors who are committed to helping you succeed both during your studies and in your career. Each faculty member has extensive clinical experience and academic expertise. This helps them bring real-world knowledge into the classroom, preparing you to make an immediate impact in your profession. Additionally, the mentorship provided helps you navigate challenges and set professional goals that align with your passions.
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer a variety of degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn your master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. In the near future, Concordia will look to reintroduce church work training opportunities in Ann Arbor by building a new vision and model for the undergraduate degree programs here.