Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
A hybrid path to hands-on excellence.
Quincy University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to develop compassionate, skilled, and purpose-driven clinicians prepared to serve a diverse and evolving world. Rooted in a commitment to the development of the whole person, our program equips students not only with clinical expertise but also with the values of integrity, empathy, and service to others.
Through a flexible hybrid model, you’ll engage with dynamic online coursework, in-person lab immersions, and hands-on clinical training—empowering you to grow as a healthcare professional without putting your life on hold. Our dedicated faculty bring deep clinical experience and a passion for mentorship, supporting your journey every step of the way.
At Quincy, we prepare graduates to be more than just practitioners. We prepare leaders—individuals who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and in the health of their communities.
| Hybrid Flexibility | Clinical Depth | Student-Centered Support | Modern Facilities |
| Our hybrid model allows students to complete rigorous coursework online from anywhere, while still engaging in high-touch, hands-on training during immersive lab experiences. This format offers the flexibility to balance academics with personal and professional responsibilities—without compromising educational quality. | Our faculty bring decades of diverse clinical expertise across settings and states, offering students insight grounded in real-world experience. With specialties ranging from neurologic rehabilitation to sports medicine and rural care, students benefit from mentorship that reflects the full scope of modern physical therapy. | From your first contact with us through graduation, our program is built around individualized support and faculty accessibility. We prioritize mentorship, small-group connection, and professional growth to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and prepared. | Students train in newly developed lab spaces designed for skill-building, simulation, and collaborative learning. These facilities are tailored to support immersive, hands-on practice in a setting that reflects today’s clinical standards. |
Career Ready: More Than a Degree
At Quincy University, our DPT program prepares you to enter the profession not only with strong clinical skills, but with the mindset of a purpose-driven leader. You’ll graduate equipped to navigate a changing healthcare landscape with compassion, confidence, and integrity.
Through a blend of rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and mentorship, you’ll develop the critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills that employers value. You won’t just be ready to work—you’ll be ready to serve, to lead, and to make a lasting impact on the communities you care for.
Curriculum Overview
Three Years. One Powerful Degree.
Our full-time, three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program combines online coursework, in-person intensive labs, and robust clinical education. Each semester is approximately 16 weeks in length.
Click here for more detailed information: Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT
Immersion Labs Overview
As part of Quincy University’s hybrid DPT program, students participate in two intensive lab immersions each semester—held at the midpoint and end of each term.
These immersive experiences are designed to bring your coursework to life, allowing you to apply hands-on skills to engage directly with the tools, technologies, and challenges of your field.
Lab sessions typically run 8 to 13 days, with full-day schedules ranging from 8 to 10 hours.
You’ll work closely with faculty and peers to refine clinical techniques, practice patient interactions, and deepen your confidence before entering your next phase of training. Our faculty are more than instructors; they are mentors, experts, collaborators, and leaders in their disciplines. In our lab environments, students work side by side with these experts, receiving individualized guidance and real-time feedback. This one-on-one mentorship fosters not only technical mastery but also critical thinking, creativity, and professional confidence.
Clinical Education
Learn Where It Counts—In the Clinic
Clinical experiences are embedded throughout the curriculum and tailored to your growth as a developing professional. With our network of partners, 40% of which are within a rural community, you’ll gain meaningful experience treating real patients across diverse settings.
What to Expect
- 32+ weeks of clinical rotations
- Settings include outpatient, hospital-based, rehab, rural health, and specialty areas
- Clinical mentorship with expert PTs
- Supportive evaluations and feedback throughout
Integrated Clinical Experiences
If you have any questions related to clinical instruction or education, please contact the clinical education team at 217-228-5432 or the Experiential Learning: Basic Skills course coordinator via e-mail: Dr. Christina Dehoff c.dehoff50@quincy.edu
Coming Soon: Travel, Lodging & Lab Planning Resources
We are currently developing detailed guidance to help you plan for each in-person lab immersion. Soon, you’ll find:
- Recommended hotels and accommodations near campus
- Transportation options and directions
- Sample daily lab schedules
- Packing lists and attire expectations
- Frequently asked questions
These resources will be available well in advance of your first immersion to help you prepare with confidence. Stay tuned!
Quincy University Physical Therapy faculty:
Don Hoover, PT, PhD, CSCS
Dr. Christina Dehoff
Jacklyn Malt, BS,PT,MS,PhD
Toni Judge, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
Joel Novak, PT, DPT, CSCS
David Cox, PT, DPT, NCS
Admissions & How to Apply
Ready to Join Us? Here’s How.
Pathway 1: Standard Admission
For students applying after earning a bachelor’s degree.
This is the traditional route for candidates who have already completed their undergraduate degree and are ready to begin a graduate-level DPT program.
Requirements:
- Completed bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment
- Minimum 3.0 overall GPA (4.0 scale)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework:
- Anatomy & Physiology – 8 credit hours
- Chemistry I & II – 8 credit hours
- Physics I & II – 8 credit hours
- Biology – 8 credit hours
- Psychology/Human Development – 6 credit hours
- Statistics – 3 credit hours
- Observation hours in at least two different PT settings (recommended: equivalent of 8 hours per setting)
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a college faculty member
- One from a PT, employer, or supervisor
- Personal essay
- Application submitted through PTCAS
- Interview (virtual or in-person)
Questions?
Contact:
Dr. Jacklyn Malt
j.malt87@quincy.edu
Phone: 636-536-3869
Pathway 2: Quincy Early Assurance Program (3+3 Track)
For high-achieving Quincy undergraduates pursuing Exercise Science or Biology.
This track allows students to apply to the DPT program before earning their bachelor’s degree. Once accepted, students are dually enrolled and receive their undergraduate degree after completing the first year of the DPT curriculum.
Notes:
Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed no later than June 1 prior to the start of the DPT program.
All prerequisites must be completed no longer than 10 years before the application deadline.
Exceptions may be made for practical work experience relevant to the physical therapy field.
All submissions will be reviewed on an individual case-by-case basis in efforts to remove undue burdens of prerequisite requirements when courseworks demonstrates competency as determined by program director and admissions committee.
Who is eligible?
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher (unweighted)
- ACT or SAT score submitted at time of undergrad application
- Accepted to QU and enrolled in the Pre-PT Exercise Science or Biology major
To remain eligible after enrolling at QU:
- Maintain a 3.25 GPA in prerequisite coursework:
- Anatomy & Physiology – 8 credit hours
- Chemistry I & II – 8 credit hours
- Physics I & II – 8 credit hours
- Biology – 8 credit hours
- Psychology/Human Development – 6 credit hours
- Statistics – 3 credit hours
- Remain in good standing with no academic or behavioral violations
Accreditation Status
Quincy University is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for its Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We have submitted our Application for Candidacy as of May 1, 2025.
- No students will be enrolled in professional DPT courses until Candidate for Accreditation status is granted.
- If Candidate for Accreditation status is granted, students in the first cohort would be considered to be enrolled in an accredited program, as recognized by CAPTE.
- The first cohort is projected to graduate in 2028, with eligibility for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) shortly after, pending final CAPTE decisions.
Please note: CAPTE does not guarantee approval of candidacy. Final licensure decisions are made by individual state boards, not CAPTE. For state-specific licensing requirements, visit the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Questions regarding accreditation can be directed to:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
(703) 706-3245 | accreditation@apta.org
All offers of admission are contingent upon the program achieving Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE.
Contact & Next Steps
Let’s Connect!
Have questions? Want to learn more? We’re here to help you take the next step.
