At PNWU, we are empowering the next generation of physical therapy professionals. Our Doctorate of Physical Therapy program is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to take your career to the next level, our program is your stepping stone to success.
Physical therapy is a rapidly expanding field that is nationally recognized for job satisfaction and earning potential. Nationwide, the average salary for a physical therapist is $91,680 per year, while the average starting salary for a new physical therapy graduate in Washington is $75,000.
PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy was designed prepare competent, entry-level physical therapists who are:
Innovative and committed to lifelong learning
Movement system experts
Prepared to work in rural or medically underserved
areas or with medically-underserved populations
Valued members of the interprofessional team
Advocates for access to physical therapy in rural and
medically-underserved communities
You will learn from professors with decades of experience in physical therapy. The DPT
curriculum includes didactics, labs, simulated experiential learning, and full-time clinical experiences.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our School of Physical Therapy offers access to cutting edge facilities, equipment, and
technology. Your training will use the latest techniques in a modern, advanced learning
environment.
Expert Faculty
Our faculty consists of experienced physical therapists dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. You’ll learn
from diverse professionals who bring different perspectives and approaches to the field.
Hands-On Training
Our curriculum provides
extensive hands-on training and practical experience in various clinical settings. You’ll have opportunities to
work with actual patients and healthcare professionals to develop your skills and confidence.
Interprofessional Education
We believe in the importance of interprofessional education. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with
students from other healthcare programs, including osteopathic medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and
dentistry, to learn how to work effectively in a team.
Community Engagement
Our DPT program strongly
focuses on community
engagement, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. You’ll have the chance to work with diverse
populations and develop skills to meet the needs of underserved
communities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the end of the spring term before matriculation.
Final, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be on file prior to matriculation
Complete a Medical Terminology course prior to matriculation if accepted
A cleared criminal background check
A cleared drug screening, if randomly selected
Certify the ability to meet the DPT Minimal Technical Standards and can perform the requirements
Documentation of required immunizations
Documentation of health insurance coverage
Other required matriculation forms, surveys, training, counseling, etc.
Application Process
Verify that you meet the admission requirements above.
Apply
through PTCAS and designate your intention to apply to PNWU School of Physical Therapy.
If invited, schedule an interview with PNWU. Virtual Interviews are available.
Applicants are notified via email and the Self-Service Portal if accepted.
Ready to get started?
Attend a virtual information session to meet our faculty and admission staff. You’ll learn all about the
program, curriculum, and application process.
About Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences is a grassroots, non-profit health sciences university established in 2005 by a group of visionary community leaders in Washington’s fertile Yakima Valley.
At PNWU, our mission guides everything we do. We exist to train health care professionals who will serve underserved patients in rural areas.
Our goal is to revolutionize community health. We’re looking for trailblazers like you to join us.
Overwhelmed? We’re Here to Help
Use the link below to request more information and our admission experts will be in touch with you to answer any questions and help you get started.
Effective November 2, 2021, Pacific Northwest University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone:703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 509.249.7725 or email dpt@pnwu.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such, the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy Status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on the FSBPT’s website.
