Welcome to the Future of Physical Therapy
University of Detroit Mercy is proud to announce the launch of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, designed to prepare the next generation of physical therapists with the skills, compassion and ethical foundation to serve their communities and lead in the healthcare field.
Applications for the inaugural cohort open in June 2026.
Contingent on successful progress through the accreditation process, the first cohort begins Summer 2028 (see statement below for more details).
Why Choose Detroit Mercy’s DPT Program?
Innovative Curriculum
Our program integrates evidence-based practice, cutting-edge technology and interprofessional education to ensure graduates are ready for the evolving demands of healthcare.
Clinical Excellence
Students will gain hands-on experience through immersive clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health organizations.
Community Engagement
Rooted in Detroit Mercy’s mission, the DPT program emphasizes service, advocacy and partnerships that improve health outcomes in underserved communities.
Leadership Development
Graduates will be equipped to take on leadership roles in physical therapy, healthcare systems, education and research.
Program Highlights
- Full-time, entry-level doctoral program
- Expert faculty with diverse clinical and academic backgrounds
- State-of-the-art new physical therapy and simulation laboratories
- Commitment to social justice and community health
- Interprofessional learning alongside students form the nursing, physician assistant, health care administration and other programs
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds, including:
- Biology
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Other related fields
Whether you're a current student, recent graduate, or a working professional seeking advanced credentials, Detroit Mercy’s DPT program offers a transformative path forward.
Next Steps
-
Get ready to apply - prerequisites, etc.
Start preparing for application now by reviewing prerequisites, gathering transcripts and exploring financial aid options. Prerequisites include:
- One course in biological sciences (not botany)
- A two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with labs, or one course in anatomy with lab and one course in physiology with lab
- Two courses in general chemistry with lab
- Two courses in general physics with lab
- Two courses in psychology
- One course in statistics
Make sure to discuss other requirements with an academic advisor.
-
PT resources
Find out about PT careers on the American Physical Therapy Association website.
Accreditation Statements Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
University of Detroit Mercy is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For additional information about University of Detroit Mercy institutional accreditation, contact the Provost. Approval of the Doctor of physical therapy program is currently pending.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. 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 FSBPT's website).
University of Detroit Mercy is seeking accreditation of new physical therapist education programs from CAPTE. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program plans to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2027. Submission of this document does not assure that the program(s) will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
Criminal Background Check Requirement
A student’s past criminal history may affect his/her admission to a program, limit or disallow the number of suitable practice placement sites and/or affect ability to obtain licensure as a registered health care provider. For more information, review the College of Health Professions’ Criminal Background Check Policy.