Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy Now Offered at Mayo School of Health Sciences

Monday, November 01, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Students at Mayo Clinic pursuing careers in physical therapy now will be working toward a doctoral degree instead of a master's degree. In August 2004, Mayo School of Health Sciences (MSHS) of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine introduced its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum. The revised and expanded course of study reflects the higher level of academic preparation necessary for physical therapists to provide patient care today and into the future.

"The expectations of physical therapists have expanded in the evolving health care environment," says John Hollman, P.T., Ph.D., director of the MSHS Physical Therapy program. "Therefore, Mayo's program in Physical Therapy has developed a curriculum that reflects the breadth and depth of didactic and clinical education consistent with a doctoring profession."

One of the oldest physical therapy training programs in the United States, the MSHS program was originally accredited in 1939. The new DPT curriculum was approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools on Feb. 9, 2004, and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Twenty-one students enrolled in the program in August 2004. The DPT curriculum is three academic years and offers in-depth instruction in the sciences of human movement and rehabilitation, using Mayo's state-of-the-art clinical, educational and research facilities.

Mayo School of Health Sciences, one of five schools within the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, offers more than 60 educational programs representing 27 health science careers. Approximately 800 students are enrolled annually in MSHS programs and many graduates go on to practice in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

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