Overview

Welcome to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan.

USM trains competent practicing physical therapists by developing students' God-given potential while inspiring them to serve the needs of others. In keeping with the spirit of our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, we recognize society's ever-growing need for more and better-trained health care professionals—and we work to meet that need through dynamic, hands-on programs designed to help our students excel.

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A Growing Need

The doctor of physical therapy is increasingly becoming the industry standard for practicing physical therapists. Physical therapy is a high demand field, and there are few programs in the Kansas City area offering a doctor-level program. Fewer still feature USM's emphasis on developing core values.

Upon graduation from the USM DPT program, our students will have the skills and mindset necessary to become entry-level physical therapy professionals who are fully perceptive and responsive to the needs of patients, colleagues, and the larger community.

Graduates of USM's DPT program will practice physical therapy at entry-level competencies consistent with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and the American Physical Therapy Association's Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Guide for Professional Conduct. USM graduates will also be committed to life-long excellence.

Learn more about the USM DPT Program's Goals (.pdf).

A Values-Driven Education

In an age when understanding people is paramount to maximizing human interaction, service to others has become an essential element in the professional practice of aspiring doctors of physical therapy.

The USM DPT program works to develop 10 key core values in our students as they evolve through their academic and clinical training:

• community
• justice
• respect
• excellence
• compassion
• accountability
• professional responsibility
• integrity
• altruism
• tolerance

These values will ultimately shape our students professional lives as practitioners in the physical therapy realm, helping them meet the needs of their patients in the fullest way possible. The DPT program is in-step with the larger mission of the university: training students to serve others, developing God-given potential, and guiding students to create value-centered careers and lives.

Read more about our philosophy (.pdf).

Is it for You?

The Saint Mary DPT program will give you the critical skills necessary to succeed in the physical therapy field.

Among other skills, USM DPT graduates will:

• Think critically, identify and solve problems; and properly manage patients and clients.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge and skills that are applied appropriately.
• Demonstrate the utmost empathy.
• Demonstrate professional maturity and exercise superlative communication strategies.
• Understand and engage in research agendas and/or apply evidence-based concepts.
• Display professional and ethical behaviors.
• Be proficient educators.
• Be committed to lifelong learning and professional development.

If you're ready to be inspired to realize your full potential, we want to hear from you.

We recommend that you submit your application materials at least four to five months prior to the start of physical therapy school a USM.

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*Effective May 2, 2012, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Saint Mary has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.