Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy

At Carroll University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is within your reach. We offer three types of entry for admission to the three-year, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate program which educates students to become licensed physical therapists who are prepared to provide compassionate, respectful care in a dynamic health care environment and contribute to the profession and community.
 

About the Doctor of Physical Therapy

As a graduate of Carroll’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you’ll be trained to practice in a caring manner, with a focus on moral sensitivity, social responsibility and awareness of individual differences. Professional preparation is in the basic sciences, behavioral sciences, applied sciences, health sciences and the science of physical therapy. The curriculum readies you to become a rehabilitation professional ready to examine, evaluate, diagnose, make prognoses and provide interventions to prevent the onset, symptoms and progression of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities that might result from diseases, disorders or injuries. Our graduates develop a lifelong commitment to self-directed learning and critical inquiry and learn to collaborate with other healthcare providers in their practice. Our students value excellence in the profession and recognize that completion of their doctoral program is the first phase on a continuum to mastery and competency in physical therapy.

An Accelerated Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist

Carroll University offers a unique opportunity for direct admission to the Entry-Level DPT program which includes pre-professional and professional phases. Students are able to receive direct admission into the program as a freshman, allowing them to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in just six years. Learn more about the format of the Entry-Level DPT program.

Real World Experience Makes Our Program Unique

In addition to traditional course work described above, the Carroll University Physical Therapy Program offers students opportunities for simultaneous application of didactic knowledge and hands-on skills through the Integrated Clinical Experiences.

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Program Details

98.6%

TWO-YEAR BOARD EXAM PASS RATE (2023-2024)

Our graduates have a job placement rate of 100% within one year of graduation (2023-2024).

Accreditation

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The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Carroll University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 262.951.3051 or email sdeprey@carrollu.edu.

Program News

Carroll DPT students and faculty picture by Salina sign

Carroll University DPT Students Deliver Care in Ecuador Through Service Trips

12/3/2025

Carroll University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program continued its longstanding tradition of global service this year, sending two faculty members and nine second-year students to Ecuador for an intensive week of hands-on clinical care.

Dr. Rita Deering Carod

Dr. Deering's Pioneering Research Elevates Postpartum Health and Carroll's Reputation

10/8/2025

Carroll University’s Dr. Rita Deering, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, is making a remarkable impact on women’s health through her pioneering research on postpartum exercise and recovery.

More Resources

Staff

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Kylie Bilello
Administrative Assistant
Emailkbilello@carrollu.edu Phone262.951.3043
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Carrie Peterson
Physical Therapy Clinical Education Support Specialist
Emailpeterscl@carrollu.edu Phone262.951.3032
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Dr. Carling Schaefer
Physical Therapy Clinical Placement and Admissions Coordinator
Emailschaefec@carrollu.edu Phone262.951.3146

Meet the Faculty

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