This fall, Concordia University Wisconsin based in Mequon will begin offering incoming freshmen a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) accelerated track for Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS). The university said the program is due to the increased demand over the next 10 years for physical therapists and the rising cost of education.
The accelerated track will enable qualified students to complete the DPT degree in six rather than seven years and earn both a BSRS undergraduate degree following completion of their fourth academic year and a DPT graduate degree following completion of their sixth academic year.
“One way to meet the growing need for physical therapists is to decrease the amount of time needed to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This will allow students to enter the workforce sooner,” said Dr. Robert Barnhart, director of CUW’s Physical Therapy Program.
The increase in number of jobs for physical therapists available is a result of the growing number of aging baby boomers who desire to stay active and the surge of people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or obesity.
According to Barnhardt, applicants to the BSRS/DPT track are required to have a high school overall grade point average of 3.45 and demonstrate evidence of extracurricular activities and/or community service. Once admitted to the BSRS/DPT track, they need to maintain a 3.45 GPA in the science prerequisite courses and an overall 3.0 GPA.
