OHSU partners with Oregon Tech to offer new Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Oregon Health & Science University is partnering with Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, training the next generation of physical therapists who will be uniquely prepared to practice in all settings, particularly rural and underserved communities that often face a shortage of specialized health care professionals. Access to high-quality physical therapy providers will create a healthier Oregon with more equitable care across the state.

"OHSU is proud to partner with Oregon Tech on this important degree program, which will expand access to physical therapists across the state of Oregon," said OHSU Executive Vice President and Provost Marie Chisholm-Burns, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FCCP, FASHP, FAST, FACHE. "We look forward to the successes of our students and the beneficial health outcomes for the communities we serve. The program highlights our commitment to address the shortage of physical therapists in Oregon, emphasizing service to the community, particularly for the state's rural and underserved populations."

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. The Oregon Tech-OHSU doctoral program in April successfully secured candidacy status, which is the first phase of accreditation. During the candidacy phase, all credits and degrees earned and issued by the program are considered to be from an accredited program.

Graduates from the Oregon Tech-OHSU DPT program will complete all eligibility requirements to sit for the state licensure exam, and will be prepared for employment as practitioners in a variety of clinical settings.

The Oregon Tech-OHSU DPT program will welcome its first cohort of students this summer. Application for summer 2024, the second cohort, will open in July, and the application deadline is Nov. 1. More information and the DPT application are available here.