The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares the student for licensure and practice in the field of physical therapy. Physical therapists are health care professionals who provide service to individuals of all ages with physical impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes.

Physical therapists

• Examine and evaluate individuals with movement related problems,
• Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction to enhance physical and functional abilities,
• Promote physical function and wellness to provide optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health, and
• Prevent the onset of symptoms and the progression of movement related problems

Treatment by physical therapists includes exercise, joint and soft tissue mobilization and manipulation, cardiovascular endurance training, neuromuscular re-education, the therapeutic application of heat, cold and electricity, and activities of daily living training. Physical Therapists find careers in settings ranging from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to private practices, pediatric facilities, home health agencies, school systems, higher education and research institutions, fitness and wellness centers, and nursing homes.

Bellarmine University is pleased to offer FREE on-campus summer housing for students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The link to reserve housing is available on your Bellarmine University Admission Application Portal once admitted. 

The free summer housing is in Anniversary Hall. You will have your own room and you will share a bathroom with one neighbor. Two undergraduate Bellarmine Ambassadors have created a vlog so that students planning to live in Anniversary Hall can see the facility.  See parts I, II, and III of the vlog below:

Part I
Part II
Part III

Residence Hall Amenities

• Wireless Internet 
• Computer Lab 
• Smoke-Free
• Free laundry
• Kitchen area (Summer semester on-campus food options are limited, so Accel BSN students use the kitchen often. You may want to bring some of your own cooking utensils.)
• Vending and Ice Machines
• 24-Hour, In-Hall Visitation
• Carpet
• AC/Heat 
• 2-4 XL Twin Beds
• 2-4 Desks and Chairs
• 2-4 Closets/Wardrobes 
• ADA-Accessible Rooms
• Microwave and Refrigerator 

Please note that the extra furniture in your room cannot be removed.

We can provide feedback about your transcript(s) and coursework. Simply complete the form below by attaching unofficial copies of your transcript(s).

Transcript Review

Q. What is the application deadline?
A. The final application deadline is November 1. All applications are reviewed as they are received, so it is in your best interest as an applicant to apply as early as possible. Visit www.ptcas.org to apply. PTCAS takes 4-6 weeks to verify an application once submitted.

Q. Is the GRE required?
A. Yes. Applicants to the physical therapy program must provide GRE scores from the last 5 years to PTCAS. The GRE code for Bellarmine is 1056 or the program code in PTCAS is 7674. Either code can be used to send your score report.

Q. Is it part time or full time?
A. This is a full time day program.

For answers to more questions, please visit our FAQ page.

Students are admitted to the professional program after completing a bachelor’s degree in a major of choice and all program prerequisites. Highly qualified Bellarmine undergraduate students may be admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program after completing all university general education requirements and the program prerequisites. Various paths to admission are described on our Admissions and Admissions Statistics page. The university awards the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree upon completion of the professional curriculum.

Bellarmine University's CAPTE accredited program meets the requirements for application for PT licensure in every state. However, many states have other requirements the could make a candidate ineligible. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether they would meet the requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides upon completion of our program.

Physical Therapy licensure contacts: https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Licensing-Authorities-Contact-Information

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Bellarmine 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 502-272-8356 or email the Chair & Program Director at mdanzl@bellarmine.edu.