Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Overview
Bellarmine's Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an integral part of the physical therapist professional community and the local health care delivery system. Dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education and service, the program provides comprehensive academic and clinical experiences for diverse and talented students.
- Active faculty mentoring
- Instruction grounded in clinical, scientific, and educational evidence
- Learning experiences that are reflective, practical, directed, collaborative, and innovative
- Directed and focused engagement with the community
Faculty Mentoring and Evidence-Informed Learning
Study in a full-time day program built on active faculty mentoring and instruction grounded in clinical, scientific, and educational evidence. Bellarmine prepares reflective, practical, and innovative physical therapists through comprehensive academic and clinical experiences.
Hands-On Learning through Service Learning Clinics
Students gain early, hands-on experience through Bellarmine’s on-campus service learning clinics and multiple experiential learning opportunities integrated throughout the program. Working alongside faculty mentors, students develop clinical skills. These clinics allow students to apply classroom knowledge while providing meaningful care to the community.
"Having so many good examples in front of me at Bellarmine was something that I think helped me learn more and more each day. I could take little pieces away from the way people lead in the university and in the physical therapy program."
Braden Hurst, Clinic Director and Physical Therapist, KORT Physical Therapy
3
International Learning Locations
3+
On-Campus Service Learning Clinics
Nov. 1
Application Deadline
Mission
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is committed to educating holistic, person-centered student physical therapists who become leaders in providing evidence-informed care to a diverse community. Faculty develop forward thinking, innovative, reflective physical therapists dedicated to lifelong learning through professional and community engagement.
Bellarmine University is pleased to offer FREE on-campus summer housing the first summer semester for traditional-entry (post-baccalaureate) 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.
Residence Hall Amenities
- Wireless Internet
- Computer Lab
- Smoke-Free
- Free laundry
- Kitchen area
- 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.
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 degree upon completion of the professional curriculum.
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist program meets the requirements for application for PT licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As such, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
However, many states have other requirements that 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.
For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.
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: www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program or institution directly, please call 502-272-8356 or email the Chair and Program Director at mdanzl@bellarmine.edu. The program received reaffirmation of accreditation for a period of ten years effective November 4, 2025.
Any constituent of the BU DPT program with concerns or complaints is urged to contact the Department Chair, Megan Danzl, at mdanzl@bellarmine.edu or 502-272-7368 for the most prompt resolution. Anyone is also able to file a complaint with CAPTE through the following website:
Complaints | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam and apply for licensure in any state.
Explore additional program resources and details:
Contact
Admissions
admissions@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-7100
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