Admissions Requirements
*Subject to change
Beginning Summer 2024, the Midwestern University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will add another degree pathway using a hybrid delivery model. The hybrid pathway will be the same as the residential pathway in curricular sequence and start and completion dates. Students will matriculate in the summer quarter and participate in 7 consecutive quarters of didactic instruction followed by 3 quarters of full-time clinical education. Didactic course work will include online synchronous and asynchronous learning activities for 10 weeks followed by immersive, in-person lab and classroom experiences during week 11 on the Glendale Campus in Arizona. After successful completion of didactic coursework, students will complete three 11-week full-time clinical education experiences in a variety of patient care settings.
2024-2025 Dates for Immersive Experiences
- August 12-16, 2024 (Mon - Fri)
- November 4-8, 2024 (Mon - Fri)
- February 24-28, 2025 (Mon - Fri)
- May 16-23, 2025 (Fri - Fri)
The hybrid pathway will admit 30 students. Maintaining a small cohort of students in the hybrid pathway will allow the core faculty to create engaging, meaningful, and personal learning experiences. Faculty hold additional certifications in online teaching so they can deliver content using the highest, evidence-based educational standards for online learning.
For the hybrid pathway, best practice for online learning will be combined with our current, successful curriculum model that is based on a conceptual framework of educational theory and practice including an integrative, spiraled approach within the curricular design. The intent of a spiraled curriculum is to revisit key content areas or themes at a higher level as students progress through the curriculum. The final three didactic quarters were designed to allow content integration across multiple practice areas. The program is organized to provide correlated events and problems that are experienced sequentially within the didactic curriculum and later through clinical experiences. Students receive a strong content foundation in the biological, physical, clinical, and behavioral sciences and learn to critically apply scientific research and other forms of best evidence to practice.
The hybrid pathway will also provide both simulated and actual clinical experiences across the curriculum. Educational opportunities and activities are provided to enhance student exposure to underserved populations. Students are provided with opportunities for research, interprofessional collaborative practice, community service, teaching, and leadership. The curriculum is delivered in an educational environment that emphasizes professionalism and professional attributes relevant to physical therapist practice that occurs in-person and in an online environment. Our educational principles include:
- Integration of concepts related to adult learning theory
- Promotion of self-direction and independence
- Experiential and strong emphasis on active learning
- Respect for diverse talents and learning styles
- Promotion of good communication behaviors
- Integration of different learning domains
- Clinical Education Placements
Placements for clinical experiences are available in diverse practice environments in a variety of clinical settings.
Clinical education sites are located in urban, suburban, and rural areas within and outside of Arizona.
Students must be prepared to travel to any area where clinical placements are available.