Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Lincoln Memorial University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is an in-person program in Knoxville, Tennessee. Over the course of nine semesters in three years, the curriculum prepares students to be knowledgeable, skilled, reflective, and collaborative physical therapists. The curriculum includes integrated clinical education experiences and 34 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences.

This program is ideal for students pursuing careers in contemporary rehabilitation. The mission of our DPT program is to advance the physical therapy practice through the use of best evidence and interprofessional opportunities in order to better engage and support you in your development into a knowledgeable, skilled, reflective, and collaborative practitioner.

As a graduate of our program, you'll learn to embody the principles of contemporary health care with the goal of ultimately improving the quality of life of communities in the Appalachian region and beyond. Our values, in combination with those of the College, University, and physical therapy professional practice documents, have continuously guided the implementation and assessment of the DPT program. 

Our DPT program is offered full-time, consisting of a 36-month curriculum. Including didactic lectures, four full clinical internships, and research training. For those who are interested, a "3+3 accelerated" BS/DPT pathway is available.

Learn what it takes to be the health care professional your community needs at LMU. Your physical therapy career begins here.

Apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Admission requirements including required prerequisite courses, observation hours, and supplemental materials, can be found here.

Once you have applied, if you meet the requirements, you will be sent an invitation to interview with members of our faculty. This is an additional step after you have submitted your application. Invitations will be sent on a rolling basis as applications are verified by the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). 

With this in mind, we encourage you to submit your materials early to ensure you have enough time for PTCAS verification. Students who apply by December 1 will receive priority consideration. You will only be reviewed and considered for admission if you have been verified by March 15. 

 

PTCAS Application (For Non-LMU Students)

When applying to the LMU DPT program, you will apply online using the PTCAS application. Visit the PTCAS website to learn more.

 

Required Application Forms (LMU Students ONLY)

• LMU students are not required to use PTCAS. A link to the application will be posted July 1st.
• If you have completed a four-year degree elsewhere, please use PTCAS.

1. Application Instructions
2. Program Application
3. Three Character Reference Forms 
4. Clinical Observation Verification Form

• Submit all supplemental application materials to DPTKnoxville@LMUnet.edu.
• Send all questions to program administration at DPTKnoxville@LMUnet.edu.

 

Seat Deposit– If you have been accepted into the DPT program for the incoming class, you are required to pay a non-refundable $500.00 seat deposit to secure your seat. The seat deposit will be applied to the cost of tuition once you have matriculated into the program. 

 

For admission into the DPT program at Lincoln Memorial University as an LMU student, please apply through this link. If you attended a different four-year college or university, please apply through the PTCAS application.

After earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Lincoln Memorial University, you'll have access to a wide variety of career opportunities. With a median salary of $95,620, and Physical Therapy being ranked number three in "Best Health Care Jobs" in 2023 by U.S. News and World Report, you can enjoy a career in your field that's both rewarding and lucrative.

Want to learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at LMU? Reach out to us at any time and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
9731 Cogdill Road
Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: 865-338-5722
Email: DPTKnoxville@LMUnet.edu