The application deadline for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2029 at Lincoln Memorial University has been extended to March 15, giving prospective students additional time to pursue a profession rooted in service, science and community impact.
The next cohort begins May 21, 2026, entering a program built around the health needs of Appalachian communities while preparing graduates for careers nationwide. University leaders say the extension reflects LMU’s commitment to expanding access to students who want to make a difference close to home.
"Physical therapy means a lot to me because I get involved in a profession that is dedicated to movement as well as restoring confidence in our patients,” said first-year student Savanna Owens. “Growing up as an athlete for the majority of life, movement and exercise were obviously the core of what makes an athlete. What isn't always brought to light is mental health post-injury. We say movement is medicine, but mental health is the foundation of our well-being."
LMU’s full-time DPT program spans 36 months and 114 credit hours, combining classroom instruction, research training and four full clinical internships. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to work across modern health care systems. A 3+3 accelerated BS/DPT pathway is also available for eligible students, with no GRE required.
For students currently enrolled, the program’s focus on Appalachia adds meaning to their professional training.
"Physical therapy is an aspect of medicine that bridges the physical with the personal,” said Assistant Professor Ben Johnson, DPT, PhD. “These students will learn skills that will make a difference for individuals and communities. Many come from rural areas in the Appalachian region, and our mission for our program is to develop students who will be ready to practice in many of the areas that need support throughout the Appalachian area."
The university says that philosophy aligns with LMU’s broader mission to improve quality of life in the region and beyond. Graduates leave the program equipped with the clinical judgment, technical skill and compassionate perspective required to manage patient care in diverse settings.
National workforce data continues to show strong demand for physical therapists, with the profession ranked among the nation’s top health care careers. University officials say that combination of opportunity and purpose continues to attract students who want both a stable career and a meaningful one.
More information about LMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and admissions requirements is available at https://www.lmunet.edu/cmsh/dpt/
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
