Prospective Students
Why UTHSC?
UTHSC prepares students to become compassionate and evidence-based clinicians by providing a great education with caring people in an environment with limitless opportunities.
“I chose UTHSC not only because I felt called to Memphis, but also because of the superior quality of professors and the growing incorporation of simulation technology into the program. In my opinion, students from the UTHSC DPT program are more confident and better prepared for entry level work, and I’m honored to have advanced through this reputable program!”
Allyson Black, Class of ???
“I made my decision to attend UTHSC DPT because I knew that the program would not only provide me with the quality education for the career that I was pursuing, but also prepare me with the skills needed to become a highly skilled professional clinician. The combination of the program’s experienced faculty, high-tech CHIPS center, the integration and clinical affiliations throughout the community, and the curriculum’s strong didactic courses were only some of the of the key factors that helped me narrow my choice to UTHSC.”
Maria Farag, Class of ???
People
The UTHSC DPT Faculty are expert teachers that create an inspiring and engaging learning environment for DPT students. But faculty are more than just teachers, they are practicing clinicians that stay current in their field and are active researchers that help collect, analyze and write the evidence taught to DPT students. Many local clinicians are involved with the program as teaching and lab assistants in order to maintain a successful student to faculty ratio and gain insight on the current trends in clinical practice.
Each entering student is paired with an academic advisor and a member of the 2nd year class to help them through the program and beyond. While many of our students are drawn to UTHSC from the mid-south region, students from around the country with various backgrounds are drawn to our program, creating a diverse student body. Our classes are tight-knit and constantly found studying, socializing, or playing (intramurals!) together.
Curriculum
The DPT curriculum helps students transition from eager scholar to successful clinician. The curriculum includes five clinical experiences and internships, including two experiences early in the curriculum, to help students apply didactic knowledge to live patient populations.
Faculty use a variety of teaching methods to ensure they meet the needs of the entire student body. Common methods include traditional lecture, team-based learning, case studies, and laboratory experiences. Of note is the uniqueness of the first semester, which allows students an easier and more enjoyable transition to doctoral level classes by combining some foundational science courses with clinical PT courses to engage students in their future profession as soon as possible. Thus, Human Anatomy, a traditionally rigorous course for many, is offered in the second semester after students have successfully transitioned into the graduate program.
Clinical Education
UTHSC DPT offers a strong clinical education program. Clinical experiences are offered early and often throughout the curriculum. We have developed tight relationships with many clinical organizations throughout the country that offer our students a wide variety of clinical settings and populations. Students are given opportunities to practice in acute, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings with general populations and within specialty areas.
Research
While it is not a mandatory curricular requirement, student opportunities to get involved in research are growing! Faculty have developed research groups to help support and mentor students with a research interest. These groups often participate in literature review, data collection and analysis, and even help to disseminate their findings with publications and presentations at local, state, and national conferences. Examples of research groups include a group of students participating in prevention and rehabilitation of individuals after ACL injury, gait analysis of children with cerebral palsy, rehabilitation of individuals with neurologic pathologies, and identifying risk factors and treatments for individuals at risk of falling. These research experiences help prepare a student for evidence based clinical practice, residencies, fellowships, and/or PhD programs.
Memphis!
Ranked as one of the top cities for millennials by Forbes Magazine, Memphis is a vibrant community. It has a tremendous reputation for healthcare as indicated by nationally renowned hospitals, 5 of which are within walking distance from the UTHSC campus. Combined with all the health science programs at UTHSC, the opportunities for exposure to various clinical populations and collaborations with other healthcare professionals is unlike any other!
Outside of healthcare, Memphis is known for its culture, social activities, professional sports and food. It has been honored as the 4th ranked happiest city for job seeking college grads (Forbes), the 4th best city for cost of living (Business Facilities, 2015), the 2nd ranked city for music lovers, and holds the #1 ranked southern event for the Memphis in May International Festival (Today, 2015). There is something for everyone in the Bluff City.
Value
At UTHSC, the DPT degree comes with incredible value. As student debt concerns continue to grow, we try to provide the best education and the lowest cost. Both in-state and out-of-state tuitions are incredibly competitive, and when you combine this with all that the program, university, and city have to offer, UTHSC DPT offers one of the best opportunities for your money.