Physical Therapy

The University of Kentucky Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree with the College of Health Sciences is offered at the Lexington Campus and at the Center of Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard.

Students applying for admission to the UK DPT program generally apply during the fall of their senior year of college. Applicants must be on track to complete a bachelor’s degree and all DPT prerequisite courses before they begin the DPT program. For more information about UK’s DPT admissions requirements, click here.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association website (www.apta.org), “Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.”

Physical therapy is among the fastest-growing healthcare careers with a national median salary of $84,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health prepares highly trained health professionals to help address the complex health disparities in rural areas.