Admissions
For more information about our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, please contact CU Physical Therapy Admissions by phone at (303) 724-9144 or email at PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu.
*The Program follows University policies to facilitate equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for faculty, staff and prospective/enrolled students, by following policies of the Office of Equity and the Regent's laws and Policies, Article 10, nondiscrimination.
University Strategic Priority
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Physical Therapy Program is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access, & Inclusion.
Programs
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program offers seven educational opportunities in clinical care and rehabilitation science.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) - Residential and Hybrid Pathways
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program is a 2.5-year program offered as both a residential and hybrid pathway. The academic program starts in the summer and continues for 8 consecutive semesters. Full-time and part-time clinical education experiences are interspersed throughout the first two years and begin as early as the second semester. Upon completion of the Program, students are awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Learn more.
Residency in Pediatric Physical Therapy
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Pediatric Residency Program consists of planned post-professional clinical and didactic education for licensed physical therapists who have graduated from an accredited DPT program. In addition to clinical opportunities with structured mentorship, the program also includes participation in the Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program through JFK Partners, and access to the resources of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Learn more.
PhD in Rehabilitation Science
An interdisciplinary program educating future scientists. University of Colorado's PhD in Rehabilitation Science is within the Graduate School.
Doctor of Physical Therapy-Rehabilitation Science PhD Pathway
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus DPT-PhD pathway facilitates a viable educational plan for promising students with a strong interest in academic physical therapy and rehabilitation science. This collaborative dual degree pathway between the CU Physical Therapy Program and the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program provides an efficient approach to earning both the clinical doctorate and the research doctorate. Learn more.
Orthopaedic Residency
The University of Colorado School of Medicine Physical Therapy Orthopaedic Residency in partnership with UCHealth is a structured, accredited, post-professional education program for licensed physical therapists who have graduated from an accredited DPT program. The orthopaedic residency will offer experiences in outpatient patient management through the UCHealth system and didactic as well as teaching experiences through the resources of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program on the prestigious Anschutz Medical Campus. There is no tuition and residents earn a salary with a comprehensive benefits package. Residency graduates will be qualified to sit for the ABPTS orthopaedic clinical specialist exam. Learn more
Faculty Residency
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Faculty Residency is a structured, accredited, post-professional education program for licensed physical therapists who have graduated from an accredited DPT program who aspire to an academic faculty position. The program is designed to significantly advance preparation of the physical therapist as a highly qualified educator and productive academic scholar. Potential as a future leader in physical therapist education develops through multiple teaching experiences, structured mentorship opportunities, and mentored educational scholarship throughout the program. The program also offers access to the resources of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Learn more
Doctor of Physical Therapy- Master's of Public Health Dual Degree Track
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus DPT-MPH track is a collaborative dual degree track between two well-established and successful degree programs: the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Learn more.
PT Degree Requirements
The DPT degree requires completion of 116 credit hours, which includes 38 weeks of clinical education. Students complete and present a capstone project in year 3 before the final clinical internship
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program has established a tradition of excellence for over 70 years. Our 2.5 year graduate professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree boasts superb faculty, a location on the state-of-the-art Anschutz Medical Campus, commitment to the education of a diverse body of students and a strong network of supportive alumni and clinical faculty.
The PT Program educates competent, ethical physical therapists to assume the multi-faceted roles of clinical practitioner, patient manager, teacher, researcher, administrator, consultant and advocate. In addition to compassion, character and professionalism, certain essential skills are required in order to complete the PT Program. Upon successful completion of the PT Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in any state.
DPT Curriculum
Year 1 Curriculum
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 5001 | Clinical Anatomy I | 5 |
DPTR 5171 | Health Promotion and Wellness I | 1 |
DPTR 5201 | Examination & Evaluation I | 2 |
DPTR 5211 | Foundations of Intervention I | 2 |
DPTR 5711 | Professional Development I | 2 |
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 12 |
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 5011 | Neuroscience | 3 |
DPTR 5101 | Movement Science I | 3 |
DPTR 5141 | Human Growth & Development | 2 |
DPTR 5151 | Motor Control & Motor Learning | 2 |
DPTR 5202 | Examination and Evaluation II | 2 |
DPTR 5212 | Foundations of Intervention II | 2 |
DPTR 5621 | Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
DPTR 5901 | Integrated Clin Experience I | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring | ||
DPTR 5111 | Exercise Science | 2 |
DPTR 5161 | Psychosocial Aspects of Care I | 1 |
DPTR 5301 | Medical Conditions I | 4 |
DPTR 5401 | Musculoskeletal Conditions I | 4 |
DPTR 5501 | Neuromuscular Conditions I | 3 |
DPTR 5631 | Clinical Reasoning I | 1 |
DPTR 5731 | Healthcare Delivery I | 1 |
IPCP 5000 | Interprofessional Collaborative Practice | 1 |
Hours | 17 | |
Total Hours | 35 |
Year 2 Curriculum
Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 6002 | Clinical Anatomy II | 3 |
DPTR 6402 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6502 | Neuromuscular Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6931 | Clinical Education I | 5 |
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 12 |
Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 5162 | Psychosocial Aspects Care II | 2 |
DPTR 6102 | Movement Science II | 2 |
DPTR 6302 | Medical Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6403 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 2 |
DPTR 6404 | Musculoskeletal Conditions IV | 2 |
DPTR 6503 | Neuromuscular Conditions III | 4 |
DPTR 6632 | Clinical Reasoning II | 1 |
DPTR 6712 | Professional Development II | 2 |
IPHE 6000 | IPE Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity | 0 |
DPTR 6902 | Integrated Clinical Experience II | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring | ||
DPTR 6303 | Medical Conditions III | 3 |
DPTR 6633 | Clinical Reasoning III | 2 |
DPTR 6713 | Professional Development III | 1 |
DPTR 6732 | Healthcare Delivery II | 3 |
DPTR 6932 | Clinical Education II | 6 |
DPTR 7112 | Applied Exercise Science | 3 |
Hours | 18 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
Year 3 Curriculum
Year 3 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 7171 | Health Promotion and Wellness II | 3 |
DPTR 7212 | Elective | 1 |
DPTR 7213 | National Physical Therapy Examination Preparation | 1 |
DPTR 7641 | Integrated Practice | 2 |
DPTR 7651 | Clinical Reasoning Capstone | 4 |
Hours | 11 | |
Total Hours | 11 |
Year 3 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 7933 | Clinical Education III | 10 |
Hours | 10 | |
Total Hours | 10 |
- 90% of our graduates will pass the NPTE on their first attempt to become licensed physical therapists.
- 85% of our graduates will feel competent to practice autonomously as Doctors of Physical Therapy within their first year post-graduation.
- All of our graduates will use critical thinking, evidence, and clinical reasoning in physical therapy patient management.
- All of our graduates will be prepared to provide physical therapy care to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan.
Courses
IPCP 5000 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
This course develops core competencies in teamwork & collaboration for incoming health professions students. Students will learn in Interprofessional Teams (IP) teams coached by IPE faculty, develop essential communication skills and processes for simultaneous and sequential teams, and provide feedback on individual and team performance to improve IP collaboration.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Spring
IPHE 6000 Interprofessional Healthcare Ethics and Health Equity
This course develops foundational knowledge and basic practical skills to identify, analyze, and resolve ethical and health equity issues in clinical practice. This course integrates interprofessional collaboration and teamwork to teach students ethical theory and reasoning, professional ethics and its historical origins, and approaches to health care decision-making.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Summer
Faculty

Michael Harris-Love PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA
Associate Dean, Physical Therapy Education, School of Medicine
Program Director, Residential Pathway, CU Physical Therapy Program
Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy
Health Scientist, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Director, Muscle Morphology, Mechanics, and Performance Laboratory
Executive Vice Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Email Address: michael.harris-love@cuanschutz.edu
Primary Phone: 309-724-0687

Daniel Malone, PT, PhD, CCS
Program Director, Hybrid Pathway-CU Physical Therapy Program
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5301 Medical Conditions I Residential & Hybrid, DPTR 6302 Medical Conditions II Hybrid only, DPTR 6303 Medical Conditions III Residential & Hybrid
Phone number: 303-724-9321
Email: daniel.malone@cuanschutz.edu
Rebecca Abbott, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor-Hybrid Pathway
Hybrid Course Coordinator: DPTR 5101 Movement Science IDPTR 6102 Movement Science II
Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS
Clinical Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5211 Foundations of Intervention I DPTR 5202 Examination and Evaluation II
Email: alyssa.arms@cuanschutz.edu
Michael Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6632 Clinical Reasoning II
Email: michael.bade@cuanschutz.edu
Melissa Barella, MS
Clinical Instructor-Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5001 Clinical Anatomy I, DPTR 6002 Clinical Anatomy II
Email: melissa.barella@cuanschutz.edu or mbarell2@UCCS.edu
Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
Assistant Professor, Associate Director of Clinical Education-Residential Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5201 Examination & Evaluation I, DPTR 5212 Foundations of Intervention II, DPTR 6931 Clinical Education I
Email: catherine.bilyeu@cuanschutz.edu
Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS
Senior Instructor, Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6713 Professional Development III
Email: lara.canham@cuanschutz.edu
Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Professor, Section Director of Research and Development
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5101 Movement Science I, DPTR 6102 Movement Science II
Email: mailto:cory.christiansen@cuanschutz.edu
David DiGiacomo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Senior Instructor, Orthopaedic Residency Coordinator
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5001 Clinical Anatomy I, Co-coordinator, DPTR 6002 Clinical Anatomy II, Co-coordinator, DPTR 6403 Musculoskeletal Conditions III
Email: david.a.digiacomo@cuanschutz.edu
Elliot (EJ) Gann, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5501 Neuromuscular I
Email: elliot.gann@cuanschutz.edu
Alexander Garbin, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5621 Evidence Based Practice, DPTR 5631 Clinical Reasoning I
Email: alexander.garbin@cuanschutz.edu
Robyn Gisbert, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: RESIDENTIAL PATHWAY - DPTR 5011 Neuroscience, DPTR 5161 Psychosocial Aspects of Care I, DPTR 5162 Psychosocial Aspects Care II, Humanities HYBRID PATHWAY - Humanities, DPTR 5161 Psychosocial Aspects of Care I
Email: robyn.gisbert@cuanschutz.edu
Michelle Harris-Love, PT, PhD
Associate Professor, Hybrid Faculty
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5011 Neuroscience - Hybrid only, DPTR 5151 Motor Control & Motor Learning - Hybrid and Residential
Email: mharrisl@uccs.edu, michelle.harris-love@cuanschutz.edu
Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, PCS
Senior Instructor, Pediatric Residency Director
Coordinator: DPTR 5141 Human Growth & Development, DPTR 5501 Neuromuscular Conditions I, DPTR 7651 Clinical Reasoning Capstone
Email: meghan.hernandez@cuanschutz.edu
Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6404 Musculoskeletal Conditions IV, DPTR 7112 Applied Exercise Science
Email: lauren.hinrichs-kinney@cuanschutz.edu
Molly Jones, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Clinical Instructor - Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5901 Integrated Clin Experience I, DPTR 6502 Neuromuscular Conditions II, DPTR 6503 Neuromuscular Conditions III, DPTR 6902 Integrated Clinical Experience II
Email: mjones45@uccs.edu, mailto:molly.jones@cuanschutz.edu
Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD
Associate Professor, Section Director of Student Affairs, Faculty Residency Director
Course Coordinator: RESIDENTIAL AND HYBRID PATHWAYS DPTR 5201 Examination & Evaluation I, DPTR 5202 Examination and Evaluation II, DPTR 5211 Foundations of Intervention I, DPTR 5212 Foundations of Intervention II, DPTR 5631 Clinical Reasoning I
Phone number: 303-724-8814
Email: mailto:dana.judd@cuanschutz.edu
Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS
Senior Clinical Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5901 Integrated Clin Experience I, DPTR 6902 Integrated Clinical Experience II
Email: rebecca.keefer@cuanschutz.edu
Anthony “Toby” Kinney, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MBA, PhD
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: RESIDENTIAL PATHWAY - DPTR 6402 Musculoskeletal Conditions II, DPTR 7641 Integrated Practice HYBRID PATHWAY - IPCP 5000 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, DPTR 5161 Psychosocial Aspects of Care I, DPTR 5401 Musculoskeletal Conditions I, DPTR 6402 Musculoskeletal Conditions II, DPTR 6403 Musculoskeletal Conditions III, DPTR 6404 Musculoskeletal Conditions IV, DPTR 7641 Integrated Practice, IPCP 5000 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
Email: Anthony.kinney@cuanschutz.edu
Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5151 Motor Control & Motor Learning, DPTR 6502 Neuromuscular Conditions II, DPTR 6503 Neuromuscular Conditions III
Phone number: 303-724-9100
Email: wendy.kriekels@cuanschutz.edu
Melanie Lambert, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS
Clinical Assistant Professor - Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5201 Examination & Evaluation I, DPTR 5202 Examination and Evaluation II, DPTR 5211 Foundations of Intervention I, DPTR 5212 Foundations of Intervention II, DPTR 5731 Healthcare Delivery I
Email: mailto:mlamber3@ussc.edu, melanie.lambert@cuanschutz.edu
Jennifer Logan, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6902 Integrated Clinical Experience II
Email: jennifer.2.logan@ucdenver.edu
Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor, CEI-CE Coordinator, DPT-MPH Dual Degree Director
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5171 Health Promotion and Wellness I - Residential & Hybrid, DPTR 6712 Professional Development II, DPTR 7171 Health Promotion and Wellness II
Email: dawn.magnusson@cuanschutz.edu
Mark Mañago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5621 Evidence Based Practice, DPTR 6633 Clinical Reasoning III
Phone number: 303-724-0247
Email: mark.manago@cuanschutz.edu
Ryan Marker, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5111 Exercise Science
Phone number: 303-724-0819
Email: ryan.marker@cuanschutz.edu
Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor, Section Director of Curriculum
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5401 Musculoskeletal Conditions I, DPTR 6402 Musculoskeletal Conditions II
Phone number: 303-724-1906
Email: amy.mcdevitt@cuanschutz.edu
Nia Mensah, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor, Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5141 Human Growth & Development, DPTR 5501 Neuromuscular Conditions I
Email: nia.mensah@cuanschutz.edu
Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc
Associate Professor, Interprofessional Education Coordinator, Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) Coordinator
Course Coordinator: IPCP 5000 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, IPHE 6000 IPE Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity, IPE Clinical Transformations
Phone number: 303-724-8433
Email: amy.nordon-craft@cuanschutz.edu
Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5711 Professional Development I, DPTR 6932 Clinical Education II, DPTR 7933 Clinical Education III - Residential & Hybrid
Phone number: 303-724-9326
Email: joe.palmer@cuanschutz.edu
Mike Pascoe, PhD
Associate Professor, Residential and Hybrid Pathways
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5001 Clinical Anatomy I, DPTR 6002 Clinical Anatomy II
Phone number: 303-724-5978
Email: mike.pascoe@cuanschutz.edu
Stephanie Pascoe, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor - Hybrid Pathway, Section Director of Post Professional Education
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5401 Musculoskeletal Conditions I, DPTR 6402 Musculoskeletal Conditions II, DPTR 6403 Musculoskeletal Conditions III, DPTR 6404 Musculoskeletal Conditions IV, DPTR 6632 Clinical Reasoning II, DPTR 6633 Clinical Reasoning III, DPTR 6712 Professional Development II, DPTR 6713 Professional Development III, DPTR 6732 Healthcare Delivery II
Email: stephanie.pascoe@cuanschutz.edu
Eric Sawyer, PT, DPT, OCS, STC, CFEI©
Assistant Professor, Assistant Director, Clinical Education - Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: Hybrid Pathway - DPTR 5711 Professional Development I, DPTR 6931 Clinical Education I, DPTR 6932 Clinical Education II
Phone number: 303-724-9597
Email: esawyer3@uccs.edu
Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5011 Neuroscience
Email: andrew.c2.smith@cuanschutz.edu
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program Director, Vice Chair of Research - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Course Coordinator: DPTR 7112 Applied Exercise Science
Phone number: 303-724-9170
Email: jennifer.stevens-lapsley@cuanschutz.edu
Tamara Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5301 Medical Conditions I, DPTR 5731 Healthcare Delivery I, DPTR 6302 Medical Conditions II, DPTR 6303 Medical Conditions III, DPTR 6732 Healthcare Delivery II, DPTR 7651 Clinical Reasoning Capstone
Phone number: 303-724-9140
Email: tami.struessel@cuanschutz.edu
Wesley Thornton, PT, DPT
Teaching Assistantship - Hybrid Pathway Faculty
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5011 Neuroscience, DPTR 5151 Motor Control & Motor Learning
Email: wesley.thornton@cuanschutz.edu
Lilly Webster, PT, DPT, MPH
Senior Clinical Instructor, Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5171 Health Promotion and Wellness I, DPTR 7171 Health Promotion and Wellness II
Email: lilly.webster@ucdenver.edu
Sarah Wiehe, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor - Hybrid Pathway
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5501 Neuromuscular Conditions I, DPTR 6502 Neuromuscular Conditions II, DPTR 6503 Neuromuscular Conditions III
Email: mailto:swiehe@uccs.edu, mailto:sarah.wiehe@cuanschutz.edu
Learning Outcomes
Doctor of Physical Therapy Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes for the DPT Program are founded on 5 Curricular Elements: 1) Patient-Centered Care, 2) Clinical Reasoning and Evidence Based Practice, 3) Movement for Participation, 4) Teamwork and Collaboration, and 5) Quality Improvement and Safety. Specifically, the learning outcomes are that all (100%) of program graduates and their employers will be competent in:
- Delivery of patient-centered clinical care.
- Clinical reasoning and decision-making.
- Applying foundational science knowledge to clinical care to promote patient/population movement for life participation.
- Applying principles of teamwork and collaboration within healthcare systems.
- Providing quality patient-centered health care that is safe, effective, ethical, equitable, and takes cost into account.