PNWU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Partnership with PNWU

Beginning with applications for the cohort starting in Fall 2023, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Physical Therapy (PNWU-SOPT) have agreed to admission interviews for qualified PLU graduates (since 2020) for those who meet the minimum admission requirements, obtain a composite GRE score (quantitative and verbal reasoning) of 300 or higher and a GRE writing score of 4 or higher, and have a 3.2 GPA or higher in each of the following: cumulative undergraduate GPA, GPA in the 10 required prerequisite courses, and GPA in the last 60 credits taken. PNWU-SOT will also waive the $50 application fee for these PLU applicants.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences DPT program’s curriculum emphasizes a rural-focused curriculum consisting of didactics, labs, simulated experiential learning, full-time clinical experiences, community-based service-learning projects, and a culminating capstone project. Students have an opportunity to learn and participate in community-based research with faculty at the Center for Applied Movement Sciences (CAMS) laboratory and serve Yakima’s uninsured community members during two off-campus Integrated Clinical Experiences courses at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission. Students also participate in two on-campus Integrated Clinical Experiences courses as part of the CAMS laboratory.

Students will complete coursework in movement and behavioral sciences, professional and interprofessional practice, evidence-informed practice, clinical reasoning, and patient management, including for special populations. They will also develop a strong moral foundation and soft skills necessary for PT practice, including social and emotional intelligence, cultural competencies, and understanding social determinants of health. Evidence-informed principles and clinical decision-making skills will be applied in professional practice courses and integrated clinical experiences in various health settings.

PNWU’s DPT program clinical education partners include numerous hospitals, clinics, and health agencies, primarily throughout the Northwest. PNWU is a leading member of the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC) emphasizing interprofessional practice among health professions education and medical students.

Program Highlights:

• New cohorts begin each fall
• Three-year in-person program
• Accepts up to 50 students for each new cohort