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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Dr. Dawn James, Associate Professor and Program Director – Doctor of Physical Therapy<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to Tarleton State University\u2019s developing Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Our goal is clear: to prepare physical therapists who are clinically skilled, compassionate, and committed to improving access to care in communities that have historically had the least. This program was built with intention\u2014to reflect the realities of practice today and to equip graduates for the future of the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our mission is to educate and graduate compassionate and skilled primary care physical therapy professionals who advance the profession, promote fairness and social responsibility, and transform the health of society through excellence in education, discovery, leadership, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DPT program is full-time and cohort-based, spanning three years (nine semesters and 114 credit hours). Students progress through a structured, term-based sequence. The curriculum is grounded in the principles of competency-based education. Students are expected not only to complete coursework but to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for safe and effective practice. Learning is integrated across classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, clinical education, and structured reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We emphasize clinical reasoning, examination and evaluation, differential diagnosis, prevention, and evidence-informed care. Diagnostic ultrasound is incorporated across multiple courses to support clinical decision-making. Students also learn in a state-of-the-art, multimodal anatomy lab intentionally designed by physical therapists to promote active learning and connect structure to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This program prepares graduates for the future of physical therapy, including expanded roles in primary care, integrated care teams, and rural health systems. Our clinical education network reflects this vision. While we maintain strong partnerships across Texas, our network of clinical sites extends nationwide. Students gain experience in outpatient, inpatient, rehabilitation, and primary care-oriented settings. Clinical placements are determined by the program and informed by student goals and learning needs. Interprofessional education is integrated throughout the curriculum in collaboration with students in nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are preparing to submit our Application for Candidacy to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) by November 1, 2025. Candidate for Accreditation is a recognized accreditation status. CAPTE considers graduation from a program with Candidacy status to be graduation from an accredited program, which makes students in our first cohort eligible to sit for the national licensure examination. Final licensure eligibility is determined by each state licensing board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We expect to welcome our first cohort in June 2026. More details about curriculum structure, clinical education, and student support are available on our website. I also encourage you to reach out directly with questions. If you are looking for a program that aligns with your commitment to clinical excellence, service, and meaningful leadership in the profession, we invite you to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Dawn James, PT, DPT, DSc<\/strong>
Program Director and Associate Professor
Tarleton State University
djames@tarleton.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Tarleton State University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a full-time, post-baccalaureate degree program offered in a traditional face-to-face format within the College of Health and Clinical Professions, located in Stephenville, TX. As part of a public, doctoral-granting institution with high research activity, the program is committed to delivering a student-focused, high-quality education that prepares graduates for excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3-year (9-semester), 114-credit Doctor of Physical Therapy Program\u2019s mission is to educate and graduate compassionate and skilled primary care physical therapy professionals who advance the profession, promote fairness and social responsibility, and transform the health of society through excellence in education, discovery, leadership, and service. With a focus on improving healthcare access, particularly in rural and medically resource-limited communities, the program is committed to preparing students for patient-centered, high-quality care in a vast range of clinical settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program fosters professional awareness and patient-centered care, emphasizing adaptability, ethical decision-making, and respect in healthcare interactions. Students learn to recognize and address barriers to healthcare access while developing strong communication and critical thinking skills to enhance patient outcomes. The curriculum integrates policy awareness and emotional intelligence to prepare students to serve all patients with confidence and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 DPT Financial Fact Sheet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To educate and graduate compassionate and skilled primary care physical therapy professionals who advance the profession, promote fairness and social responsibility, and transform the health of society through excellence in education, discovery, leadership, and service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To be a premiere program in physical therapy education, inspiring exceptional care, and transforming the human experience by optimizing movement. Our graduates will be sought-after leaders in healthcare, championing access to quality care, fostering an environment of lifelong learning, and leaving an indelible mark on the health and well-being of individuals and communities, locally and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Focus Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n