Message from the PT Program Chairperson

At Central Michigan University, your journey to becoming a physical therapist is built around real patients, real clinical situations, and meaningful hands-on learning. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum uses a case-based educational model that places patient care at the center of the learning experience. Throughout the program, you will engage with clinical cases that reflect the complexity of contemporary physical therapy practice, helping you connect scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional decision-making in ways that are relevant and immediately applicable. 

As a student, you will be challenged to think critically, develop strong clinical skills, and reflect on your growth as a future healthcare professional. Professionalism, ethics, compassionate care, and the core values of the physical therapy profession are integrated throughout the curriculum. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting your success and helping you transition from student to confident, competent, and caring physical therapist.

You will learn in the state-of-the-art Health Professions Building, which provides access to outstanding instruction, research, and clinical facilities. In addition to dedicated physical therapy classrooms and laboratories, you will have opportunities to utilize resources such as the Motion Analysis Center, Human Performance Laboratory, Physical Therapy Clinic within the Carls Center for Clinical Care and Education, Field Neurosciences Institute Laboratories, Health Innovation and Simulation Laboratory, Global Telepresence Facility, and hydrotherapy area with an exercise pool.

Hands-on patient care begins early in the program. Through our Hands for Health pro bono clinic, students work alongside faculty supervisors to provide physical therapy services for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. This experience allows you to develop and refine clinical skills while making a meaningful impact on the community. Students also have opportunities to participate in community engagement initiatives such as MOVE! for Health and Fit Feet Walking programs in partnership with the Mt. Pleasant Center on Aging.

Clinical education is one of the defining strengths of the CMU DPT program. Beginning in the first year, you will participate in integrated clinical experiences that help bridge classroom learning with clinical practice. During your final year, you will complete two extended clinical education experiences that provide immersive, full-time practice opportunities. Throughout your clinical education journey, a dedicated team consisting of the Director of Clinical Education and Regional Clinical Coordinators will support your learning through individual mentoring, regional discussion groups, and virtual connections with fellow students. With more than 300 affiliated clinical sites across Michigan and the United States, you will have access to diverse learning environments and patient populations.

The curriculum also provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the profession through critical inquiry. Students may choose to participate in a collaborative faculty-led research project or complete a clinical case report during their final clinical education experiences. Regardless of the option selected, you will work closely with faculty mentors, develop a publishable manuscript, and present your work at the program's annual research and case report colloquium. Many students go on to share their projects at state, national, and international professional conferences.

Physical therapy is an exciting and rapidly evolving profession, and we are proud to prepare the next generation of practitioners, leaders, scholars, and advocates. We invite you to join a learning community that is committed to excellence, innovation, service, and student success.

If you have questions about the DPT program, student life, clinical education opportunities, or the physical therapy profession, please feel free to contact me. I would be delighted to help you learn more about what Central Michigan University has to offer.

Weiqing "Way" Ge, DPT, PhD
Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy