Hybrid Physical Therapy pathway welcomes potential cohort to campus

Photo by Jackie Berning

The CU Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which is a collaboration between the Health Sciences Department in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Johnson Beth-El) and the Anschutz School of Medicine, begins this June.

This summer, the Hybrid DPT program will welcome the first cohort of 37 students.

In January, DPT program faculty and staff hosted an event at the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center (Hybl Center) for potential DPT students who had interviewed for a slot in the program (Class of 2026). The event provided an opportunity to see the campus, meet the faculty and learn about the program. The attendees toured the Hybl Center, focusing on the physical therapy and cadaver lab spaces where students will be doing their lab intensives.

DPT faculty member Richard Westrick (PT, DPT, DSc) shared, “This event provided a great opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the CU DPT Hybrid Pathway and see the Hybl Center classroom spaces, lab facilities and the phenomenal resources that UCCS has to offer those who select our program.”

Physical Therapy Hybrid students will take their didactic courses online and then come to campus twice a semester for their immersive laboratory experiences.   

Program Director Daniel Malone (PT, PhD) shared, “Hybrid education allows our students to ‘learn where they live.’ For many students, relocating to the Denver metro area and joining the Residential Pathway could be a challenge.”

He continued, “The student has more control over their daily schedule. I believe that personal preferences and choice will hopefully lead to a more satisfactory student experience.” 

Undergraduate students who are interested in the field of physical therapy generally complete degrees in Health Sciences or Exercise Science. These undergraduate programs provide the foundational knowledge to enter into the physical therapy field.

About Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences has trained and educated the region’s health professionals and human performance professionals for over 118 years, and in 2022, celebrated 25 years with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

At Johnson Beth-El, students meet the needs of a rapidly changing health care landscape by providing innovative, nationally accredited, and ranked programs.

Johnson Beth-El’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Clinical Simulation Learning Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). The Master’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is the first Future Education Model (FEM) registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) program in Colorado and accredited by ACEND. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) became the first graduate athletic training program in Colorado when it was awarded CAATE accreditation in Spring 2020.

Our traditional Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program is ranked nationally by US News and World Report. The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences ranks #67 out of 681 national nursing programs. The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is consistently ranked as a US News and World Report’s Top online Master’s in Nursing program for veterans. In 2022, we ranked #1 in the state of Colorado for veterans. Learn more about the Johnson Beth-El at johnsonbethel.uccs.edu.

About University of Colorado School of Medicine

The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers comprehensive, lifelong, interdisciplinary learning for health care professionals. With state-of-the art laboratories for discovery and innovation, a commitment to decreasing health disparities and increasing health equity, and faculty who provide world-class clinical care at Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, the CU School of Medicine is transforming the health care landscape. Learn more at medschool.cuanschutz.edu.