The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is expanding its Doctor of Physical Therapy program by adding a hybrid pathway starting in July.
The new program format, recently approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, combines online and in-person learning, offering students greater flexibility while maintaining the program's rigorous standards.
UNTHSC’s DPT program, housed in the College of Health Professions, has been offered since 2013 in a traditional face-to-face format on the Fort Worth campus.
The hybrid pathway will enroll an initial cohort of 30 students and include both online coursework and immersive on-campus sessions, according to a press release. UNTHSC leadership has expressed interest in bringing elements of the newly approved program to other UNT System campuses.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to creating innovative pathways to healthcare education that align with the demands of today’s learners,” said Charles Taylor, UNTHSC executive vice president and provost, in a statement. “By offering a flexible format that combines online and in-person learning, we are meeting the needs of students who require a more adaptable approach to pursuing their professional goals."
The university will become the second Texas state school to offer a hybrid DPT program.
The program is structured for six weeks of online real-time and self-paced coursework, followed by seven to 10 days of on-campus training to develop hands-on and practical skills at either UNTHSC or another UNT System campus. The curriculum will align with the residential program, ensuring consistent quality and comprehensive preparation for careers in physical therapy.
“This approval marks a significant and historic milestone for the UNTHSC DPT program,” said Michael Furtado, associate professor and chair of UNTHSC’s Department of Physical Therapy.
“We’re combining the evidence-based approaches to online learning with the personalized engagement of on-campus immersions to create an exceptional student experience. By offering two pathway options, the DPT at UNTHSC is now more accessible for a diverse group of learners and aims to graduate Doctors of Physical Therapy who will meet the critical needs of the healthcare workforce in the state of Texas and beyond.”
The hybrid pathway will address the growing need for physical therapists in Texas, where the profession is expected to see 28% growth by 2030. Physical therapists in the state earn an average annual salary of $99,040, according to labor data.
“The approval of UNTHSC’s hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy pathway represents our institution’s continuing commitment to innovation,” said Dr. Glenn Forister, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Students in this pathway will benefit from the same rigor and excellence our DPT program is known for while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid learning format.”