Help individuals with movement deficits

Physical therapists improve patient’s lives by diagnosing, treating and managing movement system dysfunction. We treat people of all ages who have movement difficulties related to disease, injury or pain. As the medical experts in movement science, we improve quality of life using exercise, education and hands-on therapies.

A unique program. A unique education.

The physical therapy program at The College of St. Scholastica embraces the five values from the Benedictine heritage that make this educational setting unique. We teach, mentor and work in ways that are shaped by the emphasis on Community, Hospitality, Respect, Stewardship and Love of Learning. Graduates of our program are highly professional and clinic-ready.

• The faculty is composed of educators with a combination of academic and clinical training. There are currently twelve full-time faculty (nine with post-professional doctoral degrees, and nine with Specialist Certification in areas including orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics and women's health).  
• Professional development is emphasized throughout the program.
• Students learn alongside peers and faculty in our on-site community clinic.
• The new Health Science Center at BlueStone includes state-of-the-art classroom spaces, a research laboratory, the community clinic, meeting spaces and designated student lounges.

Outstanding preparation for a meaningful career

The entry-level DPT is a post-baccalaureate program that is completed in just under three years. The first year emphasizes foundational sciences and clinical skill acquisition, culminating in a short clinical experience. Year two builds on this foundation and emphasizes clinical reasoning, problem-solving and advanced application of knowledge and skills. Students are on clinical internships during the third year, returning to campus for a short capstone course prior to graduation.

Career opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical therapists is expected to grow by 18% between 2018 and 2028. This is well above average and represents an opportunity for those looking to enter the profession.

• St. Scholastica's DPT program has a 100 percent job placement rate over the past three years
• Median annual salary is $87,930 
• PTs Work in variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, private practice, rehab centers, home healthcare agencies, academic and research settings and more

Licensure

Graduates must pass a standardized national licensure examination in order to practice physical therapy in the United States. Requirements and documentation needed to apply for and take the examination vary by state. The examination and state licensure process are not part of the DPT education program, however successful completion of the program is required to take the examination.

Mission statement

We advance clinical practice, develop leaders and scholars, and provide service through an inclusive and compassionate approach that is guided by evidence and shaped by the values of the College and the physical therapy profession.

The Health Science Center at BlueStone: A beautiful place to learn

The DPT program is located in the Health Science Center (HSC) at BlueStone, approximately one mile from the main St Scholastica campus in Duluth. The BlueStone development includes retail, restaurants, and housing in addition to the HSC. BlueStone Lofts and BlueStone Flats offer convenient high-end housing options for DPT students. The HSC includes state-of-the-art classroom space, a research laboratory, meeting rooms, faculty offices, and student lounge areas overlooking Lake Superior. The maurices Community Clinic is also located in the HSC, providing DPT students with mentored hands-on learning opportunities and interdisciplinary training. The maurices Community Clinic serves uninsured and underinsured individuals from the Duluth community.