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Do you want to find the best Physical Therapist programs in Kansas City, MO, that fit your career goals?
This guide highlights top programs, detailing their unique strengths and what sets them apart.
Choose the right program that will set you on a successful career path in physical therapy.
Rockhurst University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Rockhurst University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to create movement experts who can work with individuals of all abilities across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, leadership, and advocacy within the community and the profession. Unique to Rockhurst is the opportunity to simultaneously earn both a DPT and an MBA or Master of Arts degree.
Key Highlights:
- Dual-degree options: Earn both a DPT and an MBA or MA, providing a competitive edge in the healthcare industry.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring high-quality standards.
- Community focus: Emphasis on leadership and advocacy within both the community and the profession.
- Student feedback: Alumni often highlight the comprehensive preparation they received, reflected in high skill levels in professional settings.
Furthermore, Rockhurst’s DPT program stands out for its thorough curriculum, dual-degree options, and the positive feedback it garners from graduates.
Metropolitan Community College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
The Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program offers both traditional and web-based formats, providing flexibility for students. Graduates are eligible for the state licensure exam, thanks to the program’s CAPTE accreditation.
Program Features:
- Flexible learning: Available in traditional and web-based formats.
- Accreditation: CAPTE accredited, ensuring program quality.
- Clinical rotations: 720 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Success rates: High graduation and licensing pass rates, with perfect employment rates upon graduation.
The traditional format involves classroom lectures and labs from Monday to Thursday, while the web-based format combines distance learning with occasional lab sessions. MCC’s PTA program, known for high graduation rates and successful licensing, is a valuable route for aspiring physical therapists.
The University of Kansas – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The University of Kansas offers a highly reputable Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, recognized for its impressive graduation, exam pass, and employment rates, all exceeding 98%. This program is ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Details:
- High rankings: Consistently ranked among the top programs in the country.
- Pathways: Provides on-campus and hybrid pathways to accommodate various student needs.
- Clinical education: Strong focus on clinical education with diverse settings.
- Student resources: The JaySTART clinic offers real-world practice opportunities.
The curriculum covers a broad range of physical therapy topics and includes options for dual degrees, like MBA or Ph.D., giving graduates a versatile skillset for the healthcare environment.
Graceland University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Graceland University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers a robust curriculum focusing on clinical application in areas like genetics, embryology, joint function, and human movement. It provides state-of-the-art labs, hands-on clinical rotations, and internships in various settings.
Key Program Features:
- Extensive training: Emphasis on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and professional competencies.
- Hands-on experience: State-of-the-art labs and real-world clinical rotations.
- Experienced faculty: Supportive learning environment led by seasoned professionals.
- Financial aid: Options available to help alleviate the cost and time commitment.
This program prepares graduates for immediate entry into the physical therapy field, offering a comprehensive foundation and necessary skills for a successful career.
University of Saint Mary – Stefani Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The University of Saint Mary (USM) Stefani Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an excellent choice in Kansas City, MO, for those passionate about physical therapy. This program is carefully designed to train autonomous practitioners.
Key features include:
- Accreditation: CAPTE accredited, ensuring high standards of education.
- Program length: Spans 2.5 years, with 109 credits over 8 semesters.
- Hands-on learning: Extensive clinical partnerships nationwide provide diverse learning environments.
- Job outlook: Projected 34% job growth in the field and 100% employment within six months post-licensure for graduates.
- Exam preparation: Thorough preparation for the National Physical Therapy Examination.
This ensures graduates are well-prepared to practice in diverse healthcare settings.
Concorde Career College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Concorde Career College offers a condensed yet comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in Kansas City, MO. This program prepares you for entry-level positions in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Highlights:
- Accreditation: CAPTE accredited, with approval from the Kansas Board of Regents.
- Curriculum: Covered topics include anatomy, therapeutic exercise, and patient care techniques.
- Clinical Hours: 720 clinical hours to ensure practical, hands-on training.
- Financial Aid: Available for eligible students.
With 78 semester credits, this program aims to balance academic rigor with practical experience, ensuring you are career-ready upon graduation.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapist Program
Selecting the ideal physical therapist program can feel overwhelming. However, considering several key factors can simplify the decision-making process.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by CAPTE.
- Curriculum: Look for comprehensive coverage of essential topics and sufficient clinical hours.
- Job Placement Rates: High job placement rates post-graduation reflect a program’s success.
- Financial Aid: Explore available financial aid options to manage costs.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Consider how these fit into your current lifestyle.
- Unique Features: Look for programs offering special features, such as dual-degree options or student-run clinics.
Engage with program representatives and schedule campus visits, if possible, to gain a deeper understanding of the program’s environment and culture.
Conclusion
Choosing the right physical therapist program is a foundational step in your career journey. Kansas City, MO, offers an impressive array of high-quality programs to suit various educational needs and career aspirations.
Consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, and job placement rates to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for Rockhurst University, Metropolitan Community College, the University of Kansas, Graceland University, the University of Saint Mary, or Concorde Career College, you are on the right path to achieving a fulfilling career in physical therapy.