Top 10: Miller School Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Ranked 10th in U.S.
The U.S. News and World Report ranking places the program in the top 3% of programs nationwide and reflects 40 years of educational excellence by the Department of Physical Therapy.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has been ranked the 10th best graduate program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places it in the top 3% of programs nationwide and reflects 40 years of educational excellence by the Department of Physical Therapy, which has prepared thousands of graduates to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.
“I am incredibly proud of the continued strength of our physical therapy program,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “Our outstanding faculty are shaping the future of this essential specialty, inspiring students to become transformational leaders and providing a beacon of hope for countless patients.”
A Versatile Physical Therapy Program
Established in 1986, the department offers three educational pathways: a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), a Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy (Ph.D.) and clinical residency programs. Its Ph.D. program was the first of its kind in the southeastern U.S.
“This amazing accomplishment would never have happened without the dedication of the faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to increase our visibility, share best practices and advance innovation,” said Neva Kirk-Sanchez, PT, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the Miller School. “Our incredible students inspire us every day to train the next generation of physical therapist leaders to move our profession into the future.”
About 200 students are currently pursuing the DPT and Ph.D. tracks. Approximately 180 of those are in the DPT program. Fourteen students are in clinical residency programs, which encompass pediatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurologic, and cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. A core tenant of all educational paths is regular immersion in clinical training and research.
“I think where Miami stands out the most is its ability to give us opportunities to incorporate physical therapy into our learning early on in our careers,” said Taylor Wright, a third-year student on the verge of earning her DPT. “I’ve been exposed to almost every orthopedic surgery you could think of and a lot of chronic pain, as well. It keeps us on track and keeps us involved in clinical as well as didactic teaching.”
A Sense of Community
As she approaches graduation, Wright feels fully prepared to embark upon the career she’s been dreaming about since high school.
“We’ve been able to capitalize on a layered learning approach,” said Dr. Kirk-Sanchez. “Our students are taught by our residents and clinicians, and they receive support from clinical mentors. They form a network of learning that gives our students an amazing experience.”
That network encourages cohesion among the program’s students, said Gregory Hartley, PT, DPT, executive vice chair in the Department of Physical Therapy, associate professor of clinical physical therapy and associate program director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
“The DPT program has about 65 students in each cohort who are with each other all the time, for three years straight,” Dr. Hartley said. “Many of them come from out of state, some from out of the country, to live here in Miami. We have a system in place that allows them to thrive and belong. That sense of community is really valued among our student body.”
The community is enhanced by faculty who have earned reputations as experts in their fields, which Dr. Hartley believes plays a substantial role in national programs rankings like U.S. News & World Report.
“Our faculty members represent the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine at the local, state and national level,” he said. “They’re leaders in clinical research and education.”
Tags: Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. Gregory Hartley, Dr. Neva Kirk-Sanchez, physical therapy, U.S. News rankings