University of Cincinnati Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Important admissions update! The UC DPT program application is now due September 1st. Please check our admissions website for information regarding admissions requirements and updates.

Mark your calendars! Next year’s PT Gala has been set for April 9, 2027! Stay tuned in the coming months for more exciting news about next year’s gala!

Our second-year cohort has officially jumped into their acute care class! From oxygen lines to assistive devices, they’ve been hands-on practicing real-world patient scenarios and building the clinical skills they’ll soon bring into the clinic!

A few weeks ago, our students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Mexico alongside the UC Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Medical Laboratory Sciences programs to provide pro-bono services to local communities. Experiences like these are a meaningful reminder of the impact compassionate care can have, while also giving our students valuable hands-on clinical experience. It is always inspiring seeing them growing as future physical therapists while making a difference beyond the classroom.

This week, we held our annual PT Picnic! It was a fun afternoon filled with great food, friendly competition during our co****le tournament, and time spent connecting across cohorts. Our incoming first years had the chance to get to know the second-year class, making it a great way to kick off the semester together. Huge thank you to our PTSO board for organizing such a great event!

We officially welcomed the UC DPT Class of 2028 to campus this week. We are so excited to see all that they accomplish on their journey to becoming physical therapists and we wish them the best of luck as this new chapter begins!

Our second-year students wrapped up their didactic coursework this past Friday and are officially heading into full-time clinicals until graduation this December! We’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what they achieve during their final two rotations. Congratulations!

Help us welcome Audrey M. Johnson, PT, DPT, PhD, to our department as an Associate Professor!

Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of experience in acute care clinical practice, interprofessional education, ICU recovery research, and pro bono clinical services. She earned all four of her degrees from the University of Kentucky and has an incredibly diverse clinical background, including work in acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient settings, wound care, and travel physical therapy. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of physical therapists, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences and continuing the legacy of the mentors who inspired her along the way. Outside of the classroom, she stays active as a newly certified yoga teacher, enjoys paddle boarding, spending time with her rescue dog, and visiting family across the country.

We’re so excited to have her as part of our community - be sure to say hello when you see her around!

So many fun memories made at this year’s PT Gala! We enjoyed a night full of laughter, celebration, and time spent with the people who make this program so special. We are so grateful for moments like these with our PT family!

Last week, our first-year DPT cohort had the opportunity to participate in the University of Cincinnati CAHS Scholarly Showcase! Throughout the semester, students developed research posters in their Interventions course, exploring topics they’re passionate about within the field. The showcase was a great opportunity to highlight their hard work, share their findings, and engage with the incredible projects presented by peers across the college!