Students enter the UTMB program with a bachelor’s degree. Upon acceptance into the MPT program, students are given the opportunity to choose either a two-year curriculum or a three-year curriculum. Both UTMB curricula include 30 weeks of full-time clinical experiences at a variety of health care facilities throughout Texas and the surrounding states. Relocation to off-campus facilities is at the student's expense.
    Upon completion of either curricula, graduates are eligible for licensure as a physical therapist.

    The two-year program  (actually two years and one semester) is the one most often chosen by students so that they may qualify as physical therapists as soon as possible.  During the first year, students complete courses in basic and clinical sciences and learn basic physical therapy evaluation and treatment procedures. Students are also introduced to research methods, health care management, and the legal, ethical and professional aspects of physical therapy. During the second year, students study the therapeutic management of patients with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, developmental, and neurological abnormalities. Students also plan and conduct a research project under the supervision of faculty. Most of the final semester is devoted to clinical education; however, time is provided for completion of the research project.

 [Two-Year Curriculum]

In response to feedback from students and applicants, a 3-year optional curriculum was created for students who wished to take more time. Students usually choose this option for financial or family reasons. The three year program is essentially the same course but spread over three years and one semester. The 3-year curriculum offers the student more opportunities to interact with teaching and clinical faculty and mentoring opportunities.  [Three-year Curriculum]
    

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