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Doctor of Physical Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Open houses and connect sessions
Learn more about the program, meet faculty and ask questions at an upcoming virtual open house or connect session.
Degree Type
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Resources
Program PDF
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College
College of Health
Catalog Link
Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at OSU-Cascades prepares future physical therapists through hands-on learning, early clinical experience and close faculty mentorship. In small, fully in-person classes, students build practical skills in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs before applying their knowledge in health care settings.
Located in Bend, Oregon, the program is deeply connected to a vibrant physical therapy and outdoor wellness community, creating unique opportunities for clinical learning and professional growth.
Our Mission: The OSU-Cascades DPT program prepares compassionate clinician-scientists to advance the physical therapy profession through excellence in education and research. Valuing diverse perspectives, a growth mindset, and community engagement, we empower people to thrive in Central Oregon and beyond.
Interested in applying?
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Learn about our pre-DPT pathway through our kinesiology program.
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Proven NPTE Excellence
93% average first‑time pass rate for the 2024 and 2025 cohorts.
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Early Clinical Experience
Work directly with patients starting in year one.
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Top Research University
Oregon’s only DPT program at a Tier 1 research university.
Program Details
The program is housed in a brand-new academic building with classrooms and laboratories custom-made for the program.
Jordon Zardinejad | Director of Operations & Recruitment, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
541-322-3118 | jordon.zardinejad@osucascades.edu
Our program director
Dr. Alexadra Borstad joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at OSU-Cascades in 2024 where she is a Clinical Professor and serves as the program director. Specializing in care for people with neurologic dysfunction, Borstad was a clinician for fifteen years before earning her Masters degree and then Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 2012. She completed post-doctoral training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ohio State and joined the DPT Program faculty at The Ohio State University in 2013. In 2016, Borstad joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where in addition to teaching in Neurologic and Research portions of the curriculum she served as the program Research Coordinator.
Open Houses
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Learn more about earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Virtual open house event on Wednesday, April 7, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
- Virtual open house event on Wednesday, May 5, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
- Virtual open house event on Wednesday, June 2, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
- Virtual open house event on Wednesday, July 7, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
- Virtual open house event on Wednesday, August 4, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
- Virtual open house event on September 1, 2027 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
$
101
k
average annual salary
Physical Therapists, Bureau of Labor Statistics
7
%
projected growth
Physical Therapists, Bureau of Labor Statistics
100
%
of the DPT Class of 2024 were employed after graduation
OSU-Cascades DPT Program
Courses
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What types of classes will I attend?
- Professionalism and Cultural Competence
- Basics of Patient Management
- Foundations of Clinical Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Evidence Based Practice and Research Methods
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Neuroanatomy for the Physical Therapist
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Principles of Disease
- Clinical Physiology for the Physical Therapist
- Motor Development for the Physical Therapist
- Orthopedics
- Management of Neurological Dysfunction
- Physical Therapy in Rural Communities
- Community Engaged Physical Therapy
What's our edge?
- Cutting-edge classrooms and labs
- Direct clinical experiences starting in the first year, spanning across three terms
- Comprehensive anatomy curriculum held in our innovative cadaver-based learning lab
- Robust research experience culminating in a capstone research project
- Public school tuition
- A program where faculty know you, hands-on learning immerses you, and success is by design.
- Located in Bend, Oregon, a vibrant and active outdoor oriented community
Early Clinical Experience
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Hands-on clinical experience starting in year one
At OSU-Cascades, clinical education begins in the first-year spanning winter, spring, and summer terms. Students gain early experience working directly with patients in healthcare settings across Central Oregon, building confidence and clinical reasoning skills from day one.
Capstone Projects
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Turning research into real-world impact
Faculty-guided capstone projects give DPT students the opportunity to explore real healthcare challenges through research, collaboration and evidence-based practice. Students develop projects that contribute meaningful insights to the physical therapy field and surrounding communities.
Community Engagement
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Hands-on experiences rooted in community
Community engagement is embedded throughout the DPT experience at OSU-Cascades. Through partnerships with local organizations, students support wellness, prevention and movement-based initiatives while gaining a deeper understanding of population health and community-centered care.
State-of-the art lab
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Cutting-edge research to prevent and treat injuries
The FORCE Lab, the Functional Orthopedic Research Center of Excellence at OSU-Cascades, combines biomechanics expertise with state-of-the-art technology to study movement, prevent orthopedic injuries and improve treatment strategies.
Kinesiology and Doctor of Physical Therapy students work alongside faculty researchers and industry partners to optimize performance, improve musculoskeletal health and support active lifestyles for athletes, older adults and everyday movers.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at OSU-Cascades is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 541-322-3118 or email dpt@osucascades.edu.
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