Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a dynamic health care profession delivered by licensed physical therapists (PTs) who examine, diagnose and treat individuals all ages and abilities. UCA offers three programs in physical therapy.
- The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a clinical doctorate degree preparing individuals to become licensed PTs.
- The PhD in Physical Therapy is an advanced degree preparing physical therapists to become scholars.
- The Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency is a one-year program offering advancement of skills in pediatrics.
Faculty in the Department are known nationally and many are board-certified specialists in their field. The Physical Therapy Center is a 44,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility. The PT Department is a member of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and is chaired by Dr. Kevin Garrison, PT, PhD.
Our mission is educating leaders in physical therapy. Our vision is moving individuals and communities toward optimal health. – UCA Physical Therapy
Why Physical Therapy?
- PTs and PTAs are in demand and make a meaningful impact every day.
- Ranked among the top health care jobs by U.S. News & World Report.
- Strong job growth and flexibility across settings.
- Opportunities in research, education, and leadership.
- Make a difference every day, helping people move without pain and live life to the fullest.
- You can specialize in nearly any area of health care.
- You’ll be part of a community dedicated to helping people live fuller, healthier lives.
Upcoming Events
Open House – March 7
DPT Open House will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for prospective students and families. Drop in between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Physical Therapy Center located next to Estes Football Stadium on Bruce Street. This is an opportunity to meet faculty and students, tour the PT Center and find out more about the DPT Program at UCA. 2026 UCA DPT Open House Flyer (pdf).
UCA Day of Giving – March 12
This is UCA’s 12th annual Day of Giving. UCA Physical Therapy values the generous support of alumni, students, faculty and friends to help us reach our goal of providing excellence in physical therapy education.
Go Baby Go! is collaboration at its best!
March 13-14 is Go Baby Go!
Go Baby Go! brings together physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and medical students to team up with the community and build customized ride-on cars for kids. DPT students are in integral part of this interprofessional collaboration with an impact on the community. UCA Go Baby Go’s vision is “building a community that empowers every child to move explore and succeed through adaptive technology and collaborative care.”
Links
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- APTA Arkansas
- Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
- State of Arkansas Information about The Natural State
- City of Conway, Arkansas, Information
- The University of Central Arkansas
- Process for filing a complaint about the program description. Send an email to pt@uca.edu with subject line: Grievance.
PTC Emergency Procedures
The building emergency plan (PTC Emergency Procedures) is provided at The Physical Therapy Building Emergency Plan (pdf) and BEP PT Center Placard (pdf). Contact the Department of Physical Therapy directly at (501) 450-3611 or email at pt@uca.edu.