Hunter
04/20/25
An exclusive graduate program at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine received glowing reviews in the latest US News and World Report survey of Graduate Schools.
The Daily Iowan reports the Physical Therapy graduate program, or DPT program placed third nationally. It is known for providing high level education to a limited number of students, as the program accepts just 50 people per class.
A student in the program cited the hands-on experience, including a rural health clinical which provides care to underserved parts of the state, and the opportunity for full day clinical experiences after the first semester, as learning opportunities that are not found in other programs.
Richard Shields is chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services. He stressed the importance of providing the highest quality education at an affordable cost. He told the DI overcharging students undermines the value of the degree because the average physical therapy salary is lower than the average of other health professions. He meets with each prospective student at their interview to make sure they understand what they would be paying for, pending their acceptance.
Shields pioneered and developed a comprehensive national survey for all graduates of physical therapy schools. Participants’ identities are anonymous before publication, but each school is also sent an individual report of their results. He said he developed the program because he wants all physical therapy programs to excel.