Bradley's doctor of physical therapy program earns national ranking

Bradley University's doctor of physical therapy program was ranked as one of the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.

The program was introduced to the university in 2005, before which there had been a master's degree for physical therapy.

The three-year program includes studies of academic coursework with basic and applied sciences, as well as more specialized courses. The program consists of 105 credit hours, 35 of which are earned from clinical rotations in sites that are available across the country.

In June 2015, the program became the first in southern Illinois to be accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. The program received $4,500 this year from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to purchase equipment for its Clinic for Fitness and Function.

The national ranking for the program -- No. 79 -- is based in part on the results from peer assessment surveys sent to deans, administrators and faculty for the program.