The Nielsen College of Business has collaborated with the Department of Physical Therapy to allow Doctor of Physical Therapy students the opportunity to start their Master of Business Administration (MBA) while in the DPT program. Business decisions have a huge impact on the delivery of healthcare. An MBA will equip physical therapists with the necessary management and financial skills to be an effective administrator. The understanding of fundamental management, organizational practices, and finances is crucial in managing an individual or group physical therapy practice, leading a corporate or non-profit hospital department, or participating in the development of healthcare policies. This MBA degree opportunity gives future physical therapists a skill set for effectively integrating medicine and business.

This program provides students the opportunity to complete up to 50% of their MBA before graduating from the DPT program. This can shorten the time in a both programs to just over 3 years versus the usual 5 years in some dual degree programs.

What are the benefits of a dual degree?

• Less time than doing two degrees in a dual program
• Less money (saves almost $6,000)
  • Students enrolled in the DPT program receive dual credit for two courses and are exempt from one of the MBA prerequisites
• Additional job opportunities after graduation
• Foundational knowledge to start your own practice
• Credentials to be a company administrator/leader
• Earn DPT in 2.5 years, regardless of MBA progression
• MBA curriculum is independent, self-paced, and can be finished after graduation from the DPT program

Tuition

You will save approximately $6,000 in tuition costs by pursuing this dual degree compared to completing the degrees independently. An example curriculum follows.

MBA Curriculum – 30 Hours

Leveling Courses – If needed, 3 hours, does not count toward degree

BUSI 512: Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance

Orientation – 0 credits

BUSI 600: College of Business Graduate Programs Orientation

Core – 9 courses; 27 hours

BUSI 610: Managing with Excellence and Integrity
BUSI 649: Advanced Economics and Business Analytics
BUSI 623: Business Ethics from a Christian Worldview
BUSI 625: Advanced Managerial Accounting
BUSI 635: Financial Management Practices
BUSI 648: Strategic Marketing
BUSI 620: Contemporary Business Law and the Legal Environment
BUSI 641: International Business (or DPTE 710: Principles and Values in Physical Therapy)
Designated Elective (or DPTE 680: Administration for Physical Therapists)

Capstone – 1 course; 3 hours

BUSI 650: Strategic Planning and Analysis (last semester)

Exit Assessment – 0 credits

BUSI 699: MBA Exit Assessment