Jan. 20, 2026

Augustana University is taking is Doctor of Physical Therapy program to Colorado.

The state is home to one of the university’s largest alumni bases. The expansion is scheduled for January 2027.

The DPT program already has a presence in Minneapolis, where an initial cohort of 70 students graduated last spring. The DPT-MN program received full accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in April 2025.

“Launching the DPT program in Colorado reflects the strategic work to build a regional presence grounded in our mission and strengthened by our alumni connections,” said Matt Volansky, Augustana’s dean of the School of Health Professions.

“The program aligns with our Viking Bold commitment to innovation and expanding access while preparing physical therapists for contemporary practice.”

The expanded locations are part of the university’s broader Viking Bold strategic plan.

“We feel like Colorado is hungry for a progressive, hybrid option. Our world is getting more hybrid every day, and students are able to tolerate a faster, shorter program,” said Shelene Thomas, Augustana program director of DPT-CO. She grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, and now resides in Longmont, Colorado

Just like DPT-MN, DPT-CO will be an accelerated program that prepares graduates to be health care leaders in two years. The program’s hybrid model will combine online learning, lab immersions in Englewood, Colorado, as well as clinical education rotations, which will take place across the country.

“Our hybrid program offers students the ability to learn in place, to continue their career growth wherever they’re at so they don’t have to uproot their family to go to physical therapy school,” Thomas said. “A two-year program lowers the cost to enter this career.”

Augustana has hired five directors to help Thomas lead the program in Colorado. The program has a goal of recruiting 80 students in its first year, 90 students in its second year and 100 students in its third year.

DPT-CO is accepting applications for admittance into the program.

To learn more about Augustana’s DPT programs and how to apply, visit augie.edu/DPT.