Doctor of Physical Therapy & Master of Business Administration (DPT/MBA)
Overview
The Dual Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at UNLV combines clinical excellence with business leadership. Offered through the School of Integrated Health Sciences and the Lee Business School, this interdisciplinary degree prepares future physical therapists to lead in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Five Reasons to Get a Dual DPT/MBA Degree at UNLV
- Clinical and Executive Leadership Preparation: Gain advanced clinical training alongside strategic business decision-making skills tailored to healthcare environments.
- Healthcare-Focused Business Acumen: Develop expertise in finance, leadership, analytics, and operations — directly applicable to rehabilitation and healthcare systems.
- Position Yourself for Practice Ownership: Learn how to manage revenue cycles, staffing models, compliance requirements, and long-term growth strategies.
- Competitive Differentiation: Stand out in a healthcare marketplace increasingly driven by reimbursement models, operational metrics, and strategic partnerships.
- Impact Beyond the Clinic: Prepare for leadership roles in hospital systems, rehabilitation networks, policy organizations, and emerging health startups.
Integrated Healthcare and Business Leadership
Today’s physical therapists operate in a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem shaped by:
- Value-based care models
- Insurance and reimbursement complexity
- Workforce shortages
- Technological integration
The dual DPT/MBA equips graduates to not only provide exceptional patient care, but also:
- Lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Optimize operational workflows
- Analyze financial performance
- Expand access and healthcare equity
By integrating clinical expertise with business strategy, students are prepared to drive innovation and sustainable growth within healthcare organizations.
Faculty
The DPT/MBA program features distinguished faculty from both the School of Integrated Health Sciences and Lee Business School—nationally recognized experts actively publishing in top-tier journals and engaged in their professional communities.
Career Options
Graduates of the DPT/MBA program are uniquely positioned for leadership roles such as:
- Rehabilitation Clinic Owner
- Director of Physical Therapy Services
- Healthcare Operations Manager
- Hospital Department Administrator
- Healthcare Consultant
- Policy or Healthcare Strategy Analyst
- Executive Leadership in Rehabilitation Networks
The dual credential enhances long-term career mobility beyond traditional clinical practice.
“The DPT/MBA develops healthcare leaders by combining clinical excellence with business skills. Graduates are prepared to navigate complex systems, lead teams, and drive innovation while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.”Daniel L. Young, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Admission Requirements
The Dual Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a 142-credit program, consisting of 112 credits in physical therapy coursework and 30 credits in business administration. Students must meet the admission requirements for both the DPT program and the MBA program, and applications are reviewed independently by each college. Upon successful completion of all academic and clinical requirements, graduates receive the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the School of Integrated Health Sciences and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Lee Business School. Students complete both programs simultaneously and are awarded both degrees in the same semester.
Program Structure
Students must be admitted to both the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to pursue the dual degree. Students enrolled in the DPT program may apply to add the MBA beginning in the fall of their second year, pending approval from the Department of Physical Therapy. Applications are submitted through the Grad Rebel Gateway and reviewed by the Lee Business School. Upon admission to both programs, students will continue their coursework under the dual DPT/MBA structure and complete both degrees concurrently.
Students complete both programs simultaneously and must fulfill the requirements for each degree before graduating. Both degrees are awarded in the same semester.
The Core MBA Curriculum Includes Courses in:
- Accounting for Managers
- Leadership, Teams, and Individuals
- Financial Decision Making
- Market Opportunity Analysis
- Applied Economic Analysis
- Data Modeling and Analysis
DPT Curriculum Includes Courses In:
- Foundational Sciences and Anatomy: Gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, clinical physiology, and movement science.
- Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and Pediatric Rehabilitation: Orthopedic principles, neurorehabilitation, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, pediatric rehabilitation, wound care, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
- Clinical Research and Applied Statistics: Evidence-based practice, clinical research methods, and applied research statistics.
- Supervised Clinical Education I–V: Progressive in-person clinical rotations designed to integrate didactic knowledge with hands-on patient care.
- Physical Therapy Administration: Organizational management, professional development, and healthcare operations.
- Directed Research and Final Capstone Experience: Completion of a written research project and oral presentation.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term Deadline
- May 1 – International applicants
- Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Spring Term Deadline
- This program does not admit students for the spring term.
Summer Term Deadline
- This program does not admit students for the summer term.
Program Advisors Contact
School of Integrated Health Sciences
DPT Program
Daniel Young, PT, DPT, PhD
702-895-2704
daniel.young@unlv.edu
dpt.admissions@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
MBA Program
John Baur
702-895-3675
mba.director@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
School of Integrated Health Sciences - DPT Program
Catalog Information
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