About
The UNLV Dual DPT–MBA Program brings together the Lee Business School and the School of Integrated Health Sciences to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders. This innovative program lets students earn both a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Business Administration simultaneously — combining advanced clinical education with the business strategy, management, and leadership skills required to thrive in today's complex healthcare environment. Designed for those who want to expand their impact, it's the rare program that trains you to be exceptional at the bedside and in the boardroom.
As healthcare evolves through technological advancement, shifting organizational structures, and growing global collaboration, physical therapists with strong business acumen have a distinct competitive edge. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students develop the ability to collaborate across teams, lead healthcare initiatives, and drive innovation that improves both patient outcomes and system performance. The integrated curriculum pairs rigorous clinical training with graduate-level business coursework in decision-making, operational management, and ethical leadership — building the whole professional, not just the clinician.
Graduates of the dual program are uniquely positioned to make a broader, lasting impact in the healthcare field. By uniting clinical excellence with business expertise, they are prepared to lead clinics and healthcare organizations, improve operational efficiency, expand access to care, and shape the future of the physical therapy profession. This isn't just a degree — it's a platform for those who want to advance patient care and the organizations that support it.
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the DPT-MBA program will be able to:
- Achieve entry-level competence in all areas of clinical practice and managerial decision-making, as measured by the Clinical Performance Instrument and demonstrated application of business concepts.
- Competently address all areas of PT patient/client management (Examination, Evaluation, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Intervention, Outcomes) while communicating findings and business analyses effectively in both written and oral formats.
- Function as autonomous primary health care providers within the scope of PT practice while recognizing and evaluating the ethical, legal, and regulatory dimensions of all clinical and business decisions.
- Work effectively in team-oriented environments to provide equitable, high-quality care to rural and underserved populations.
- Engage in evidence-based clinical practice grounded in sound reasoning processes, integrating data-driven business analysis to support informed decision-making.
- Facilitate patient progress across all ICF levels (Health Conditions, Body Structure & Function, Activities, Participation) while engaging in prevention and the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness.
- Assume professional roles in education, critical inquiry, administration, and consultation, leveraging business acumen to manage and lead PT organizations effectively in domestic and global contexts.
- Demonstrate commitment to APTA core values and generic abilities while engaging in ethical PT practice consistent with the Guide to PT Practice, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Guide for Professional Conduct, reflecting ethical and regulatory awareness across all professional domains.
Contacts
Department of Physical Therapy
The physical therapy department offers a doctorate of physical therapy degree designed to prepare students for entry into the profession. Students are prepared as generalists and then have an opportunity to explore orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric specializations through clinical exposures and student research opportunities. Our curriculum provides a comprehensive background in the art and science of physical therapy and prepares graduates for state licensure examination eligibility.
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Executive MBA Program
Designed for senior and mid-career executives, the UNLV Executive MBA program prepares career professionals to lead with confidence. The EMBA program is taught by faculty and guest lecturers who excel in both the private sector and academia.
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Lee Business School
The Lee Business School advances the knowledge and practice of business; develops business leaders; and fosters intellectual and economic vitality through the creation and dissemination of knowledge and outreach.
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School of Integrated Health Sciences
With many degree offerings that are accredited by national organizations, the School of Integrated Health Sciences offers dynamic classroom instruction, laboratory/clinical practice, research, and mentoring. Our students develop skills that help them break into health-related fields and further their graduate or professional studies.