By Magnolia Mornings, Magnolia Tribune
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is bringing physical therapy education to north Mississippi, adding a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Oxford to meet growing demand for licensed physical therapists across the state.
“Expanding opportunities for our physical therapy students makes our program stronger on both campuses,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs. “We’re addressing the high demand for skilled physical therapists in Mississippi as part of training the next generation of health care professionals in our state.”
The School of Health Related Professions will begin offering the physical therapy program in Oxford in May 2028. Students who meet admission criteria will be eligible to apply in summer 2027 for one of 35 slots, adding to the 50 available at the Medical Center in Jackson.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program, along with radiologic sciences and occupational therapy, is among the largest at SHRP. UMMC awarded 49 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees to graduates at spring 2026 commencement exercises and has maintained a nearly 95% graduation rate over the past two years. Dr. Jacob Daniels, associate professor and 2016 alumnus of the program, will lead the Oxford program.