Find out what to expect with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Study plan for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Year 1 (summer) | 5 credits
This is an introductory course in human gross anatomy designed to introduce the principal concepts, basic structure, and function of the human body. Students will have the opportunity to learn, through dissection and demonstration of human cadaveric specimens, clinical and functional correlates of human anatomy.
Year 1 (fall) | 18 credits
A case-series clinical rounds course focusing on problem-based learning, where expert clinicians present real case studies.
The initial part-time weekly clinical laboratory experience which provides student exposure to clinical physical therapy practice in various patient care settings.
An overview of the profession of physical therapy and the professional education process. Includes the role of physical therapy in contemporary health care delivery, the disablement model, and an introduction to the APTA Guide to Practice as components of the clinical reasoning process.
Integration of foundational knowledge of gross anatomy with structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system and human motion. Includes the study of the concepts of biomechanics, joint structure, and function as they apply to physical therapy interventions.
First of two courses covering examination, evaluation, and intervention aspects of physical therapy practice. Emphasis is on history taking, systems review, functional examination and intervention, and documentation.
This two-part course is designed to provide students with knowledge in normal and abnormal physiology, including an understanding of how cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems work together. The first semester will include four blocks of normal and abnormal physiology and pharmacology for cellular/neuro, muscle, metabolism, and endocrinology.
Year 1 (spring) | 19 credits
A case-series clinical rounds course focusing on problem-based learning, where expert clinicians present real case studies.
The second part-time weekly clinical laboratory experience which provides student exposure to clinical physical therapy practice in various patient care settings.
The second of two courses covering examination, evaluation, and intervention aspects of physical therapy practice. Regional application is emphasized along with corresponding documentation.
Principles and concepts of motor learning and motor control for the development of physical therapy interventions.
This course is a continuation of Clinical Physiology, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology I. Course content will focus on the study of normal and abnormal physiology and pharmacology for the following modules: renal, gastrophysiology, oncology, hematology, endocrine, and metabolic bone diseases.
This course provides an introduction to the theory and application of therapeutic interventions utilized in physical therapist practice. Interventions include: (1) therapeutic exercise testing and prescription; (2) thermal, acoustic, mechanical, and electrotherapeutic physical agents; and (3) basic concepts of soft tissue massage.
Year 2 (summer) | 5 credits
Introduction to clinical research methodology and critical interpretation of the professional literature.
Initial full-time clinical experience of 6 weeks duration. This course will serve as the introduction to clinical integration of physical therapy knowledge and skills. Students will be assigned to specific sites.
Year 2 (fall) | 12 credits
This course teaches concepts related to functional movement and posture from a lifespan perspective and focuses on changes in movement and function as a result of the aging process.
A multidisciplinary consideration of structural, functional, and clinical features of the human nervous system.
A case-series clinical rounds course focusing on problem-based learning, where expert clinicians present real case studies.
Social, psychological, and behavioral components of patient-therapist interactions are illustrated including grief, loss, motivation, social support, and cultural influences amongst diverse patient populations.
Development, approval, and generation of the proposal for the review of the literature related to a specific topic in patient outcomes assessment or other approved area.
Year 2 (spring) | 19 credits
Provides the essential knowledge base for development of exercise prescriptions for well populations and for physical therapy interventions for patients with cardiopulmonary pathologies or dysfunctions.
Physical therapy management of patients with impaired posture, joint mobility, motor function, and muscle performance. Integrates previous course work involving evaluation and interventions.
A case-series clinical rounds course focusing on problem-based learning, where expert clinicians present real case studies.
The third part-time weekly clinical laboratory experience which provides student exposure to clinical physical therapy practice in various patient care settings.
Physical therapy management of stroke, spinal cord, and brain injury.
Physical therapy management of stroke, spinal cord, and brain injury.
Essential concepts related to the roles of physical therapists in prevention and in the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness. Course includes application of concepts through service component in selected community agencies.
Year 3 (summer) | 5 credits
Includes essential information related to ethical, legal, and professional practice regulations and standards of care. Interpersonal communication skills for the healthcare environment are also presented.
Full-time clinical experience of 6 weeks duration, which provides students the opportunity to apply theory and skills in physical therapy interventions with specific patient populations.
Year 3 (fall) | 17 credits
Physical therapy management of patients with impaired joint mobility, motor function, and muscle performance associated with spinal dysfunction, connective tissue disorders, trauma, and surgical procedures.
Physical therapy management of individuals with pediatric orthopedic and neurological disorders. Concepts covered will relate to the development of functional movement and posture from a child's perspective focusing on progress through the developmental process.
Physical therapy management of individuals with movement disorders, balance/vestibular problems, cerebral palsy, and genetic disorders.
Introduction to emerging physical therapy practice patterns in such areas as women’s health, occupational health, chronic metabolic and immunologic diseases, and cognitive and emotional disorders.
Includes both theory and application of orthotic and prosthetic devices and equipment utilized in physical therapy interventions.
The administration and management of physical therapy services in the context of multiple types of healthcare systems.
A case-series clinical rounds course focusing on problem-based learning, where expert clinicians present real case studies.
Year 3 (spring) | 10 credits
Capstone seminar experience integrating classroom and clinical learning. Presentations mentored by clinical and academic faculty will be required.
Full-time clinical experience of 8 weeks duration, which provides students the opportunity to apply theory and skills in physical therapy interventions with specific patient populations.
Full-time clinical experience of 10 weeks duration, which provides students the opportunity to apply theory and skills in physical therapy interventions with specific patient populations.