Entry-Level DPT Curriculum
The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is for individuals interested in becoming a physical therapist. The curriculum requires a 90 credit pre-professional program and a three and one half year, 126 credit, professional program.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides students with a comprehensive preparation for providing physical therapy services. The curriculum provides the student with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary for excellence in physical therapy practice.
The DPT curriculum requires 10 semesters of full time course work over the course of 3.5 calendar years. The DPT program is considered a “lock step” curriculum meaning that the courses are taken in a specific sequence meant to build each student’s knowledge and skill. A part-time option is available on a limited basis although there is not an evening option.
The course of study is as follows:
Fall Term Professional Year 1
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PT 5020 Introduction to Physical Therapy
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PT 5200 Human Anatomy for Health Sciences – Lecture
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PT 5210 Human Anatomy for Health Sciences – Lab
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PT 5400 Human Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
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PT 5300 Surface Anatomy
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PT 6310 Physiology of Exercise 2
Winter Term Professional Year 1
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PT 5320 Basic Evaluation Procedures
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PT 6700 Motor Learning and Motor Control
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PT 5650 Pathophysiology for Health Sciences
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PT 5410 Clinical Medicine 1
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PT 5500 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
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PT 5120 Human Growth and Development
Spring Term Professional Year 1
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PT 5010 Clinical Applications 1
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PT 5430 Clinical Medicine 2
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PT 5660 Pathokinesiology
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PT 6300 Critical Thinking and Inquiry for Health Sciences
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PT 6400 Teaching and Learning in Health Care
Fall Term Professional Year 2
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PT 5070 Clinical Applications 2
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PT 5100 Therapeutic Exercise 1
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PT 7000 Therapeutic Modalities
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PT 7100 Management of Patients with Orthopedic Conditions
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PT 7200 Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders
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PT 7300 Rehabilitation Procedures 1
Winter Term Professional Year 2
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PT 6200 Diversity in Health Care
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PT 7120 Management of Patients with Orthopedic Conditions 2
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PT 7220 Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders 2
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PT 7400 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 1
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PT 7600 Physical Therapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions
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PT 7700 Research for Health Sciences
Spring/Summer Term Professional Year 2
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PT 5800 Clinical Education 1
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PT 5800 Clinical Education 2
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PT 5800 Clinical Education 3
Fall Term Professional Year 3
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PT 6100 Therapeutic Exercise 2
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PT 6500 Pharmacology
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PT 7320 Rehabilitation Procedures 2
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PT 7720 Research in Physical Therapy
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PT 8000 Therapeutic Management of Pediatric Populations
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PT 8200 Management in Physical Therapy Practice
Winter Term Professional Year 3
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PT 6600 Ethics and Legal Issues
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PT 6750 Complementary and Alternative Health Care
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PT 7420 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 2
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PT 8200 Clinical Decision Making
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PT 8300 Differential Diagnosis
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PT 8400 Diagnostic Procedures
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PT 8600 Health Promotion and Wellness
Spring/Summer Term Professional Year 3
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PT 8800 Clinical Internship 1
Fall Term Professional Year 4
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PT 8820 Clinical Internship 2
The curriculum is reviewed as part of an on-going assessment program which will result in changes in course offerings or sequencing.
The Physical Therapy Program also offers a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree is designed for licensed physical therapists to expand their knowledge and skills to be better prepared to work as a primary care provider and expert practitioner. The curriculum is reviewed as part of an on-going assessment program which will result in changes in course offerings or sequencing.