DPT curriculum

Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (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, 123 credit, professional program.

The DPT program is comprehensive and prepares students to provide physical therapy services. The curriculum provides students 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 three and a half calendar years. The DPT program is considered a "lock step" curriculum, meaning that the courses are taken in a specific sequence meant to build students' 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

• PT 5020     Foundation of PT Practice (2 credit hours)
• PT 5030     Basic Patient Care in Physical Therapy  (2 credit hours)
• PT 5300     Surface Anatomy (2 credit hours)
• PT 5400     Human Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (3 credit hours)
• PT 5505     Clinical Applications of Human Anatomy Lecture (3 credit hours)
• PT 5510     Clinical Applications of Human Anatomy Lab (1 credit hours)
• PT 6310     Physiology of Exercise (3 credit hours)

Winter Term Professional Year 1

• PT 5010    Clinical Applications 1 (1 credit hours)
• PT 5320    Basic Evaluation Procedures (3 credit hours)
• PT 5430    Clinical Medicine 2 (4 credit hours)
• PT 5500    Kinesiology and Biomechanics (3 credit hours)
• PT 5650    Pathophysiology for Health Sciences (3 credit hours)
• PT 6700    Motor Learning and Motor Control (2 credit hours)

Spring Term Professional Year 1 (7 weeks)

• PT 5120    Human Growth and Development (2 credit hours)
• PT 5660    Pathokinesiology (3 credit hours)
• PT 6300    Research 1:  Critical Thinking (2 credit hours)
• PT 6400    Teaching and Learning in Health Care (2 credit hours)

Fall Term Professional Year 2

• PT 5070    Clinical Applications 2 (2 credit hours)
• PT 5100    Therapeutic Exercise 1 (3 credit hours)
• PT 7000    Therapeutic Modalities (3 credit hours)
• PT 7100    Management of Patients with Orthopedic Conditions 1  (3 credit hours)
• PT 7200    Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders 1 (3 credit hours)
• PT 7700    Research 2:  Design and Methodology (2 credit hours)

Winter Term Professional Year 2

• PT 6200    Diversity, Ethics & Legal Issues in Health Care (3 credit hours)
• PT 7120    Management of Patients with Orthopedic Conditions 2 (3 credit hours)
• PT 7220    Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders 2 (3 credit hours)
• PT 7400    Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (4 credit hours)
• PT 7600    Physical Therapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions (3 credit hours)

Spring/Summer Term Professional Year 2 (12 weeks over 4 months)

• PT 5800    Clinical Education 1 (3 credit hours)
• PT 5820    Clinical Education 2 (3 credit hours)

Fall Term Professional Year 3

• PT 6100    Therapeutic Exercise 2 (3 credit hours)
• PT 6500    Pharmacology (2 credit hours)
• PT 7320    Rehabilitation Procedures (3 credit hours)
• PT 7720    Research 3:  Data Analysis and Interpretation (2 credit hours)
• PT 8000    Therapeutic Management of Pediatric Populations (3 credit hours)
• PT 8200    Management in Physical Therapy Practice (2 credit hours)

Winter Term Professional Year 3

• PT 6750    Complementary and Alternative Health Care (2 credit hours)
• PT 7300    Orthotics and Prosthetics (3 credit hours)
• PT 8110    Geriatrics (2 credit hours)
• PT 8300    Differential Diagnosis (3 credit hours)
• PT 8400    Diagnostic Procedures (2 credit hours)
• PT 8500    Clinical Decision Making (3 credit hours)
• PT 8600    Health Promotion and Wellness (2 credit hours)

Spring/Summer Term Professional Year 3

• PT 8800    Clinical Internship 1 (4 credit hours)

Fall Term Professional Year 4

• PT 7740    Research IV: Research Practicum (1 credit hour)
• PT 8820    Clinical Internship 2 (8 credit hours)

The curriculum is reviewed as part of an on-going assessment program, which will result in changes in course offerings or sequencing.

Download the curriculum for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program