Doctor of Physical Therapy

The professional curriculum is an intensive three-year experience leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The principle focus of this professional training is to develop scientific and clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of movement-related conditions. By integrating biomedical and physical sciences and clinical education with behavioral and social sciences, the DPT curriculum (PDF) provides students with the scientific expertise, critical thinking skills and interpersonal communication abilities necessary for effective clinical practice, comprehensive treatment design, patient advocacy, patient education and health promotion.

Applicants for admission must have completed the following:

  1. A bachelor's degree at an accredited institution
  2. Prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology and statistics
  3. Science, math/science, and core prerequisites with a grade-point average of at least 3.0

Visit our website for more information regarding application and admissions or eligibility and prerequisites.

DPT Curriculum

Year One, Fall

PhysTher 601Diagnosis and Evidence Analysis in PT Practice I2
PhysTher 602Professional Issues and Skills 13
PhysTher 603Essential Clinical Skills I4
PhysTher 604Cells, Systems and Disease I4
PhysTher 605Neuroscience3
PhysTher 606Kinesiology I3
Early Clinical Experience

Year One, Spring

PhysTher 610Cells, Systems and Disease II4
PhysTher 611Human Anatomy5
PhysTher 612Diagnosis and Evidence Analysis in PT Practice II2
PhysTher 613Kinesiology II5
PhysTher 614Diagnosis and Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions in PT I3
PhysTher 615Professional Issues and Skills Development II0.5
Early Clinical Experience

Year One, Summer

PhysTher 691Clinical Experience I4
(8-week, full-time internship)

Year Two, Fall

PhysTher 621Exercise Physiology3
PhysTher 622Diagnosis and Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions in PT3
PhysTher 623Orthopaedic Medicine2
PhysTher 624Diagnosis and Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions in PT II3
PhysTher 625Neurology Medicine2
PhysTher 627Essential Clinical Skills II3
PhysTher 628Case Integration Lab I1
PhysTher 629Diagnosis and Management of Neuromuscular Conditions in PT I2

Year Two, Winter

PhysTher 692Clinical Experience II4
(8-week, full-time internship)

Year Two, Spring

PhysTher 626Moderators of Health, Wellness and Rehabilitation3
PhysTher 635Professional Issues and Skill Development III3
PhysTher 636Diagnosis and Management of General Medical Conditions in PT3
PhysTher 638Diagnosis and Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions in PT III3
PhysTher 642Case Integration Lab II1
PhysTher 643Diagnosis and Management of Neuromuscular Conditions in PT II4

Year Three, Summer

PhysTher 693Clinical Experience III5
(10-week, full-time internship)

Year Three, Fall

PhysTher 694Clinical Experience IV6
(12-week, full-time internship)

Year Three, Spring

PhysTher 650Diagnosis and Evidence Analysis in PT Practice III3
PhysTher 651Organizational and Management Issues3
PhysTher 652Alternative Settings and Practice Environments3
PhysTher 653Health Fitness and Prevention3
PhysTher 654Case Integration Lab III3
PhysTher 655Professional Issues and Skill Development IV4
Focused Clinical Study (30 hours)