Summer Term 1st Year (Both Sessions)
DPT 726 Professional Development I – Intro to PT - 1 credit
Designed to provide the student with knowledge and hands-on experience in skills required to engage evidence-based clinical practice of physical therapy. Students will learn how to write answerable questions, search the literature, and critically analyze evidence for application in clinical practice. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 727 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice II – 1 credit
Provides students with knowledge skills to implement evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Students will critique special cases of evidence and psychometric properties of diagnostic tools and outcome measures, and create a minimal data set in order to integrate evidence into practice.
DPT 744 Gross Human Anatomy I – 2 credits
Study of gross human anatomy as it applies to physical therapy. Materials to be covered include: muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve innervation of the trunk and upper extremity, structural identification and function of the spine, heart, lungs, abdominopelvic organs, and circulatory and sensory systems. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Co-requisite: DPT 744L.
DPT 744L Gross Human Anatomy I Lab – 1 credit
Gross human anatomy cadaver lab with supervised dissection and exploration of muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve innervation of the trunk and upper extremity, structural identification and function of the spine, heart, lungs, abdominopelvic organs, circulatory and sensory systems. Co-requisite: DPT 744.
DPT 745 Gross Human Anatomy II – 2 credits
Study of gross human anatomy as it applies to physical therapy. Materials to be covered include: muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve innervation of the head, neck, and lower extremity, structural identification and function of the corresponding circulatory and sensory systems. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT, DPT 744, 744L. Co-requisite: DPT 745L.
DPT 745L Gross Human Anatomy II Lab – 1 credit
Gross human anatomy cadaver lab with supervised dissection and exploration of muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve innervation of the head, neck, and lower extremity, structural identification and function of the corresponding circulatory and sensory systems. Prerequisites: DPT 744 and DPT 744L. Co-requisite: DPT 745.
Total Semesters Credit Hours: 8
Fall Semester 1st Year
DPT 730 Foundations of Observation and Assessment – 2 credits
Basic patient assessment skills with an introduction to posture and gait evaluation through observation. Patient history and review of the medical record. Documentation in S.O.A.P. note and functional outcome formats. Assessment skills emphasized include: anthropometric measures, reflex and sensation testing, goniometry, manual muscle testing, vital signs, and surface palpation. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 730L.
DPT 730L Foundations of Observation and Assessment Lab – 2 credits
Lab of basic patient assessment skills including posture, gait evaluation, anthropometric measures, reflex and sensation testing, goniometry, manual muscle testing, vital signs, and surface palpation. Patient history and review of medical records, documentation in SOAP format, and functional outcome formats. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 730.
DPT 741 Musculoskeletal I - Orthopedic Principles – 3 credits
Principles of orthopaedic physical therapy including biomechanics, applied anatomy, and osteokinematic and arthrokinematic concepts examined. Musculoskeletal system investigated from histological, structural, and functional perspectives. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 742 Clinical and Pathological Physiology – 3 credits
Fundamentals of physiology and pathology related to diseases causing abnormal movement patterns or capabilities. Processes and diseases most frequently encountered in physical therapy practice are emphasized. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 746 Neuroanatomy – 3 credits
High level immersion into the anatomy of the nervous system, emphasizing structure and functional relationships. Coursework will also relate the structural relationships of the central and peripheral nervous systems to brain dysfunction and pathology. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 746L Neuroanatomy Lab – 1 credit
Human cadaveric dissection of the central nervous system through a series of weekly laboratory experiences with an emphasis on its three-dimensional structure. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 746.
DPT 774 Professional Development II – Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy – 3 credits
Social and psychological issues, which arise during illness will be examined and discussed in an open class discussion format. Emphasis will be placed on self-awareness as well as awareness of others with respect to cultural differences, religious beliefs, addictions, and coping strategies during stress. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 790 Clinical Research in Physical Therapy – 3 credits
Introduction to principles and concepts of clinical research in physical therapy. Covers development of the research question, measurement issues, statistical analysis, literature review, and writing of results. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 20
Spring Semester 1st Year
DPT 732 Therapeutic Exercise – 2 credits
Holistic approach to evaluation and management of patients with various orthopedic pathologies and other related movement dysfunction. Emphasis placed on theoretical basis of specific exercise physiology, therapeutic exercise and functional training skills interrelated with clinical decision-making methodology. Rationale for and implementation of treatments with safety awareness and proper body mechanics. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 732L Therapeutic Exercise Lab – 1 credit
Laboratory sessions to practice the evaluation and management of patients (and patient scenarios) with various orthopedic pathologies and other related movement dysfunctions. Emphasis on exercise prescription and demonstration, as well as progression. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 735L Functional Training Lab – 2 credits
Hands-on performance and application of positioning skills, transfers techniques, and assistive devices. Advancement to clinical decision-making skills and incorporation of learned materials into therapy interventions. Clinical reasoning skills in assessment, treatment design and intervention, goal development and discharge planning for patients in the acute hospital environment. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 749 Applied Exercise Physiology – 2 credits
Review of systems responsible for the generation of energy. Overview of the physiologic responses of the human body to acute bouts of exercise and how training leads to chronic adaptation of selected systems. Course content focuses on principles of exercise, role of nutrients in body metabolism, human development and performances. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 749L
DPT 749L Applied Exercise Physiology Lab – 1 credit
Laboratory and active learning experiences to include major components of physical fitness such as aerobic fitness; muscular strength, power, and endurance; fatigue thresholds; body composition and body build; and flexibility. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 749
DPT 754 Musculoskeletal II - Orthopedic Assessment in Physical Therapy – 4 credits
Evaluation and assessment of upper and lower extremity orthopaedic problems. Functional anatomy, biomechanics, and evaluative manual therapy skills used to functionally diagnose orthopaedic pathologies and disorders. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 754L
DPT 754L Musculoskeletal II - Orthopedic Assessment in Physical Therapy Lab – 2 credits
Evaluation and assessment of upper and lower extremity orthopedic problems. Practical application of functional anatomy, biomechanics, and evaluative manual therapy skills used to differentially diagnose orthopedic pathologies and disorders. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 754.
DPT 756 Neurophysiology – 3 credits
High level immersion into the function of the human central and peripheral nervous systems based on current research and theory. Topics will include normal human motor and sensory neurophysiology, cognitive and learning neurophysiology, neuropathophysiology, neuroplasticity, neurodiagnostics and neurologic treatment options. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 17
Summer Term 2nd Year (Both Sessions)
DPT 740 Movement Science – 2 credits
This course will introduce students to principles and theories in movement science. Students will be introduced to concepts related to motor control, motor development, and motor learning. Students will also apply these principles to the clinical practice of physical therapy and to observe and assess related phenomena in patients. Prerequisites: Enrollment in professional DPT curriculum.
DPT 748 Pharmacology in Physical Therapy – 2 credits
Actions and effects of pharmaceutical agents commonly encountered in the physical therapy clinical practice. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 752 Physical Agents and Electrophysiology – 1 credit
Biological processes of injury and repair, clinical application of soft tissue techniques, thermal agents, intermittent compression, continuous motion, and mechanical traction. Advancement to clinical decision-making skills and incorporation of physical agents in physical application. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 752L.
DPT 752L Physical Agents and Electrophysiology Lab – 1 credit
Hands on performance and clinical application of soft tissue techniques, thermal agents, intermittent compression, continuous motion, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, therapeutic electrical stimulation. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 752.
DPT 761 Supervised Clinical Education I – 3 credits
The first clinical affiliation is a supervised full time extended clinical learning experience 5 weeks in duration. The primary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in experiential learning in order to develop introductory clinical competence in the delivery of services to persons with movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Successful completion of all course work in the first year of the graduate physical therapy program.
Total Semesters Credit Hours: 9
Fall Semester 2nd Year
DPT 720 Professional Development III – Portfolio & IPE – 2 credits
Theories and experiences designed to develop skills to accurately, sensitively and assertively communicate with patients, families, and colleagues. Principles of written and oral communication. Professional issues of changes in health care, state and local laws, standards of practice, code of ethics, quality assessment and quality assurance.
DPT 785 Musculoskeletal III - Orthopedic Rehabilitation – 3 credits
Manual therapy and therapeutic exercise techniques for the extremities with emphasis on integrating these techniques into treatment regimes for specific orthopaedic pathologies/disorders. Includes pathogensis, clinical presentation, medical/surgical management and rehabilitation. Review, integrate, and enhance knowledge from previous course work as it pertains to appropriate entry-level application. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: 785L.
DPT 785L Musculoskeletal III - Orthopedic Rehabilitation Lab – 2 credits
Orthopedic Rehabilitation lab with supervised integration of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise techniques for the extremities. Focus will be on developing and providing treatment regimes for specific orthopaedic pathologies/ disorders. Students will refine skills from previous course work as it pertains to appropriate entry-level application. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 785.
DPT 786 Neurological Rehabilitation – 3 credits
This course fosters clinical reasoning and critical analysis skills across elements of patient client management for individuals with neurologically-based movement disorders. Students are exposed to theory and movement science as related to clinical reasoning. Students are expected to incorporate professional behavior, scientific and clinical knowledge and critical analysis to clinical applications. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 786L.
DPT 786L Neurological Rehabilitation Lab – 2 credits
The course emphasizes hands-on skill development, clinical reasoning, and critical analysis skills for all elements of patient client management for individuals with neurologically-based movement disorders across the lifespan. Students are expected to incorporate professional behavior, scientific and clinical knowledge, critical analysis and competent skill performance in laboratory and practical skill application. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 786.
DPT 791 Applied Research Statistics – 3 credits
Review of foundations of research design and concepts of measurement in clinical study. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on data analysis and interpretation of clinically relevant research statistical methods including descriptive statistics, statistical inferences, analysis of differences, and analysis of relationships. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 17
Spring Semester 2nd Year
DPT 750 Prosthetics and Orthotics – 2 credits
Evaluation of medical, surgical and prosthetic and rehabilitation management of amputations. Discussion of design, fabrication and fitting of prosthetic devices as well as general orthotic principles examined. Basic clinical problem solving skills integrated in the context of prosthetic and orthotic management of patients. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 750L.
DPT 750L Prosthetics and Orthotics Lab – 1 credit
Application of medical, surgical and prosthetic and rehabilitation management of amputations. Design, fabrication and fitting of prosthetic devices as well as general orthotic principles examined. Basic clinical problem solving skills are integrated in the context of prosthetic and orthotic management of patients. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 750.
DPT 758 Diagnostic Testing and Imaging – 2 credits
Presentation of diagnostic tests used by disciplines and specialties within and outside of the profession of physical therapy. Discussion of blood studies, nuclear medicine studies, and radiologic/X-ray studies. Interpretation of test results as it applies to physical therapy evaluation, intervention planning and treatment. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 759 Pediatric Rehabilitation – 2 credits
This course provides foundational knowledge of development (typical and atypical) and an overview of pediatric physical therapy practice for children with atypical development. Presents examination, evaluation, and development of physical therapy plans of care for children with various disabilities within the frameworks of family-centered care and disablement/enablement models. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 759L.
DPT 759L Pediatric Rehabilitation Lab – 1 credit
This course focuses on application of developmental concepts and an overview of pediatric physical therapy practice for children with atypical development. Provides students with opportunities to observe/engage in examination, evaluation, and development of physical therapy plans of care for children with various disabilities within the frameworks of family centered care and enablement models. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite: DPT 759.
DPT 770 Acute Care & Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation – 3 credits
Evaluation and treatment of patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary disease and dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on regulation of cardiac, circulatory and pulmonary functions at rest and the responses of these systems to differing modes, intensities, and durations. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisite DPT 770L.
DPT 770L Acute Care & Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Lab – 2 credits
Lab of basic patient skills including assessment of vital signs, breathing patterns, heart sounds, ECG interpretation, pulmonary function testing, blood gases, chest wall mobility, cough and sputum, ventilation, performance of bronchial drainage, prescribe exercises for patient with compromised cardiopulmonary function. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT. Co-requisites: DPT 770.
DPT 780 Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation – 2 credits
This course will introduce students to principles and theories of rehabilitation for the patient with balance dysfunction. There will be emphasis on sound clinical reasoning and assessment of balance impairment and disability. Students will be exposed to theoretical applications of different treatment modalities in balance and vestibular rehabilitation. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 15
Summer Term 3rd Year (Both Sessions)
DPT 762 Supervised Clinical Education II – 3 credits
The second clinical affiliation is a supervised, full-time extended clinical learning experience 5 weeks in duration. The primary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in experiential learning in order to advance clinical competence in the delivery of services to persons with movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: DPT 761.
DPT 772 Physical Therapy Administration – 3 credits
General principles of organization and administration that impact the ethical and legal aspects of physical therapy practice. Topics such as budget development, cost accounting, supervision, communication skills, evaluative techniques, and methods of management and quality assurance.. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
DPT 789 Musculoskeletal IV - Women’s Health in Physical Therapy – 2 credits
Overview of the anatomical, physiological, nutritional, psychological, and sociological influences throughout the woman’s life span including: adolescence, the reproductive years, the middle years, and older age. Discussion of physical therapy management of musculoskeletal, integumentary, cardiopulmonary, and visceral pathologies common to women. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semesters Credit Hours: 8
Fall Semester 3rd Year
DPT 763 Supervised Clinical Education III – 3 credits
The third clinical affiliation is 5 weeks and is a supervised full time extended clinical learning experience. The primary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in experiential learning in order to advance clinical competence in the delivery of services to persons with movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: DPT 762.
DPT 764 Supervised Clinical Education IV – 6 credits
The fourth clinical affiliation is 10 weeks and is a supervised full time extended clinical learning experience. The primary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in experiential learning in order to advance clinical competence in the delivery of services to persons with movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: DPT 763.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 9
Spring Semester 3rd Year
DPT 765 Supervised Clinical Education V – 6 credits
The fifth clinical affiliation is 10 weeks and is a supervised full time extended clinical learning experience. The primary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in experiential learning in order to advance clinical competence in the delivery of services to persons with movement dysfunction. Prerequisites: DPT 764.
DPT 798 Directed Research – 3 credits
Critical inquiry by participating in new or ongoing research with faculty who serve as project advisors. Students summarize research by a written report and present each project orally to the faculty and area clinicians. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in PT.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 9
Total Curriculum Credit Hours: 112