Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

Department of Physical Therapy

Curriculum

Our DPT Curriculum

The Physical Therapy department at Fresno State offers a diverse curriculum focusing on evidence informed practice, clinical decision making, integration of clinical sciences, applied research, and concepts of health care delivery and administration. We place strong emphasis on developing independent and pro-active learners who are devoted to lifelong professional development. Fresno State DPT students are exposed to human anatomy and physiology through cadaver dissection, integration of clinical concepts in both on campus clinical experiences and applied research through completion of their independent doctoral projects. Continual review of our curriculum allows Fresno State's DPT department to offer up to date, technologically advanced education with a strong foundation in both cognitive and affective skills. 

 

 

Clinical Expectations

The Clinical Education component of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Fresno State provides students with essential hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings. This immersive training allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, developing the skills and competencies required for effective patient care. Throughout the program, students engage in a series of clinical internships, working closely with experienced physical therapists to treat patients across a wide range of conditions and settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community-based environments. Students participate in three 12-week, full time clinical experiences for a total of 36 weeks prior to graduation. 

Clinical education is carefully structured to provide progressive learning across each full time rotation and is measured using the American Physical Therapy Association's Clinical Performance Instrument. Students are mentored by licensed physical therapists, who provide guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional development. 

Key aspects of the Clinical Education program include: 

  • Diverse Clinical Placements: Exposure to various clinical settings, including acute care, pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, and sports medicine. 
  • Progressive Skill Development: A stepwise approach that allows students to progressively take on more responsibilities and become confident, competent practitioners. 
  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Opportunities to work alongside other healthcare professionals, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and professional communication. 
  • Clinical Competency Assessments: Regular evaluations to ensure students meet required competencies and are prepared for licensure. 
In addition to full time clinical internships, students participate in integrated clinical experiences in our on-campus clinics reinforcing evidence-informed practice, ethical considerations, and patient-centered care. 

The Gait, Balance and Mobility Clinic (PHTH 555) was developed to address dysfunctions primarily of gait and balance in our older community members or clients with neurological deficits. GBMC uses state of the art technology such as the Bertec Balance equipment, Neurocom and CoBalt to provide intervention. The Musculoskeletal Care Clinic (PHTH 554) serves as the outpatient orthopedic clinic in the Student Health and Psychological Counseling center on campus. Patients are referred from the Fresno State student body by providers. DPT students perform examination, evaluation and intervention with these patients under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. 

By the end of the program, students will have developed the critical clinical reasoning, communication, and technical skills needed to succeed as licensed physical therapists, ensuring they are fully prepared for their professional careers.