Curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on concepts of decision analysis, integration of clinical sciences with patient case study, integration of coursework with concomitant clinical experiences, evidence-based practice, applied research and concepts of health care delivery and administration of services. The department places strong emphasis on independent study, problem solving, evidence-based practice, applied research, sensitivity to diverse sociocultural values and commitment to lifelong professional development. Student involvement in campus and professional organizations is a program expectation. 

Clinical education is a major component of the degree program. A total of 30 full-time weeks of clinical experience is integrated with the didactic course of study. In addition, students participate in two on-campus clinic settings. The Gait, Balance, and Mobility Research and Education Center was developed to provide services for persons with gait, balance disorders and for teaching innovative interventions using state-of-the-art equipment. The Musculoskeletal Care Clinic is in the Student Health Center and was developed to provide physical therapy services to students on campus. Through these experiences the student has multiple opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in the clinical setting.

Students are required to pass a qualifying exam at the end of the second year. The exam is an oral presentation of a case report. In lieu of a final examination, the culmination for the DPT will be a Doctoral Project involving an in depth, evidence-based practice project in which students must demonstrate a thorough synthesis of evidence related to a defined clinical question pertinent to the profession of physical therapy.