Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program: Curriculum

The Post Professional DPT program utilizes distance education technology and an innovative curriculum. The curriculum is centered on current approaches in examination, diagnosis, and prognosis; clinical competence consistent with the preferred outcomes of evidence-based practice; and an increased role in prevention, wellness, and health promotion. The program is intended to

• augment knowledge, skills, and behaviors attained in initial professional education to the standards required for the professional entry-level DPT; and
• develop competencies associated with the expert practitioner including critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and evidence-based practice in one of the following concentration areas:
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation

The curriculum is based on the belief that adult learning formats, interaction among physical therapists, and faculty mentorship are integral to the success of post-professional education. Emphasis is on critical thinking and methods of learning that promote the transfer of knowledge into practice. As part of the learning process, physical therapists are encouraged to share and expand on their professional experiences and skills.

Prior to completing the standard program, bachelor’s prepared therapists are required to complete a retrospective portfolio (equivalent to 6 quarter credits) reflecting on their professional development and experience.

Courses are offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer quarters. Students must complete the program in four years, thus taking at least two courses each year. Therapists may be able to waive up to two courses if they submit substantial documentation to indicate that they have achieved the course objectives by other means. Recent alumni of our entry level physical therapy program (MPT graduates from 1997 to 2001) are only required to complete six courses.

The curriculum follows a preferred sequence, with master’s prepared students typically enrolling in the fall and bachelor’s prepared students enrolling in the summer. However, students may enroll during any term.

Specific course requirements and descriptions are detailed in our online course catalog.

Specialty Concentrations
Concentration courses include information on differential diagnosis and diagnostic imaging as appropriate. The concentration courses include student assessments that reflect integration of curriculum and application to your practice setting. Therapists with a broad-based practice may select their two specialty courses from different areas of concentration.

Orthopedics
The orthopedic concentration focuses on understanding the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system as relates to human movement and physical therapy practice. This includes impairments of muscle, connective tissue, and bone; relationships between the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems in the control of movement; and movement dysfunction.

Pediatrics
The pediatric concentration focuses on understanding factors that affect the motor function and participation of children with developmental disabilities. These include implications of health care policy and federal laws on service delivery, models of service delivery, measuring outcomes, and evaluating interventions for children with disabilities and their families.

Hand/Upper Quarter Rehabilitation
The hand and upper quarter rehabilitation concentration focuses on understanding the clinical and basic sciences related to examinations and interventions for patients who have impairments and functional limitations of the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.