The Graceland University Doctor of Physical Therapy program delivers an innovative, evidence-based, and student-centered curriculum in a community where all belong. Best practices in hybrid education, grounded in cognitive neuroscience for learning, are used to provide students with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to become licensed physical therapists while also emphasizing clinical reasoning development and professional formation from the onset of the program. The programs accelerated, hybrid model removes barriers to accessing physical therapy education, increases flexibility for traditional and nontraditional learners, and enhances the quality of student engagement. Students, Faculty, and staff are innovative, inclusive, accountable, reflective, collaborative, and inquisitive professionals on a shared journey to develop physical therapy practitioners adaptable to meeting the needs of today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.
The two-year, accelerated, hybrid curriculum consists of 112 semester hours delivered in 16-week trimesters. The hybrid format of instruction is provided through distance education and face-to-face onsite lab immersion sessions that allow students to live anywhere in the country. The program is designed to be in full compliance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE).
The program will require a broad spectrum of biological, physical, and behavioral science courses, as well as coursework in English composition to adequately prepare students for DPT graduate-level education. Prerequisite courses ensure that all students, regardless of academic major, have a basic knowledge and understanding of these foundational sciences. Additionally, standardized prerequisites provide the Admissions Committee with a consistent and equitable means to evaluate undergraduate performance and assess student readiness for DPT education. The following prerequisites are required:
*Applicants must complete Anatomy and Physiology courses within the last eight (8) years, prior to application, or demonstrate ongoing work experience that has kept this knowledge current (e.g., physical therapist assistant, athletic trainer, etc.).
Applicants will submit applications through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). In addition to the online application, applicants will be required to submit all academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of observation hours, and TOEFL/IELTS scores, if applicable. A DPT admissions staff member will screen all submitted applications to determine the applicants’ eligibility and calculate the initial admissions score based on the following:
Eligible applicants based on the program admissions and prerequisite coursework requirements will be invited to complete an online or video-based interview. The online interview will deliver standardized questions to the interviewees, with time allotted for reflection and recorded responses.
Once the online interview has been completed, the faculty review process will commence. The faculty review process will include a careful assessment of the applicants’ personal statements, recommendation letters, and online interview. At least two faculty reviewers will be assigned to evaluate each applicant using a standardized rubric and provide a recommendation to the admissions committee to either accept or decline acceptance into the program. The faculty review score of the applicant will be added to the initial admissions score to get the total admissions score with the highest possible score of 100.
The Admissions Committee will accept or decline each applicant based on the faculty’s recommendation and holistic evaluation of the applicant and supporting documents. Acceptance will be granted on a rolling basis. Once the maximal class size has been accepted, other applicants meeting admissions criteria and recommended for acceptance will be added to a waitlist and will be ranked based on the total admissions score. If seats become available, the Admissions Committee will use the waitlist to offer admissions to rank-ordered applicants. The program will not grant transfer credits from another program or institution. All courses within the professional didactic and clinical curriculum are required. The program will only accept advanced placement courses towards direct equivalent prerequisites if the advanced placement credit was accepted by the applicant’s undergraduate institution.
There is no ability of students to receive transfer credits in the DPT program. All students enter as a single cohort and the program is lock-step.
To qualify for graduation, candidates for a graduate degree must:
The DPT degree requirements include 112 credit hours. Most courses will be offered within the trimester format in 8-week sub sessions. All clinical education courses will be of designated lengths.
This course introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the trunk and lower quarter. Explores the clinical application of genetics, embryology, histology, and basic joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for tissue differential identification. This course addresses the content of the anatomical regions, including the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Emphasis is on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
This continues to develop foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the cervicothoracic spine and upper quarter. Explores the clinical application of joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for differential tissue identification. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and immune systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity, and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces pharmacologic principles and studies medications used in the management of common patient conditions encountered during physical therapy care, and their influence on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content includes common medications for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, psychosocial, and integumentary systems. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement by introducing the fundamentals of movement science focused on the areas of kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning. Integrating theory with basic principles of motor behavior and motor development will be applied to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, neurophysiological functions and developmental sequence of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course deepens neuroscience understanding of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, pathways and neurophysiological functions that regulate the senses, reflexes posture and the viscera. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course prepares the student for patient care activities including patient-centered communication, use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework and introduction to its use in various clinical settings. Students will begin to develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures. Use of the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) model for critical thinking and data categorization is introduced. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, basic exercise instruction goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces and integrates biomechanical principles of joint structure and function, movement analysis, and tissue healing and response to stress. Application of these principles is used to develop basic intervention prescription for the management of patients with acute pain and mobility impairments across the lifespan, with a focus on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and selected physical agents. Patient cases are presented to build a framework for identifying tissue specific intervention needs based on identified impairment(s) and activity/participation limitations. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Progra
This course further develops the principles and application of selected physical-agents and therapeutic interventions for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control deficits across the lifespan. Integrates tissue healing principles, current evidence, and case presentation into the clinical decision-making framework to appropriately select, instruct, and progress interventions. Concepts for developing therapeutic alliance and empathy are introduced. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces preventive health, wellness, and fitness concepts as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, social determinants of health, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on examination results and deliver these to the client using proper procedures and patient-centered communication. Through live or virtual cases, students will learn to modify programs to meet the needs of those with various health literacy and health center access. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces the foundation of general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians by creating clinical questions, searching appropriate literature sources, and assessing the evidence quality. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
The course defines professional conduct and teaches professional formation and application of lifelong learning skills necessary for developing towards a physical therapy practitioner. Throughout this course, students explore the ethics, core values, and roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, and the importance of optimizing communication with respect to others' individual and cultural differences, and abilities. Creating an initial professional and lifelong learning skills development plan prepares the student for the professional physical therapy curriculum. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The second course in this series prepares students professionally and emotionally for physical therapy clinical practice through exploring roles as a lifelong learner, patient advocate, clinical educator, and a member of the interprofessional care team. Students investigate major health care payer models, billing and coding practice, patient care optimization, and health care regulations, and their impact on physical therapy services. This course blends topics through case applications focused on communication, cultural safety, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, safety, and risk management perspectives across all practice settings. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop strategies for systems differential identification, neuromuscular differential diagnosis and for interprofessional collaboration when needed. This course introduces examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing for select conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions and develops critical reasoning through use of clinical cases. This course emphasizes application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions targeting patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course continues to develop students' use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework in the examination, evaluation, and treatment sequence of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the lower quarter. Focus is placed on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. This course builds on culturally competent, patient centered care through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
The third course in this series continues use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the head and cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient centered care and use of sound critical reasoning strategies is developed through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This The final course in this series continues to integrate critical reasoning for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. This course concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient-centered care is advanced through clinical presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course introduces examination and management of movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from central nervous system pathology, with emphasis on traumatic and acquired brain injury, concussion management, and vestibular conditions. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to build on the student’s critical reasoning strategies is integrated through use of clinical cases. Lab experiences develop patient-centered management skills and recovery-based treatment techniques built on neuroplasticity principles for patients with neurologic dysfunction. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances examination, evaluation and management of specific movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from nervous system pathology. Emphasis is on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other acquired, genetic, and degenerative nervous system disorders common to physical therapist practice. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework through clinical cases is used to strengthen students critical reasoning for developing comprehensive, patient-centered care plans for patients across the continuum of clinical practice settings. Lab experiences continue integration of critical reasoning for selection, performance and adaptation of examination and interventions skills for treatment and management of patients with neurologic diseases/conditions. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses.
This course builds on the use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop evaluation, examination, and management skills for patients with common cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction. Lab activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management, application of evidence for practice, and discharge planning skills across a variety of clinical settings. Students develop appropriate observation and clinical skills necessary for completing a comprehensive evaluation and formulating a comprehensive plan of care with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course provides a foundation for decision-making relating to the use of bracing/orthotics/prosthetics in physical therapy practice. Concepts related to materials, design, fabrication, and technology of bracing/orthotic/prosthetic devices will be introduced. The course emphasizes the principles of gait analysis, limb amputation, prescription/wearing/fitting of orthotic/prosthetic devices, the importance of the therapeutic alliance and interprofessional collaboration, and the psychological considerations of the patient using orthotic/prosthetic devices. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course provides an overview of basic business principles, as they relate to the practice of physical therapy with a systems-based thinking approach. Students will gain knowledge on assorted topics related to leadership, healthcare business management and health informatics. There is a specific focus on understanding payer relationships, diagnostic coding, current procedural terminology, clinical productivity, and operating margin. The course will prepare students to be stewards of fiscal responsibility and leaders in the field of physical therapy. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course provides an overview of managing people with neuromusculoskeletal chronic pain syndromes and the associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Use of case simulations builds on previous pain management knowledge and core competencies while advancing motivational interviewing and therapeutic alliance skills. This course emphasizes the core knowledge necessary for offering best care of patients and provides integrated interprofessional perspectives on comprehensive pain management designed to improve patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This integrated clinical education course develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student initiates teamwork and communication with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated experience that builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. Students begin practice using evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses and demonstrated readiness for clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course strengthens the students' understanding of normal and abnormal physiology of aging, and the sociologic and economic consequences on the individual and society. Use of clinical cases that focus on prioritization and management of co-morbidities (e.g., vascular, or visual compromise, falls, depression, etc.) common in the aging adult strengthens students' clinical reasoning. Advancing patient-centered care and use of motivational interviewing skills is reinforced through live and simulated cases. Lab activities develop patient management skills for care of the aging adult across practice settings, and with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
Using a framework of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Current evidence is applied to examination, evaluation, documentation and management of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of common pediatric conditions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are explored using live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course further develops the framework for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include plan of care development and family centered care strategies to enhance functional outcomes and participation for clients with select acquired and developmental conditions. Advancing clinical reasoning and use of evidence is progressed through live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This course advances management strategy prioritization for medically complex patients and integrates culturally competent and mindful patient management concepts throughout. Clinical cases present patients across the lifespan with primary movement system impairments due to diseases, conditions, and comorbidities of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, lymphatic, pulmonary, metabolic /endocrine, reproductive/urologic, and immune systems to strengthen clinical reasoning. Students will incorporate community health informatics and risk mitigation strategies in the design of individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and optimal disease management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. By integrating the evidence for medical screening methods, clinical diagnosis, and imaging modalities with clinical cases, students will develop efficient and effective processes for collecting, evaluating, and communicating examination data while advancing differential diagnostic reasoning. Building on prior coursework, clinical scenarios will advance data driven decision-making, applications for wearable and emerging technology, and effective management of patients across all spectrums in the continuum of care. Students will apply wellness, screening, and patient/client education skillsets to improve the health of the GU and/or their local community. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course expands on the students’ critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and management of patients with movement system dysfunctions. This course is a progression of techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of exercise therapy, manual therapy techniques, dry needling, manipulation, mobilization, muscle energy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and proprioceptive/vestibular treatments. Students are provided with expanded knowledge and skills from foundational content previously taught. Lab activities use case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the development and progression of comprehensive treatment plans. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses
This course introduces management strategy prioritization for patients with primary oncologic, integumentary, and lymphatic conditions with secondary co-morbidities across all body systems commonly seen in physical therapist practice. Advancing evidence supported clinical reasoning and building skills to enhance the therapeutic alliance for collaborative decision making with patients and the interprofessional care team is a focus of this course. Use of clinical cases reinforces integration of culturally competent, mindful, and evidence informed care for patients across the lifespan and spectrum of physical therapist practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This seminar course allows students to engage in curricular study that meets identified student learning needs. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop learning and assessment of learning necessary for ongoing development. This course may be taken more than once to guide specific student learning in the DPT program. Course credit hours will be determined by the program director. Course graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the DPT Program Director
The final course in this series advances student's leadership, and practice management roles across the spectrum of care, and investigates those as a clinical researcher, advocate, educator, and primary care provider. The student explores medical ethics, health care regulations, and practice risk management strategies and how they interact with provision of physical therapy services. Refining strategies to manage fraud and abuse, difficult conversations, situational safety, and challenging clinical scenarios will be a focus of this course. Students will refine a development plan focused on professional growth for the first year of practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, subsession 5-A courses
This course advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during a 10-week mentored clinical education experience. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, sub session 5-A courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during a 14-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals while advancing critical reasoning and use of evidence for optimizing patient management. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course allows students to explore contemporary topics in physical therapy practice, professional formation, and preparedness for entry to practice by integrating prior knowledge with evidence on selected topic. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop a learning contract of autonomous study and products of this study sufficient to meet course hour requirements. Students must have a signed learning contract before beginning coursework. Course graded as pass/ fail. May be taken in any semester of the second program year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior DPT coursework
This course integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students engage in reflective practice in three principal areas including integration of content learned throughout the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth to prepare for practice. Students will compile this reflection into a format that demonstrates their professional formation and articulates how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as they move into practice. Students develop and implement a study plan to prepare for taking a simulated National Physical Therapy License Exam just prior to graduation. Use of lifelong learner skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses.
This course introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the trunk and lower quarter. Explores the clinical application of genetics, embryology, histology, and basic joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for tissue differential identification. This course addresses the content of the anatomical regions, including the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Emphasis is on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
This continues to develop foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the cervicothoracic spine and upper quarter. Explores the clinical application of joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for differential tissue identification. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and immune systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity, and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces pharmacologic principles and studies medications used in the management of common patient conditions encountered during physical therapy care, and their influence on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content includes common medications for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, psychosocial, and integumentary systems. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement by introducing the fundamentals of movement science focused on the areas of kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning. Integrating theory with basic principles of motor behavior and motor development will be applied to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, neurophysiological functions and developmental sequence of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course deepens neuroscience understanding of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, pathways and neurophysiological functions that regulate the senses, reflexes posture and the viscera. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course prepares the student for patient care activities including patient-centered communication, use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework and introduction to its use in various clinical settings. Students will begin to develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures. Use of the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) model for critical thinking and data categorization is introduced. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, basic exercise instruction goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces and integrates biomechanical principles of joint structure and function, movement analysis, and tissue healing and response to stress. Application of these principles is used to develop basic intervention prescription for the management of patients with acute pain and mobility impairments across the lifespan, with a focus on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and selected physical agents. Patient cases are presented to build a framework for identifying tissue specific intervention needs based on identified impairment(s) and activity/participation limitations. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Progra
This course further develops the principles and application of selected physical-agents and therapeutic interventions for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control deficits across the lifespan. Integrates tissue healing principles, current evidence, and case presentation into the clinical decision-making framework to appropriately select, instruct, and progress interventions. Concepts for developing therapeutic alliance and empathy are introduced. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces preventive health, wellness, and fitness concepts as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, social determinants of health, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on examination results and deliver these to the client using proper procedures and patient-centered communication. Through live or virtual cases, students will learn to modify programs to meet the needs of those with various health literacy and health center access. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces the foundation of general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians by creating clinical questions, searching appropriate literature sources, and assessing the evidence quality. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
The course defines professional conduct and teaches professional formation and application of lifelong learning skills necessary for developing towards a physical therapy practitioner. Throughout this course, students explore the ethics, core values, and roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, and the importance of optimizing communication with respect to others' individual and cultural differences, and abilities. Creating an initial professional and lifelong learning skills development plan prepares the student for the professional physical therapy curriculum. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The second course in this series prepares students professionally and emotionally for physical therapy clinical practice through exploring roles as a lifelong learner, patient advocate, clinical educator, and a member of the interprofessional care team. Students investigate major health care payer models, billing and coding practice, patient care optimization, and health care regulations, and their impact on physical therapy services. This course blends topics through case applications focused on communication, cultural safety, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, safety, and risk management perspectives across all practice settings. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop strategies for systems differential identification, neuromuscular differential diagnosis and for interprofessional collaboration when needed. This course introduces examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing for select conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions and develops critical reasoning through use of clinical cases. This course emphasizes application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions targeting patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course continues to develop students' use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework in the examination, evaluation, and treatment sequence of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the lower quarter. Focus is placed on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. This course builds on culturally competent, patient centered care through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
The third course in this series continues use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the head and cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient centered care and use of sound critical reasoning strategies is developed through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This The final course in this series continues to integrate critical reasoning for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. This course concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient-centered care is advanced through clinical presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course introduces examination and management of movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from central nervous system pathology, with emphasis on traumatic and acquired brain injury, concussion management, and vestibular conditions. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to build on the student’s critical reasoning strategies is integrated through use of clinical cases. Lab experiences develop patient-centered management skills and recovery-based treatment techniques built on neuroplasticity principles for patients with neurologic dysfunction. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances examination, evaluation and management of specific movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from nervous system pathology. Emphasis is on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other acquired, genetic, and degenerative nervous system disorders common to physical therapist practice. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework through clinical cases is used to strengthen students critical reasoning for developing comprehensive, patient-centered care plans for patients across the continuum of clinical practice settings. Lab experiences continue integration of critical reasoning for selection, performance and adaptation of examination and interventions skills for treatment and management of patients with neurologic diseases/conditions. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses.
This course builds on the use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop evaluation, examination, and management skills for patients with common cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction. Lab activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management, application of evidence for practice, and discharge planning skills across a variety of clinical settings. Students develop appropriate observation and clinical skills necessary for completing a comprehensive evaluation and formulating a comprehensive plan of care with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course provides a foundation for decision-making relating to the use of bracing/orthotics/prosthetics in physical therapy practice. Concepts related to materials, design, fabrication, and technology of bracing/orthotic/prosthetic devices will be introduced. The course emphasizes the principles of gait analysis, limb amputation, prescription/wearing/fitting of orthotic/prosthetic devices, the importance of the therapeutic alliance and interprofessional collaboration, and the psychological considerations of the patient using orthotic/prosthetic devices. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course provides an overview of basic business principles, as they relate to the practice of physical therapy with a systems-based thinking approach. Students will gain knowledge on assorted topics related to leadership, healthcare business management and health informatics. There is a specific focus on understanding payer relationships, diagnostic coding, current procedural terminology, clinical productivity, and operating margin. The course will prepare students to be stewards of fiscal responsibility and leaders in the field of physical therapy. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course provides an overview of managing people with neuromusculoskeletal chronic pain syndromes and the associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Use of case simulations builds on previous pain management knowledge and core competencies while advancing motivational interviewing and therapeutic alliance skills. This course emphasizes the core knowledge necessary for offering best care of patients and provides integrated interprofessional perspectives on comprehensive pain management designed to improve patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This integrated clinical education course develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student initiates teamwork and communication with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated experience that builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. Students begin practice using evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses and demonstrated readiness for clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course strengthens the students' understanding of normal and abnormal physiology of aging, and the sociologic and economic consequences on the individual and society. Use of clinical cases that focus on prioritization and management of co-morbidities (e.g., vascular, or visual compromise, falls, depression, etc.) common in the aging adult strengthens students' clinical reasoning. Advancing patient-centered care and use of motivational interviewing skills is reinforced through live and simulated cases. Lab activities develop patient management skills for care of the aging adult across practice settings, and with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
Using a framework of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Current evidence is applied to examination, evaluation, documentation and management of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of common pediatric conditions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are explored using live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course further develops the framework for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include plan of care development and family centered care strategies to enhance functional outcomes and participation for clients with select acquired and developmental conditions. Advancing clinical reasoning and use of evidence is progressed through live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This course advances management strategy prioritization for medically complex patients and integrates culturally competent and mindful patient management concepts throughout. Clinical cases present patients across the lifespan with primary movement system impairments due to diseases, conditions, and comorbidities of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, lymphatic, pulmonary, metabolic /endocrine, reproductive/urologic, and immune systems to strengthen clinical reasoning. Students will incorporate community health informatics and risk mitigation strategies in the design of individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and optimal disease management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. By integrating the evidence for medical screening methods, clinical diagnosis, and imaging modalities with clinical cases, students will develop efficient and effective processes for collecting, evaluating, and communicating examination data while advancing differential diagnostic reasoning. Building on prior coursework, clinical scenarios will advance data driven decision-making, applications for wearable and emerging technology, and effective management of patients across all spectrums in the continuum of care. Students will apply wellness, screening, and patient/client education skillsets to improve the health of the GU and/or their local community. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course expands on the students’ critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and management of patients with movement system dysfunctions. This course is a progression of techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of exercise therapy, manual therapy techniques, dry needling, manipulation, mobilization, muscle energy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and proprioceptive/vestibular treatments. Students are provided with expanded knowledge and skills from foundational content previously taught. Lab activities use case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the development and progression of comprehensive treatment plans. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses
This course introduces management strategy prioritization for patients with primary oncologic, integumentary, and lymphatic conditions with secondary co-morbidities across all body systems commonly seen in physical therapist practice. Advancing evidence supported clinical reasoning and building skills to enhance the therapeutic alliance for collaborative decision making with patients and the interprofessional care team is a focus of this course. Use of clinical cases reinforces integration of culturally competent, mindful, and evidence informed care for patients across the lifespan and spectrum of physical therapist practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This seminar course allows students to engage in curricular study that meets identified student learning needs. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop learning and assessment of learning necessary for ongoing development. This course may be taken more than once to guide specific student learning in the DPT program. Course credit hours will be determined by the program director. Course graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the DPT Program Director
The final course in this series advances student's leadership, and practice management roles across the spectrum of care, and investigates those as a clinical researcher, advocate, educator, and primary care provider. The student explores medical ethics, health care regulations, and practice risk management strategies and how they interact with provision of physical therapy services. Refining strategies to manage fraud and abuse, difficult conversations, situational safety, and challenging clinical scenarios will be a focus of this course. Students will refine a development plan focused on professional growth for the first year of practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, subsession 5-A courses
This course advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during a 10-week mentored clinical education experience. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, sub session 5-A courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during a 14-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals while advancing critical reasoning and use of evidence for optimizing patient management. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course allows students to explore contemporary topics in physical therapy practice, professional formation, and preparedness for entry to practice by integrating prior knowledge with evidence on selected topic. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop a learning contract of autonomous study and products of this study sufficient to meet course hour requirements. Students must have a signed learning contract before beginning coursework. Course graded as pass/ fail. May be taken in any semester of the second program year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior DPT coursework
This course integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students engage in reflective practice in three principal areas including integration of content learned throughout the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth to prepare for practice. Students will compile this reflection into a format that demonstrates their professional formation and articulates how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as they move into practice. Students develop and implement a study plan to prepare for taking a simulated National Physical Therapy License Exam just prior to graduation. Use of lifelong learner skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses.
