Entry-Level Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program

The Entry-Level Doctorate in Physical Therapy program offers a combination of didactic and clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates to perform evidence-based practice in the contemporary health care environment. The program consists of 143.5 credits accrued over three years of full-time study. Summer sessions are required.

Case studies are used throughout the curriculum to bridge or link course material in terms of cognitive, psychomotor and affective behaviors needed to appropriately administer physical therapy services to patients, clients, families and/or caregivers. The expectations placed on students throughout these integrative units become progressively more demanding throughout the three-year period. Students begin by identifying and describing clinical observations and end by analyzing data and predicting outcomes in physical therapy practice.

Professional courses during the first year prepare students for an 8-week clinical experience in acute care or adult rehabilitation.

The second year course work introduces students to critical inquiry and emphasizes assessment and intervention utilized within any rehabilitation setting. The courses include: Neuromuscular, Cardio-Pulmonary, and Pediatric Rehabilitation; Orthopedics, Prosthetics & Orthotics; and Motor Learning. Select students may elect to include a faculty-guided Practicum in research, administration or education. Completion of the second year coursework is followed by an 8-week clinical experience in rehabilitation.

The third year expects students to be active, independent learners. Course work is designed to develop skills in critical inquiry and management and continue to master skills in therapeutic exercise. The third year ends with a third 8-week clinical affiliation followed by a 16-week capstone clinical internship designed as the final integrative experience. During the final clinical internship, students will be expected to negotiate learning objectives, create learning experiences and participate in self-assessment practices. These learning experiences could include (but are not limited to) an administrative project, establishment of outcome databases, the development of a continuing education program or in-service program, development of a clinical evidence-based library in relevant practice areas or a case study project.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

* Clinical Practice I and II are each for 8 weeks in duration. Students will have a 5 week summer vacation either before the affiliation or after the affiliation depending on their placement.