Physical Therapy (DPT) - Curriculum
The physical therapy curriculum encompasses 117 credit hours, 30 weeks of clinical education and occurs over a 3 year span. Education is provided in a cohort fashion with classes starting in the fall of each year.
Curriculum design covers all aspects of physical therapy knowledge, skills and practice. Basic science, foundational biological and clinical courses form the baseline knowledge needed to practice. Foundational physical therapy procedures and techniques build on the basic science courses.
Professional clinical practice courses examine the nature of physical therapy practice in the integumetary/metabolic/endocrine, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular systems. Each of these practice pattern courses examines the histology, pathology, embryology, medical diagnoses, and physical therapy patient management process suitable for each practice pattern.
Behavioral science courses form the basis for understanding the patient’s perspective as they receive physical therapy services. Professional socialization courses help the student understand and grow in professional behavior and understanding of what it means to be a physical therapist.
Finally, the clinical education courses enable the student to apply the didactic portion of the curriculum in the real world setting. Following successful completion of the program, graduates take a national exam. All who pass the national exam are eligible for licensure in all 50 states.
Visit the department Web site at http://www.umflint.edu/pt/curriculum.htm for the curriculum and sequence of courses.