Physical Therapy (DPT) Courses

DPT7005 Special Topics Remediation

This course is designed to provide content remediation and review for students within the Doctor of Physical Therapy program who have failed a course in a particular semester and that content is required in subsequent courses within the semester. The student is assigned by the program a faculty member (core or associated) who facilitates the student’s acquisition of content knowledge while allowing them to progress through the remaining portion of the semester’s block schedule. Passing of this course is required as outlined in the student’s remediation plan and the student has to repeat the course whose content is being provided in this independent study, in the following year (i.e., decelerate).
Offered at Providence
0 Semester Credits

DPT7050 Anatomy

Knowledge of human anatomy and histology is essential for physical therapists. This course is an in-depth study of the human body, which includes human cadaveric prosection, live palpation on peers, and the use of lecture/discussion. Students apply the knowledge gained during this course to all subsequent physical therapy courses throughout the curriculum.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

DPT7100 Foundations of Evidence-Based Medicine

Physical therapists are evidence-based practitioners who require basic research literacy to ensure that they can ask focused, answerable clinical questions and access high-quality studies to inform their management of patients. In this first of four research courses, students learn about the evidence-based process and are introduced to the research method. By the end of the course, students are able to develop a foreground question and supporting background questions as well as conduct a focused search of the literature. Additionally, students understand levels of evidence and sources of bias that impact the quality of studies.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7150 Foundations for Physical Therapy Practice

This course introduces the most common, evidence-based foundational physical therapy techniques, interventions and modalities used in contemporary practice. Students learn the fundamental principles and physiological effects of interventions best supported by research. Additionally, clinical decision-making on the appropriate selection and application of techniques, interventions and modalities is reviewed. Students reinforce professional communication regarding selected techniques, interventions, and the outcomes they provide during a patient care treatment session.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7200 Patient Mobility and Safety

In this course, students master patient handling activities and introduce students to the basics of physical therapy professionalism. At the conclusion of the course, students are able to demonstrate appropriate ways to efficiently and safely teach/perform range of motion, manual muscle testing, bed mobility, patient transfers, patient guarding and gait training with/without a variety of assistive devices including manual wheelchair usage. Students develop skills ensuring the use of proper body mechanics and other strategies to avoid injury to themselves and/or their patients.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

DPT7250 Exercise Physiology and Wellness

This course enables the student to understand changes that occur to movement systems across the life span and the protective nature of exercise in promoting optimal health and wellness of all physiological systems. Students explore the meaning of the phrase "exercise is medicine" as the disease-preventing effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, circulatory, immune and digestive systems are investigated. Additionally, principles of exercise dosing/loading are introduced to prepare students for future foundational and clinical courses within the DPT curriculum.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

DPT7300 Integrated Clinical Experience and Professional Development I

The purpose of the two Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICEs) is to provide students with early opportunities to apply their academic knowledge and skills in clinical settings under the supervision of a physical therapist while developing and applying competencies related to the APTA Code of Ethics and Core Values for Professionalism. Students engage in 15 hours of on-campus professional development activities and complete 45 hours of ICE. Every effort is made to place students at an outpatient orthopedic clinic for their first ICE. If it is not possible due to clinic availability, then students may be placed at another setting including but not limited to skilled nursing facilities, home care agencies, rehabilitation centers, early intervention, schools, community wellness centers, or hospitals. The ICE experience includes observation of clinical care, participation with contemporary examination techniques and treatment interventions, as well as opportunities to practice and develop communication strategies, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The ICE courses promote the development of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, and professionalism.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7250.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

DPT7350 Spine Examination and Treatment

In this course, students are prepared for the evidence-based management of patients/clients across the life span with neuromusculoskeletal conditions of the spine. Using the framework of the biopsychosocial and ICF models, students are prepared to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with spinal dysfunction, to include post-operative conditions.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7250.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

DPT7400 Extremity Examination and Treatment

In this course, students are prepared for the evidence-based management of patients/clients across the life span with neuromusculoskeletal conditions of the upper and lower extremities. Using the framework of the biopsychosocial and ICF models, students are prepared to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with upper and lower extremity dysfunctions, including post-operative conditions.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7250.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

DPT7450 Biomechanics

This course presents students with a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding normal and abnormal human movement patterns. The course is guided by the concept that in order to treat movement system dysfunction, it is first necessary to understand normal movement, motor control, and coordination processes. Students learn the relationship between movement patterns in relation to an individual's functional anatomy, biomechanics, and surrounding environment. The course allows the student to gain a better understanding of aberrant movement patterns/strategies so that they will be better able to develop a comprehensive patient-centric treatment approach across a variety of age groups and conditions.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7250.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

DPT7500 Diagnostic Imaging

This course provides the student with an understanding of the capabilities, limitations and clinical implications of diagnostic imaging, including plain radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (and its many forms), diagnostic ultrasound, and an introduction to electromyography. Students must identify the most appropriate diagnostic imaging test and, when indicated, order and interpret diagnostic images relevant in neuromusculoskeletal assessment and management. Radiologic anatomy, normal variants, and pathological and traumatic conditions are reviewed.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7050.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7600 Orthopedic Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum

The purpose of the first comprehensive practicum in the DPT curriculum is to synthesize content from semesters 1 and 2, while advancing clinical reasoning via the use of complex patient cases. This course is designed to simulate students' challenges such as time management skills and prioritizing impairments and interventions to provide the most effective and comprehensive plan of care. The Comprehensive Practicum is the first step in certifying students' readiness for their full-time clinical experiences. Students must successfully pass the Practicum in order to continue in the curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7300.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7650 Pharmacology for Physical Therapists

This course provides students with an entry-level understanding of pharmacology as it pertains to the practice of physical therapy. Students learn the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and are expected to apply these principles to the medications used to treat disorders/disease most frequently prescribed to patients receiving physical therapy.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7700 Essentials of Rehabilitation Technology

This course provides instruction on the concepts and use of technology and its applications commonly found in rehabilitation settings. Students apply concepts of assistive technology that provide alternatives for physical and sensory access, communication, and learning. Students identify and utilize assistive technology to modify tasks or the environment through the application of universal design principles. Students identify barriers and potential solutions based on various case studies and real-life examples.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7750 Pathophysiology

This course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological systems that support human movement, health and wellness. The interdependence of those physiological systems in the body’s response to physical and emotional stressors and the disease processes is explored. The course emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills in the application of the principles and concepts of human pathophysiology to physical therapy practice and wellness; it provides students with the foundational science knowledge that underpins clinical decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7300.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

DPT7800 Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Integumentary Examination and Treatment

In this course, students further advance their foundational knowledge of medical diseases and learn to examine and treat patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and integumentary conditions. By the end of the term, students are expected to synthesize clinical content from previous practice courses and demonstrate, within the context of the ICF model, clinical reasoning skills needed to rule in/out differential diagnoses and manage progressively complex patient cases.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7300.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

DPT7850 Medically Complex Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum

The purpose of the second comprehensive practicum in the DPT curriculum is to synthesize content from the first three semesters, while advancing clinical reasoning via the use of complex patient cases. This course is designed to simulate students' challenges such as time management skills and prioritizing impairments and interventions to provide the most effective and comprehensive plan of care. The Comprehensive Practicum is the first step in certifying students' readiness for their full-time clinical experiences. Students must successfully pass the Practicum to continue in the curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7300.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT7900 Health Promotion and Wellness

Physical therapists are well-positioned to meet societal needs and reduce the global burden of non-communicable diseases by integrating evidence-based health prevention, wellness, and population health strategies into practice. This course explores behavior change theories for individuals and populations, motivational interviewing, nutrition, sleep, stress, physical activity promotion, and other health promotion topics. This course prepares students to meet APTA’s (American Physical Therapy Association) consensus-based competencies in population health and health promotion and wellness.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7400.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8050 Professional Issues in Physical Therapy

The purpose of the Professional Issues In Physical Therapy course is to explore the multifaceted landscape of contemporary physical therapy practice through the lens of professional issues. Students apply the knowledge and skills needed to interact effectively with members of the healthcare team, engage in volunteerism and advocacy, and promote the needs of both the profession and society through legislative and political processes. Social and cultural considerations in the field of physical therapy are also explored. Students examine the evolving healthcare landscape, healthcare policies, and their impact on the profession.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

DPT8100 Pain Neuroscience and Psychosocial Wellness for Physical Therapy Practice

Part one of this two-part course, Pain Neuroscience for the Physical Therapist, is designed to enhance students' knowledge of the advances in the pain sciences and to provide them with the biopsychosocial examination and management tools necessary to manage various mechanism-based pain types and conditions across the life span and continuum of care. In part two of this course, Psychosocial Issues in Physical Therapy, students examine the effects of positionality, intersectionality, and implicit and explicit biases on both clinical decision-making and the perpetuation of health disparities. Students reflect on personal and societal ~isms that exist along the lines of social identities to include but not limited to gender identity, able-bodied status, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, age, socioeconomic status, and educational status. The psychosocial domains of the biopsychosocial framework are defined and applied to cases to facilitate the integration of these factors into students’ clinical decision-making. Students are presented with the lived experiences of caregivers, individuals with chronic and/or terminal illnesses, individuals who experienced trauma, and individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

DPT8150 Neuroanatomy for the Physical Therapist

This course presents an integrated approach to the general principles of organization and function of the nervous system (autonomic, peripheral and central systems). This course features an in-depth look at the human nervous system structures, physiology and some pathology. Normal anatomy is examined in the context of applying it to pathology patient cases to understand the complex interaction of human tissues (histology), physiology, pathophysiology, and other stressors (including environmental interaction, aging, and disease processes) that result in physiological responses that may lead to impairments of the human movement system and/or nervous system. Students are introduced to clinical topics related to neuroscience, including neurological testing, control of posture and balance, pain, muscle tone, spasticity, feedback, reflex versus voluntary control, locomotion perception, and learning.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

DPT8200 Motor Control

This course expounds on the science of motor control, motor learning, and motor development, including the neuromotor processes that underlie normal and abnormal movement. Theories of motor control, motor learning, and motor development, including mechanisms for the acquisition of skills are explored. The focus is on motor control for persons with neurological disorders across the life span.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8250 DPT Elective

Each student is granted the opportunity to complete up to three electives designed to facilitate their ability to explore physical therapy content areas of interest, beyond the standard curriculum. It can include the choice to obtain additional experience in one or two of the core physical therapy specialties and/or explore lengthier research projects. Students actively engage in applying basic and more advanced physical therapy knowledge, demonstrating and developing their clinical reasoning and communication skills to the evaluation, treatment, and management of common diseases and conditions encountered within the discipline or specialty chosen. Supervised clinical practice experiences occur under the supervision of a program-determined preceptor, clinical instructor or their designee(s). This course can be repeated up to four times throughout the curriculum and can occur within semesters 4, 5 and 8.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7050.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8300 Neurological Examination and Treatment

This course provides students with information needed to identify, examine and treat neurologic diseases and disorders that are commonly seen by physical therapists. From a medical perspective, information includes disease/condition description, etiology, pathology, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, medical management, and precautions or special considerations pertinent to physical therapists. Concepts include examination and intervention skills for neurological conditions, clinical decision-making, an overview of neurological rehabilitation, vestibular examination and intervention, environmental considerations, neuroplasticity, motor control, and health promotion and wellness.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

DPT8350 Neuro Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum

The purpose of the third comprehensive practicum in the DPT curriculum is to synthesize content from the first four semesters, while advancing clinical reasoning via the use of complex patient cases that involve neurological disorders. This course is designed to simulate students' challenges such as time management skills and prioritizing impairments and interventions to provide the most effective and comprehensive plan of care. The Comprehensive Practicum is the third step in certifying students' readiness for their full-time clinical experiences. Students must successfully pass the Practicum in order to continue in the curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7850.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8400 Integrated Clinical Experience and Professional Development II

DPT8450 Healthcare Management

This course introduces students to the fundamental theories and skills of healthcare management for physical therapists. This course develops and advances the student’s understanding of the healthcare system, the social and economic forces affecting the system, and the healthcare system’s ability to function effectively. Additionally, the course prepares students to enter the workforce by introducing them to a variety of tools and experiences that enables them to manage organizations, programs, resources and people more effectively.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8500 Research Seminar I

This is the second of four research courses. The aim of this course is to improve students’ research literacy and to further develop the skills needed to effectively utilize the literature to answer clinical foreground questions. Students’ understanding of the quantitative research method is deepened as they learn to critically appraise research to ensure the highest quality and level of evidence is used to answer clinical questions. By the end of the term and under the direct supervision of a faculty advisor, students submit a research proposal and submit an Institutional Review Board application if required. All research proposed and conducted in the Physical Therapy Department is subject to the rules, regulations and approval of the University’s Institutional Review Board.
Prerequisite(s): DPT7050.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8550 Pediatric Physical Therapy

This course advances the student physical therapists' understanding and exposure to clinical examination, evaluation and interventions of evidence-based practices for pediatric physical therapy. The readings, class discussions and lectures focus upon increasing the student understanding of typical and atypical development and how various factors affect a child’s motor performance. Application of theoretical principles of motor control and neurological development are emphasized to promote understanding of typical motor development, as well as motor development in children with various impairments.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

DPT8600 Physical Therapy for Genitourinary Health

This course introduces students to male/female genitourinary function and disease as it applies to the physical therapist. Emphasis is on evidence-based examination, intervention and outcome measures related to pelvic and genitourinary health. Students explore a variety of conditions, including urinary incontinence, pre- and post-partum and pregnancy care, pelvic floor anatomy, function and role of PT, common cancers including breast and prostate cancer, organ prolapse, dyspareunia, bowel dysfunction as it relates to the pelvic floor, and menopause.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8650 Comprehensive Skills Review and Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the fourth and final comprehensive practicum in the DPT curriculum is to synthesize content from the didactic portion of the program, while advancing clinical reasoning via the use of complex patient cases that involve all systems across the life span. This course is designed to simulate students' challenges such as time management skills and prioritizing impairments and interventions to provide the most effective and comprehensive plan of care. The Comprehensive Practicum is the last step in certifying students' readiness for their full-time clinical experiences. Students must successfully pass the practicum in order to advance to their full-time clinical education experiences.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8700 Clinical Education Experience I

This course is the first of three full-time clinical experiences in the DPT program and runs during the final spring semester. Under the supervision of one or two licensed physical therapists, students practice and receive feedback while performing all elements of patient management in either a general practice ambulatory and/or non-ambulatory (i.e., acute care, inpatient rehab, SNF, or homecare) setting. Emphasis is placed on a consistent display of professional behavior, including demonstration of adult learning characteristics, as well as the ability to problem-solve and utilize evidence-based resources to guide clinical practice.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8650.
Offered at Providence
12 Semester Credits

DPT8800 Clinical Education Experience II

This course is the second of three full-time clinical experiences in the DPT program and runs for a period of 13-weeks during the final semester. Under the supervision of one or two licensed physical therapists, students practice and receive feedback while performing all elements of patient management in either a general practice ambulatory and/or non-ambulatory (i.e., acute care, inpatient rehab, SNF, or homecare) setting, or with permission from the director of clinical education, in a specialty setting. Based on clinical site availability and with permission from the director of clinical education, DPT8800 and DPT9200 may be combined into a 26-week clinical experience where the student may focus their clinical practice in a single clinical placement/setting. Emphasis is placed on a consistent display of professional behavior, including demonstration of adult learning characteristics, the problem-solving ability and utilization of evidence-based resources to guide clinical practice, and the ability to function effectively as a member of the larger healthcare team. To achieve a passing grade for this clinical experience, students are expected to achieve an intermediate or above level of competence in all aspects of physical therapy service delivery while modeling professional and ethical practice.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8700.
Offered at Providence
11 Semester Credits

DPT8850 Research Seminar II

This is the third of four research courses. In this course, students complete data collection started in DPT8500. Under the guidance of their faculty advisor, students analyze the data and write the first draft of their manuscript consistent with the requirements of the journal identified for dissemination.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8350.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT8900 DPT Capstone

In this final of four research courses, students finalize their manuscripts according to their chosen journal's requirements. Additionally, students prepare and present posters and platform presentations at the annual Johnson & Wales University Physical Therapy Research Day. Under the guidance of their faculty advisors, students submit abstracts to at least one local and/or national physical therapy conference to ensure the ongoing dissemination of scholarly works within the profession.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8650.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

DPT9200 Clinical Education Experience III

This course is the third and final full-time clinical experience in the DPT Program and runs during the first 13-weeks of the final semester. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, students practice and receive feedback while performing all elements of patient management in either a general practice ambulatory and/or non-ambulatory (i.e., acute care, inpatient rehab, SNF, or homecare) setting, or with permission from the director of clinical education, in a specialty setting. Based on clinical site availability and with permission from the director of clinical education, DPT8800 and DPT9200 may be combined into a 26-week clinical experience where the student may focus their clinical practice in a single clinical placement/setting. Focus is placed on the ability to synthesize knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom, laboratory and addressed throughout the first seven semesters of the JWU DPT program. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to make sound clinical decisions in the management of complex patient problems in a moderately paced environment. Emphasis is placed on a consistent display of professional behavior, including demonstration of adult learning characteristics, the ability to problem-solve and utilize evidence-based resources to guide clinical practice, and the ability to function effectively as a member of the larger healthcare team. To achieve a passing grade for this clinical experience, students are expected to achieve entry-level competence in all aspects of physical therapy service delivery while modeling professional and ethical practice.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8800.
Offered at Providence
11 Semester Credits

DPT9500 Licensure Review and PEAT

This course provides the student with a comprehensive didactic review of the curriculum in preparation for the physical therapist board exam. Students are provided with a licensure review course followed by a JWU DPT-sponsored Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT). Scores of 80% or higher on the PEAT indicate a high likelihood of passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Students who score below 80% on the PEAT still graduate but are strongly encouraged not to sit for the NPTE until they complete a student-specific remediation/studying plan.
Prerequisite(s): DPT8900.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

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