Doctor of Physical Therapy - D.P.T.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students for entry-level clinical practice in the doctoring profession of physical therapy. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination and to practice as doctors of physical therapy. Students are prepared to provide physical therapy services to a wide variety of individuals with injuries, diseases and disorders involving the major body systems, across the lifespan and continuum of care.

Upon completion of the program graduates are expected to:

  • Apply clinical decision making skills to effectively develop and implement a physical therapy examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
  • Evaluate evidence to facilitate best patient outcomes by effective use of the professional literature and current information technologies.
  • Adapt delivery of physical therapy services with consideration for patients’ differences, values, preferences, and needs.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of patients, healthcare professionals, para-professionals, and community members to provide patient-centered and socially responsible care.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional Physical Therapist practice, consistent with the core values of the American Physical Therapy Association.
  • Develop scholarly work that informs evidence-based practice for clinical decision making or investigates innovative physical therapy interventions utilizing solid theoretical constructs.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Credits
Core Courses
DPT7050Anatomy4
DPT7100Foundations of Evidence-Based Medicine2
DPT7150Foundations for Physical Therapy Practice2
DPT7200Patient Mobility and Safety3
DPT7250Exercise Physiology and Wellness3
DPT7300Integrated Clinical Experience and Professional Development I (Foundations for Physical Therapy Practice)2
DPT7350Spine Examination and Treatment5
DPT7400Extremity Examination and Treatment5
DPT7450Biomechanics4
DPT7500Diagnostic Imaging2
DPT7600Orthopedic Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum2
DPT7650Pharmacology for Physical Therapists2
DPT7700Essentials of Rehabilitation Technology2
DPT7750Pathophysiology3
DPT7800Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Integumentary Examination and Treatment4
DPT7850Medically Complex Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum2
DPT7900Health Promotion and Wellness2
DPT8050Professional Issues in Physical Therapy1
DPT8100Pain Neuroscience and Psychosocial Wellness for Physical Therapy Practice4
DPT8150Neuroanatomy for the Physical Therapist3
DPT8200Motor Control2
DPT8250DPT Elective *4-6
DPT8300Neurological Examination and Treatment5
DPT8350Neuro Culmination and Comprehensive Practicum2
DPT8400Integrated Clinical Experience and Professional Development II2
DPT8450Healthcare Management2
DPT8500Research Seminar I2
DPT8550Pediatric Physical Therapy3
DPT8600Physical Therapy for Genitourinary Health2
DPT8650Comprehensive Skills Review and Qualifying Examination2
DPT8700Clinical Education Experience I12
DPT8800Clinical Education Experience II11
DPT8850Research Seminar II2
DPT8900DPT Capstone2
DPT9200Clinical Education Experience III11
DPT9500Licensure Review and PEAT1
Total Credits122.0-124.0
*

Students are required to take 4 credits in DPT8250 DPT Elective but may take up to 8 credits inclusive of Physical Therapy outreach to underserved populations.

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Johnson & Wales University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2024. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the [professional/technical] phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in [professional/technical] courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.