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Curriculum

Doctor of Physical Therapy For Practicing Physical Therapists

How to Apply

The Doctor of Physical Therapy for Practicing Physical Therapists is a unique degree program designed to elevate your expertise as a practicing physical therapist educated at the certificate, baccalaureate, or master’s levels to the doctoral tier. It provides a flexible curriculum with full-time and part-time options open to licensed physical therapists in the US and abroad. This program will equip you with advanced clinical, research application, and business skills essential for excelling in your career as a practicing physical therapist.

Core Course Sequence

The program’s flexible curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology; clinical sciences; physical therapy examination; critical inquiry and clinical decision making; business practices; physical therapy interventions; and exercise science. These courses are designed to advance your skills as a practicing physical therapist.

Program Requirements

Course Title Credits
Content Area 1: Choose 16 to 28 credits16-28
PT-GE 2026
Clinical SCI/Path of The Cardio System
PT-GE 2250
Phys Ther Exam of The C-P System
PT-GE 2231
Clin SCI/Path/Pharm/Imag of The M-S System
PT-GE 2251
Phys Ther Exam of The M-S System
PT-GE 2242
Clin Sci/Path/Pharm/Imag of The N-M System
PT-GE 2252
Phys Ther Exam or The Neuromuscular System
PT-GE 2233
Appld Antmy/Phys/Ob/Gyn, Intgmntry/Endoc System
PT-GE 2243
Clin Sci/Path/Pharm/Imag Ob/Gyn, Intgm/Endoc Sys
PT-GE 2253
Pt Exam Gen-Uri,Inte, End Gastro & Immune Sys
PT-GE 2263
Phy Thr Intr/Prv Prg Wel Prg/Ob/Gyn Int/Endoc/Sys
Content Area 2: Choose 2 to 6 credits2-6
PT-GE 2286
Critical Inquiry/Clin Decision Making I
PT-GE 2287
Crit Inquiry/Clin Dcsn Making II (Case Study)
PT-GE 2288
Crit Inquiry/Clin Decsn Making III
Content Area 3: 4 Credits4
PT-GE 2295
Bus Pract/Rembrsmnt/Mrkt Tech Mngmt/Care Del Sys
Content Area 4: Choose 2 to 14 credits2-14
PT-GE 2227
Principles of Exercise
PT-GE 2229
Fitness Theor/Practice
PT-GE 2225
Exercise Physiology
PT-GE 2220
Kinesiology/Biome/Ergon
Total Credits36

Note: Students without a US Physical Therapist License will complete the program with 60 credits. 

Sample Plan of Study

This sample plan is for a student without a U.S. Physical Therapists License.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
PT-GE 2287 Crit Inquiry/Clin Dcsn Making II (Case Study) 2
PT-GE 2233 Appld Antmy/Phys/Ob/Gyn, Intgmntry/Endoc System 3
PT-GE 2243 Clin Sci/Path/Pharm/Imag Ob/Gyn, Intgm/Endoc Sys 4
PT-GE 2253 Pt Exam Gen-Uri,Inte, End Gastro & Immune Sys 3
 Credits12
2nd Semester/Term
PT-GE 2263 Phy Thr Intr/Prv Prg Wel Prg/Ob/Gyn Int/Endoc/Sys 4
PT-GE 2295 Bus Pract/Rembrsmnt/Mrkt Tech Mngmt/Care Del Sys 4
PT-GE 2026 Clinical SCI/Path of The Cardio System 4
 Credits12
3rd Semester/Term
PT-GE 2225 Exercise Physiology 4
PT-GE 2250 Phys Ther Exam of The C-P System 4
PT-GE 2231 Clin SCI/Path/Pharm/Imag of The M-S System 4
 Credits12
4th Semester/Term
PT-GE 2260 Phys Ther Inter/Prev Prg Well Prog Cv Resp System 4
PT-GE 2218 Biophysical Agents II (Electrotherapeutic Modalities) 3
PT-GE 2219 Assistive Technology 3
PT-GE 2229 Fitness Theor/Practice 2
 Credits12
5th Semester/Term
PT-GE 2215 Biophysical Agents I (Physical Agents/Mechanical Modalities) 2
PT-GE 2008 Manual Techniques I 2
PT-GE 2231 Clin SCI/Path/Pharm/Imag of The M-S System 4
PT-GE 2251 Phys Ther Exam of The M-S System 4
 Credits12
 Total Credits60