Physical Therapy Program | Application Deadline

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Physical Therapy (DPT)

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Curriculum – DPT

Physical therapists, as essential members of the health care team, address health maintenance and the prevention of disabilities, the identification and assessment of impaired motor function and rehabilitation toward optimal health and function. The physical therapist provides therapeutic services to individuals of all ages with musculoskeletal, neurological, sensorimotor, cardiovascular, and other physiological dysfunction. Physical therapists may be employed in hospitals and extended care facilities, ambulatory clinics, school systems and sports medicine centers. They may also be self-employed professionals in private practice.

The purpose of the Physical Therapy Program is to prepare professionally competent physical therapists who will be capable of providing a diverse scope of Physical Therapy services. The educational goals are to prepare:

Clinical professionals capable of providing a full range of physical therapy rehabilitation and health care services to meet the diverse needs of patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary and/or cardiopulmonary conditions, as well as health promotion and wellness services to the general population.

Physical therapists who are capable of assimilating the changing health care needs of society into their delivery of services.

Physical therapists who are knowledgeable consumers of scientific information and research, and who demonstrate a professional commitment to the further development of the profession of physical therapy.
Physical therapists who have an appreciation for life long learning in their career.

The curriculum has continuously evolved to provide graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a physical therapy career. The design and content of this program is based upon a detailed review of physical therapy practice, accreditation guidelines, and the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. The Program is full time, during the days, and three calendar years in duration. Students enter in the Summer Semester only.

The three year DPT curricula for Hunter's PT Program is based upon the need for students to receive a strong foundation covering all aspects of Physical Therapy practice, followed by the attainment of advanced skills. This philosophy, is supported by an internationally renowned physical therapist, Florence Kendall, PT, FAPTA. In presenting the second annual John HP Maley Lecture 1 during the 1997 APTA Scientific Meeting and Exposition, she discussed the need for evidence based (scientifically based) practice and indicated that one of the most innovative ways for educational programs to lead the way is to get back to basics. "The basics are the foundation from which all innovations should develop and are essential for further learning and discovery." (from Kendall, F. 1997 Innovations in Clinical Practice, Maley Lecture at Annual Physical Therapy Scientific Meeting. PT Bulletin, p. 8.)

This DPT curriculum builds from such a basic foundation, beginning with a series of core courses for examination, intervention and clinical problem solving skills, followed by advanced clinical course work covering all specialize areas of clinical practice.

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