The Department of Kinesiology offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) as well as a Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.), Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology (Exercise Science concentration) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology (Exercise Science concentration). The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a professional doctorate leading to licensure as a physical therapist and practice in hospital, rehabilitation, outpatient and community-based care settings to provide care to patients with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders across the life span. It is a three-year, eight semester, post-bachelor’s program that prepares physical therapists who are well-equipped for contemporary practice and career-long learning to assure patient benefit from advances in healthcare. The first year consists of coursework in basic and clinical sciences, as well as health care practices. During the second through fourth semesters, students participate in clinical experiences that are integrated into the curriculum. During the third year, students complete three, full-time, off-campus, clinical practicums. Successful applicants to the D.P.T program meet or exceed the University of Connecticut Graduate School admission standards and have completed (generally “B” average or better) the prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation. The required courses include: Biology, General Chemistry I and II, Pre-Calculus or higher, General Physics I and II, Human Physiology and Anatomy I and II, Psychology (six credits), and Statistics. Submission of Graduate Record Examination scores is required.
Required Courses
Completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires the completion of each of the following courses:
Course List
Course |
Title |
Credits |
PT 5410 | Human Anatomy Trunk and Upper Extremity | 4 |
PT 5412 | Human Anatomy Pelvis and Lower Extremity | 4 |
PT 5414 | Clinical Human Physiology | 3 |
PT 5416 | Clinical Neuroscience | 5 |
PT 5418 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
PT 5420 | Foundation in Clinical Pathology | 3 |
PT 5422 | Cardiopulmonary Pathology | 2 |
PT 5424 | Musculoskeletal Pathology | 4 |
PT 5430 | Functional-Biomechanical Relationships | 3 |
PT 5431 | Prevention, Health Promotion, Fitness and Wellness | 2 |
PT 5432 | Motor Control and its Clinical Application | 4 |
PT 5433 | Management for the Physical Therapist | 3 |
PT 5434 | Foundations for System Review | 2 |
PT 5437 | Education and Communication for Physical Therapists | 3 |
PT 5438 | Professionalism for the Physical Therapist | 2 |
PT 5440 | Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy | 3 |
PT 5446 | Evidence-Based Practice Seminar | 2 |
PT 5448 | Capstone Scholarly Report Preparation | 2 |
PT 5450 | Fundamentals of Physical Therapy Examination | 5 |
PT 5451 | Acute Care Management | 5 |
PT 5452 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 2 |
PT 5453 | Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - The Spine | 3 |
PT 5454 | Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - The Extremities | 3 |
PT 5455 | Essentials of Rehabilitation Practice | 3 |
PT 5456 | Neuromuscular Rehabilitation | 4 |
PT 5458 | Pediatric Physical Therapy | 2 |
PT 5460 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 1 |
PT 5461 | Clinical Education I | 8 |
PT 5463 | Integrated Clinical Experience, Musculoskeletal | 2 |
PT 5464 | Clinical Education II | 8 |
PT 5465 | Public Engagement in Prevention, Health Promotion, Fitness and Wellness | 1 |
PT 5466 | Integrated Clinical Experience, Neuromuscular | 2 |
PT 5467 | Clinical Education III | 8 |
PT 5469 | Integrated Clinical Experience, Acute Care | 1 |
PT 5480 | Interaction for Health Care and Society | 3 |
PT 5481 | Therapeutic Interventions II | 2 |
| 3 |
Total Credits | 120 |
Required Health-Related Community Service
All Doctor of Physical Therapy Students must complete 30 hours of Health-Related Community Service. Types of service that qualify and final approval of hours must be obtained from the Program Director.