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.

Location

• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

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
One three-credit elective, approved by the Program Director		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.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate appropriate depth and breadth of core physical therapy knowledge, as well as an awareness of current professional issues, ethics, and standards.
2. Critically analyze and apply best available evidence and contribute to the development of new knowledge related to the field of physical therapy.
3. Apply knowledge, research, clinical reasoning and decision-making, ethics and professional standards to patient care consistent with entry-level physical therapist practice.
4. Communicate proficiently and effectively to patients, community members, and fellow professionals verbally and in writing.