Curriculum Overview
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience. This 2.5 year, full-time program (including summers) prepares graduates for evidence-based practice in modern healthcare environments.
Curriculum Timeline
Year 1: Focuses on foundational sciences and critical inquiry, preparing students for their initial transition into the clinic.
Year 2: Emphasizes assessment and rehabilitation across core specialties, including Orthopedic, Neurological, Cardiopulmonary, and Pediatric Physical Therapy.
Year 3: Develops independent learners through advanced therapeutic exercise, management skills, and case-study integration to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Year 1
Year 1 Curriculum
Credits
Summer
Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists
5
Foundations of Physical Therapy
2
Physical Therapy Assessment I
1
Fall
Pathophysiology
3
Pharmacology
2
Neuroscience
3
Movement Science I
3
Physical Therapy Assessment II
3
Physical Therapy Interventions I
3
Winter
Physical Therapy Assessment III
1
Evidence Informed Practice I
2
Spring
Physical Therapy Interventions II
2
Orthopedic Physical Therapy I
4
Neurological Physical Therapy I
2
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
3
Foundations of Patient Care
3
Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy
2
Professional Readiness I
1
Year 2
Year 2 Curriculum
Credits
Summer
Clinical Education I
10
Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy
1
Fall
Movement Science II
2
Orthopedic Physical Therapy II
4
Neurological Physical Therapy II
4
Prosthetics and Orthotics in Physical Therapy
2
Pediatric Physical Therapy
4
Winter
Cultural Competence in Health Care
1
Physical Therapy Interventions III
2
Spring
Health Promotion and Wellness
2
Geriatric Physical Therapy
1
Evidence Informed Practice II
2
Clinical Education II
10
Year 3
Year 3 Curriculum
Credits
Summer
Clinical Reasoning and Practice Across the Continuum of Care
2
Professional Readiness II
2
Evidence Informed Practice III
2
Advanced Clinical Elective LAB
1
Advanced Clinical Elective SEMINAR
1
Fall
Administration and Leadership
3
Clinical Education III
10
First Year
Physical Therapy Curriculum: First Year
Credits
Summer
HAY 515 — Foundations of Kinesiology
1.0
HBA 540 — Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists
5.0
HAY 560 — Professional Practice I: Foundations
1.5
Fall
HAY 500 — Neuroscience for Physical Therapy
4.0
HAY 517 — Exercise Physiology
1.0
HAY 518 — Foundations of Exercise and Movement in PT
3.5
HAY 519 — Kinesiology
4.5
HAY 526 — Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology I
4.5
HAY 544 — Biophysical Agents in Physical Therapy
3.0
Spring
HAY 552 — Research Methods for PTs
3.0
HAY 534 — Motor Learning and Motor Control
3.0
HAY 527 — Foundations of Patient Care
4.0
HAY 528 — Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology II
5.0
HAY 543 — Integumentary & Vascular Physical Therapy
2.0
Second Year
Physical Therapy Curriculum: Second Year
Credits
Summer
HAY 507 — Orthopedic Physical Therapy I
2.0
HAY 501 — Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
3.0
HAY 504 — Neurological Physical Therapy I
2.0
HAY 589 — Case Studies I
0.5
Fall
HAY 505 — Neurological Physical Therapy II
2.0
HAY 620 — Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy I
2.0
HAY 513 — Orthopedic Physical Therapy II
2.0
HAY 561 — Professional Practice II: Clinical Education
1.5
HAY 595 — Clinical Education I
8.0
Spring
HAY 502 — Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
2.0
HAY 506 — Neurological Physical Therapy III
4.5
HAY 508 — Orthopedic Physical Therapy III
4.0
HAY 509 — Pediatric Physical Therapy
4.5
HAY 557 — Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
1.5
Third Year
Physical Therapy Curriculum: Third Year
Credits
Summer
HAY 692 — Clinical Education II
9.0
Fall
HAY 512 — Prosthetics and Orthotics in PT
3.0
HAY 524 — Health, Wellness, and Prevention in PT
2.0
HAY 525 — Advanced Therapeutic Exercise
3.0
HAY 558 — Evidence Based Practice Seminar
2.0
HAY 621 — Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy II
2.0
HAY 545 — Ethics and Health Care for Physical Therapists
2.0
HAY 602 — Issues in Health Care Administration
2.0
HBA 542 — Advanced Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists
0.0
HAY 590 — Case Studies II
1.0
Spring (Modules 4–8)
HAY 693 — Clinical Education III
8.0
HAY 694 — Clinical Education IV
10.0
