We designed this clinical doctoral plan to include both didactic study and clinical experiences. Through this plan, you develop competencies in diagnosis, evidence-based practice, and primary care as well as a working knowledge of health-care economics. Experience in these areas prepares you to meet the current standards of the highly competitive physical therapy profession.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) This program is nationally recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Northern Arizona University is a 28-month entry-level degree approved by the Arizona Board of Regents. This is an entry-level program of study and thus designed for those individuals interested in becoming a licensed physical therapist.
To receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, consisting of 110 units of graduate-level courses, depending upon the student’s initial degree and transcript.
For more information see the Requirements for Doctoral Degree: DPT
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 90 - 102 |
| Major GPA | B |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
Scope
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the required degree in the U.S. to practice as a physical therapist. Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on optimizing movement. Physical therapists work with individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that interfere with their ability to function in their daily lives. In addition, a focus is on the prevention of functional limitations and disability and promoting wellness and fitness. Physical therapists must be knowledgeable about the U.S. healthcare system and should participate in the development of health policy as advocates for their profession.
Content
The DPT program provides didactic and clinical coursework to prepare students to work in the profession of physical therapy. Foundational sciences include human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the study of normal and abnormal movement. Laboratory courses in musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy prepare students for these practice areas. Skills in clinical research and evidence-based practice are integral to the curriculum. The content covers the lifespan, from neonates to the very old. The DPT coursework prepares students to provide clients with a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
An important part of the DPT curriculum is focused on professionalism, ethics, service to the community and profession, and life-long learning. In keeping with current practice, interprofessional education prepares students to work as clinicians in collaborative medical team models.
In addition to classroom and laboratory learning experiences, students participate in part-time and full-time clinical experiences. The full-time clinical experiences span the last 30 weeks of the curriculum. Students are supervised by a licensed physical therapist in each of three community clinical settings.
Future opportunities
The DPT is a clinical doctorate that prepares students to take the national licensing examination required to practice physical therapy in the U.S. Students are prepared as generalists with the skills necessary to enter clinical practice in diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, sports facilities, and home health agencies.
Students entering the DPT must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and completed the necessary prerequisite courses. It is a rigorous full-time program that requires strengths in science, communication, physical coordination, and teamwork. Professional and ethical behavior is essential.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Applicants successfully graduating from the NAU Exercise Physiology BS or Exercise Science BS - Physical Therapy Track will be given priority admission.
This degree will require 24 - 28 months of full-time study to complete.
This major requires 90 - 102 units distributed as follows:
Students completing the in-person program take the following 98 - 102 units:
* Required coursework only available at the Flagstaff Mountain Campus
** Required coursework only available at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus
Students completing the Hybrid/Blended program complete the following 90 units:
The DPT program is designed as a competency-based program, similar to the Personalized Learning system (see Grading Policy 100412, Personalized Learning section) wherein students have opportunities to work with faculty to improve their academic performance to achieve a passing Grade of "B" or better on all assignments. As such, for all graded courses in the program, students must achieve a Grade of "B" or better.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.