Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


Academic Information

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)

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


Careers

What Can I Do with a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Physical Therapy - Entry Level?

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.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Licensed Physical Therapist

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


Overview

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.


Population Best Suited

 

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

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Doctoral Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy


Campus Availability

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