Degree Requirements

Detailed study of the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems including morphology and developmental neuroanatomy.  Relationship between neuroanatomy, motor control and sensory responses are discussed. 

Three semester hours.

A study of the effect of physical activity on human physiology with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and endocrine systems, including the acute and chronic adaptations associated with physical activity. Modes of exercise, environmental considerations, and selected clinical populations are also covered in this course. Additional content includes instruction designed to integrate the development, implementation, and evaluation of basic therapeutic exercise commonly used in physical therapy practice.

Three semester hours.

A study of the general principles of pathophysiology impacting the practice of physical therapy and how they are managed medically and surgically in addition to the role of the physical therapist.  This first course of the pathophysiology sequence is focused on cell injury and the body’s responses, inflammation, disorders of vascular flow and shock, genetic disease, the immune system, neoplastic disease, infectious disease and diseases of the blood vessels and blood cells. 

Two semester hours.

This is the second part of an introductory course in basic skills and patient management processes in the physical therapy setting, including basic safety, vital signs, patient handling and transfer techniques, and basic soft tissue mobilization.

One semester hour

Second in a series of three courses integrated throughout the curriculum to prepare students as ethical, moral, responsible and accountable physical therapists.  Topics in this course include: health care systems; documentation in selected physical therapy settings; the physical therapist assistant, interprofessional practice; culture and health care; psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial considerations in patient management; and legal and ethical responsibilities to vulnerable populations.

Three semester hours.

First in a series of four courses to prepare students to understand and utilize the professional literature.  Students will learn how to formulate focused clinical questions, to search for the best available evidence, to critically appraise the evidence, and to integrate evidence to assist in clinical decision making. Emphasis in the first course will be on the concept of evidence as a foundation for clinical practice and the research process.

Two semester hours.

This is the first course in a series of four that will apply the physical therapist patient/client management model to patients (across the lifespan) with musculoskeletal conditions.  Students are instructed in and practice the integration of the five elements of care (evidence-based examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and other interventions) of the patient/client with conditions associated with the upper quarter. 

Four semester hours.

A continuation of pathophysiology I focused on body systems.  Management by healthcare professionals beyond physical therapy is discussed. The acute and chronic effects of diseases of body systems on human function/performance and achievement of outcomes of therapeutic intervention are explored.  

Two semester hours.

A study of pharmacological principles in relation to rehabilitation of patients with systems impairments, with inclusion of the possible benefits and side effects of pharmacological agents in patients undergoing physical rehabilitation. 

Two semester hours.

This course provides students with instruction designed to help them determine a patient’s need for therapeutic (physical, thermal, and mechanical) interventions, as well as to integrate the administration of and the evaluation of the impact of therapeutic interventions commonly used in physical therapy practice, consistent with patient diagnosis and prognosis.  Critical appraisal of the literature is addressed, in order to apply the best evidence to practice and the clinical decision-making process.

One semester hour.

Introduction to experimental and quasi-experimental research. Areas of investigation will include research design, methodology, data collection, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presentation styles. Content will include quantitative and qualitative design, analyses and statistics. An overview of the IRB process and CITI training will be included.

Two semester hours.

This is the second course in a series of four that will apply the physical therapist patient/client management model to patients (across the lifespan) with musculoskeletal conditions.  Students are instructed in, and practice the integration of the five elements of care (evidence-based examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and other interventions) of the patient/client with conditions associated with the lower extremities. 

Three semester hours.

Study of fundamentals of health promotion and wellness in individuals and populations seen in physical therapy practice. 

 Two semester hours.

First of 2 integrated clinical education courses that are embedded within the first 6 didactic semesters of the DPT curriculum. These courses will focus on clinical practice with students working individually or in pairs with a clinical faculty member (i.e. physical therapist clinical instructor) to apply skills, demonstrate clinical problem-solving and assume professional roles in various patient care settings (based on their level of clinical experience). In this first course, students will be expected to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained from the first 3 semesters of coursework. This course is completed in the classroom (information sessions) and at affiliated clinical facilities during the third semester in Year 1 for a total of 80 clinical hours. 

One semester hour.

This course incorporates application of the principles of human learning to patient/client management, including patient/family/caregivers, and community education. Roles of the physical therapist as a clinical educator and academician are discussed, as well as opportunities/responsibilities for lifelong learning and professional development. 

One semester hour.

This course is a third in a series of three courses to prepare students as ethical, moral, responsible and accountable physical therapists.  Topics in this third course include consideration of legal, ethical, generational communication, and psychosocial and end-of-life issues in patient management. In addition, expansion of knowledge is included in the areas of protected populations, cultural competence, inter-professional practice, shared decision-making, and patient/client/caregiver-provider communication. Two semester hours.

A continuation of the Critical Inquiry series with an emphasis on collecting data, writing results and discussion, and presenting research in both a poster and platform format.  Assessment of research presentations is also emphasized.

Two semester hours.

A continuation of the musculoskeletal series of courses which includes etiology, medical management, physical therapy examination, evaluation and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower thoracic spine. Three semester hours.

This is the first course in a series of two that will apply the physical therapist patient/client management model to patients with neuromuscular conditions.  Students are instructed in and practice the integration of the five elements of care (evidence-based examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic exercise/ other intervention) of the patient/client with conditions associated with the neuromuscular system across the lifespan. 

Four semester hours.

Introductory application of the patient management model to patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.  Examination, evaluation, and management of the patient with cardiopulmonary disorders common to physical therapy practice are presented. 

Three semester hours.

This course provides an overview of human development and serves as an introduction to the principles of normal growth and development across body systems as we age. Students will apply the components of physical therapy practice: screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, outcomes across the lifespan. Opportunities for exploring development and community resources will be provided through discussions, community and interprofessional engagement, reflective assignments, and critical thinking. This course prepares students as entry-level physical therapists to effectively examine and provide physical therapy interventions across the lifespan perspective. 

Two semester hours.

This course engages students in analyzing healthcare access; community needs assessment, health literacy, and interprofessional clinical practice across the lifespan in rural areas. Primary, secondary and tertiary care models will be discussed with emphasis on medical screening, referrals, and scope of practice.  Critical inquiry into evidence-based practice strategies, technology and potential inroads within the field of physical therapy will guide students to enter the workforce as entry-level physical therapists. 

Two semester hours.

Emphasis is on the role of administration and management in physical therapy practice. Student service learning projects are continued. 

Three semester hours.

This course will focus on the clinical interactions between Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Students will interact with students from the Wytheville Community College PTA program to discuss differences between the two programs and current topics relevant to the clinical interactions between PTs and PTAs.

One semester hour.

Culmination of the Critical Inquiry course series with an emphasis on writing results and discussion, and presenting research in both a poster and platform format.  Assessment of research presentations is also emphasized.

Two semester hours.

A continuation of the musculoskeletal series of courses which includes etiology, medical management, physical therapy examination, evaluation and intervention of selected musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on the cervical, upper thoracic spine and the tempomandibular joint. 

Four semester hours.

The course is the second in a two-course sequence of neuromuscular patient management content areas. This course builds and adds to the framework of entry-level physical therapy practice for client-centered care of neuromuscular conditions.  Students are instructed in and practice the integration of the five elements of care (evidence-based examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic exercise/ other intervention) of the patient/client with conditions associated with the neuromuscular system across the lifespan. 

Three semester hours.

Application of the patient management model to pediatric cases.  Both primary and secondary conditions common to the pediatric physical therapy setting are addressed.  Emphasis is on the evaluation, examination, and tests and measures used in pediatric cases.  The importance of interaction with family, caregivers and other healthcare providers is addressed. 

Three semester hours.

Second of two integrated clinical education courses that are embedded within the first 6 didactic semesters of the DPT curriculum. These courses will focus on clinical practice with students working individually or in pairs with a clinical faculty member (i.e. physical therapist clinical instructor) to apply skills, demonstrate clinical problem-solving and assume professional roles in various patient care settings (based on their level of clinical experience). In this second course, students will be expected to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained from the first 5 semesters of coursework. This course is completed in the classroom (information sessions) and at affiliated clinical facilities during the fifth semester in Year 2 for a total of 160 clinical hours.

Two semester hours.

This course introduces the student to equipment, procedures and use of medical imaging for examination and evaluation of dysfunction of body structures. Examination topics included are radiographs, arthrography, CT scans, PET scans, MRI, ultrasonography and nuclear studies. Case studies will be used to integrate imaging data in the patient/client management plan. 

Two semester hours.

Introductory application of the patient management model to patients with integumentary disorders.  Examination, evaluation, and management of the patient with integumentary disorders common to physical therapy practice, including burns, are emphasized. 

Three semester hours.

Application of the patient management model to patients with co-morbidities affecting the primary diagnosis.  Emphasis is on the development and modification of the patients’ plan of care with regard to their prognosis. 

Three semester hours.

Concepts and application of orthotic and prosthetic devices commonly used in physical therapy settings, with an emphasis on the lower extremity issues. 

Two semester hours.

A course focusing on the use of screening tests and clinical tools to enhance the therapist’s role as an independent practitioner with the ability to identify medical conditions of concern that require referral to an appropriate health care provider. 

Two semester hours.

Physical therapists play key roles in leadership. This course creates a framework for students to develop skills for leadership in daily practice. The Core Competencies of Leadership will be explored. Other topics include: leadership styles, differentiate management from leadership, integrate a mission and strategic planning, decision-making strategies for conflict mediation, and communicating to improve outcomes. Application of leadership skills will be facilitated with case scenarios in class and application activities, in a concurrent clinical immersion course.  Emphasis will be learning by doing to model key elements of leadership teamwork, effective behaviors, goal setting, and achievement. 

One semester hour.

The first of three full-time clinical experiences, providing students with hands-on practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students begin to collect clinical data with non-complex patients to develop their case studies.  Emphasis is on legal and ethical issues, critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Full-time, 12 weeks. 

Six semester hours.

This course introduces the student to public policymaking in the United States, with an emphasis on current health care policy affecting physical therapy practice specifically and healthcare in general. Students will engage in active learning experiences to develop a working knowledge of public policy and to provide them with skills and resources to be an effective advocate for their patients/clients and the profession. Current state and federal legislative and regulatory issues will be the focus of this course. Students will reflect on and discuss these issues in the context of their current and present clinical experiences in the program. Teaching methodology includes a mix of guided self-directed learning activities and online interactive discussion while on a final full-time internship. Critical thinking skills are emphasized in all activities. 

Two semester hours.

The second of three full-time clinical experiences, providing students with hands-on practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students practice tests and measures and interventions in patients with multiple morbidities.  Emphasis is on the relationship of the co-morbidities with primary physical therapy cases, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Full-time, 12 weeks. 

Six semester hours.

The third of three full-time clinical experiences, providing students with hands-on practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Students are guided to practice physical therapy in patients with varying complexities, as well as to participate in the overall patient management.  Preparation for independent entry-level practice is emphasized. Full-time, 12 weeks. 

Six semester hours.