Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum
The DPT program’s unique modular curriculum is designed to integrate and coordinate courses and modules in a sequence that enhances learning. Students in the program have the opportunity to practice specific learning objectives in a variety of clinical practice settings. The program emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-evaluation on the part of the graduate and stresses excellence in clinical skills, compassionate care and leadership in the profession.
The Elon DPT program entails 36 months of full-time study. Didactic education (which includes classroom and laboratories to practice procedures on classmates and clients) with integrated clinical education assignments in a variety of clinical settings occurs throughout the three years.
Year I (beginning January)
Year I consists of a four-week module followed by two 12-week didactic education periods. After a two- to four-week summer break, DPT students return for an 18-week module (including one weeklong break) focused on clients with musculoskeletal problems.
Year II
In Year II, an eight-week clinical education phase is followed by a 16-week module focused on neurosciences and clients with neuromuscular problems. Clinical Practicum II (eight weeks) and Clinical Practicum III (eight weeks) follow. Students return to campus to begin Module IX.
Year III
In Year III, students complete the 15-week Module IX (including three weeklong breaks). During Modules X and XI, students focus on patients with complex problems, as well as the pediatric and geriatric client. Students will learn principles of administration and supervision. During Module XII (six weeks), students participate in clinical practice selective courses preparing them for the 24-week internship.
DPT students return to campus for Module XIV, one week of electives and the graduation ceremony in December.
Year I
Module I (4 weeks)
| DPT 600 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care | 4 sh |
| DPT 601 | Today's Health Care Systems | 2 sh |
| DPT 602 | Principles of Teaching and Learning | 1 sh |
| DPT 603 | Human Anatomy I (In Progress) | 0 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7 |
Module II (12 weeks)
| DPT 603 | Human Anatomy I | 5 sh |
| DPT 605 | Human Physiology and Pathophysiology I | 5 sh |
| DPT 607 | Physical Therapy Science I | 3 sh |
| DPT 608 | Physical Therapy Science II | 2 sh |
| DPT 611 | Research Design I | 3 sh |
| DPT 612 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
Module III (12 weeks)
| DPT 604 | Human Anatomy II | 5 sh |
| DPT 606 | Human Physiology and Pathophysiology I (II) | 5 sh |
| DPT 609 | Physical Therapy Science III | 3 sh |
| DPT 610 | Human Motor Development | 2 sh |
| DPT 613 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 sh |
| DPT 614 | Foundations of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Management | 4 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
Module IV (18 weeks; including one weeklong break)
| DPT 616 | Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I | 7 sh |
| DPT 617 | Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II | 6 sh |
| DPT 618 | Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction III | 6 sh |
| DPT 619 | Clinical Seminar III | 1 sh |
| DPT 620 | Clinical Imaging | 1 sh |
| DPT 621 | Research Design II | 2 sh |
| DPT 622 | Therapeutic Pharmacokinetics | 1 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Year II
Module V (8 weeks)
| DPT 700 | Clinical Practicum I | 4 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Module VI (16 weeks)
| DPT 701 | Neuroscience | 10 sh |
| DPT 702 | Management of Neuromuscular Disorders | 12 sh |
| DPT 703 | Clinical Seminar IV | 1 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 23 |
Module VII (8 weeks)
| DPT 704 | Clinical Practicum II | 4 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Module VIII (8 weeks)
| DPT 711 | Clinical Practicum III | 4 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Year III
Module IX (15 weeks; including three weeklong breaks)
| DPT 705 | Principles of Electrotherapeutic Examination and Intervention | 5 sh |
| DPT 706 | Physiology of Exercise | 5 sh |
| DPT 707 | Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction | 4 sh |
| DPT 708 | Prosthetics and Orthotics | 3 sh |
| DPT 709 | Directed Research I | 1 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Module X (8 weeks)
| DPT 800 | Clinical Decision Making with Complex Patient (Client) | 4 sh |
| DPT 801 | Management of the Pediatric Client | 4 sh |
| DPT 802 | Principles of Administration and Management | 4 sh |
| DPT 803 | Geriatric Health and Wellness | 4 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Module XI (6 weeks)
| DPT 804 | Advanced Clinical Practice Selective Tracks | 9 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Module XII (24 weeks)
| DPT 805 | Internship | 12 sh |
| DPT 809 | Directed Research II | 1 sh |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Module XIII (1 week)
Students are offered a selected topic presented in the style of a continuing education course. Also, a licensure review course is presented. Participation in Electives week is required.
No course grade will be given for the week of electives.
Total Credit Hours: 161