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 600Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care

4 sh

DPT 601Today's Health Care Systems

2 sh

DPT 602Principles of Teaching and Learning

1 sh

DPT 603Human Anatomy I (In Progress)

0 sh

Total Credit Hours:7

Module II (12 weeks)

DPT 603Human Anatomy I

5 sh

DPT 605Human Physiology and Pathophysiology I

5 sh

DPT 607Physical Therapy Science I

3 sh

DPT 608Physical Therapy Science II

2 sh

DPT 611Research Design I

3 sh

DPT 612Clinical Seminar I

1 sh

Total Credit Hours:19

Module III (12 weeks)

DPT 604Human Anatomy II

5 sh

DPT 606Human Physiology and Pathophysiology I (II)

5 sh

DPT 609Physical Therapy Science III

3 sh

DPT 610Human Motor Development

2 sh

DPT 613Clinical Seminar II

1 sh

DPT 614Foundations of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Management

4 sh

Total Credit Hours:20

Module IV (18 weeks; including one weeklong break)

DPT 616Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I

7 sh

DPT 617Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II

6 sh

DPT 618Biomechanics and Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction III

6 sh

DPT 619Clinical Seminar III

1 sh

DPT 620Clinical Imaging

1 sh

DPT 621Research Design II

2 sh

DPT 622Therapeutic Pharmacokinetics

1 sh

Total Credit Hours:24

Year II

Module V (8 weeks)

DPT 700Clinical Practicum I

4 sh

Total Credit Hours:4

Module VI (16 weeks)

DPT 701Neuroscience

10 sh

DPT 702Management of Neuromuscular Disorders

12 sh

DPT 703Clinical Seminar IV

1 sh

Total Credit Hours:23

Module VII (8 weeks)

DPT 704Clinical Practicum II

4 sh

Total Credit Hours:4

Module VIII (8 weeks)

DPT 711Clinical Practicum III

4 sh

Total Credit Hours:4

Year III

Module IX (15 weeks; including three weeklong breaks)

DPT 705Principles of Electrotherapeutic Examination and Intervention

5 sh

DPT 706Physiology of Exercise

5 sh

DPT 707Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction

4 sh

DPT 708Prosthetics and Orthotics

3 sh

DPT 709Directed Research I

1 sh

Total Credit Hours:18

Module X (8 weeks)

DPT 800Clinical Decision Making with Complex Patient (Client)

4 sh

DPT 801Management of the Pediatric Client

4 sh

DPT 802Principles of Administration and Management

4 sh

DPT 803Geriatric Health and Wellness

4 sh

Total Credit Hours:16

Module XI (6 weeks)

DPT 804Advanced Clinical Practice Selective Tracks

9 sh

Total Credit Hours:9

Module XII (24 weeks)

DPT 805Internship

12 sh

DPT 809Directed 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.

Electives

0 sh

No course grade will be given for the week of electives.

Total Credit Hours: 161

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