A Unique Modular 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, clients and simulated patients) 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 modules focused on foundational basic and clinical science content. After a two-week summer break, DPT students return for a 17-week module (including one weeklong break) focused on clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Year II
In Year II, an eight-week full-time clinical experience (Clinical Practicum I) is followed by a 15-week module focused on neurosciences and clients with neuromuscular conditions. Students then complete a 14-week module focused on the physiology of exercise, clinical management of pediatric and geriatric clients, and individuals with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The year culminates with a second eight-week full-time clinical experience (Clinical Practicum II).
Year III
In Year III, students first complete a 12-week module (IX) focused on patients with complex conditions, managing clients with prosthetic and orthotic needs, and integumentary disorders. Students also learn about the principles of administration and supervision and take a professional development and board-preparation course. During Module X (seven weeks), students participate in clinical practice selective courses preparing them for their final two clinical experiences (Clinical Practicum III (eight-weeks) and Clinical Practicum IV (16-weeks)).
Integrated throughout the curriculum are courses focused on research skills and on the development of clinical reasoning and therapeutic interventions.
DPT students return to campus for one week of electives and the graduation ceremony in December.