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Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Doctor of Physical Therapy
  3. Academics
  4. Curriculum & Course Schedule

Curriculum & Course Schedule 

Students in Whitworth's Doctor of Physical Therapy program will complete eight consecutive semesters of graduate study (including spring, summer and fall) within a 32-month, full-time curriculum design following the completion of a baccalaureate degree, which will include:

  • 115 graduate credit hours
  • Approximately 75 percent of time in classroom, lab and simulated patient experiences
  • Approximately 25 percent of time in clinical experiences across a variety of clinical practice settings
  • Longitudinal learning threads integrated throughout the curriculum to ladder learning and enhance theory, application and practice preparation in physical therapy

Course Schedule

Designed with you in mind, Whitworth's Doctor of Physical Therapy program allows you complete your degree in just 32 months, over eight consecutive semesters.

DPT Course Sequence

  • Year One (three semesters)

    Fall Semester (18 weeks): 17 credits
    DPT 701 Human Anatomy 6 credits
    DPT 710 Movement System I 3 credits
    DPT 740 Professional Formation I 2 credits
    DPT 705 Health Systems I: Global Health 2 credits
    DPT 702 Clinical Medicine I  4 credits
    Spring Semester (18 weeks): 18 credits
    DPT 750 Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry 3 credits
    DPT 711 Movement System II 3 credits
    DPT 720 Musculoskeletal Management I 4 credits
    DPT 704 Exercise Science & Prescription 3 credits
    DPT 741 Professional Formation II 2 credits
    DPT 703 Neuroscience 3 credits
    Summer (12 weeks): 15 credits
    DPT 713 Psychosocial Aspects of Health & Well-being 3 credits
    DPT 742 Professional Formation III 2 credits
    DPT 706 Health Systems II: Population, Public & Community Health 2 credits
    DPT 721 Musculoskeletal Management II 4 credits
    DPT 712 Movement System III 3 credits
    DPT 714 Nutrition for the Physical Therapist 1 credit

  • Year Two (three semesters)

    Fall Semester (18 weeks): 16 credits
    DPT 824 Neurological Management I 3 credits
    DPT 822 Musculoskeletal Management III 4 credits
    DPT 827 Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Management 3 credits
    DPT 843 Professional Formation IV 1 credit
    DPT 851 Doctoral Research I 1 credit
    DPT 860 Clinical Education Experience I (8 weeks) 4 credits
    Spring Semester (18 weeks): 15 credits
    DPT 815 Rehab Technology 3 credits
    DPT 828 Clinical Medicine II 3 credits
    DPT 825 Neurological Management II 4 credits
    DPT 801 Health Systems III: Health Policy 2 credits
    DPT 852 Doctoral Research II 1 credit
    DPT 844 Professional Formation V 2 credits
    Summer (12 weeks): 15 credits
    DPT 808 Health Systems IV: Ethics, Business Management & Law 4 credits
    DPT 823 Musculoskeletal Management IV 2 credits
    DPT 826 Neurological Management III 3 credits
    DPT 845 Professional Formation VI 2 credits
    DPT 829 Management across the Lifespan 3 credits
    DPT 853 Doctoral Research III 1 credit

  • Year Three (two semesters)

    Fall Semester (18 weeks): 10 credits
    DPT 916 Movement System IV 3 credits
    DPT 946 Professional Formation VII 1 credit
    DPT 961 Clinical Education Experience II (12 weeks) 6 credits
    Spring Semester (18 weeks): 9 credits
    DPT 971 Electives: 1-2 2 credits
    DPT 962 Clinical Education Experience III (12 weeks) 6 credits
    DPT 970 Capstone & Portfolio 1 credit

Curriculum Overview

Students will be expected to complete courses in topics including:

Course Topics Examples
Foundational Sciences Anatomy, pathophysiology and disease management, neuroscience, movement science, exercise physiology, biomechanics, health policy and business management.
Clinical Sciences Physical therapist specialties of practice including cardiovascular and pulmonary, orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, women’s health, clinical electrophysiology and wound management.
Research & Evidence-Based Practice Research methods/design, experiential learning through faculty guided small group student translational research, and quality improvement projects.
Professional Formation Leadership, ethics, values and professionalism.
Clinical Education Experiences integrated throughout the planned interprofessional practice clinic and in the local community, and across the country, after the didactive portion of the curriculum.