Entry-Level DPT Curriculum

All physical therapy courses are limited to physical therapy students unless permission is obtained from the program director. 

Chatham's entry-level physical therapy program supports and enhances the University's mission to educate its graduates to become leaders in their careers and to serve society.  The program strives to educate competent physical therapists qualified to practice autonomously and within the interdisciplinary health care team in diverse health care settings.  It seeks to advance the student's knowledge and skills by promoting the value of evidence-based practice and encourages service to a variety of communities through active involvement in service-oriented programs.  Through this unique program, Chatham seeks to provide an academic community in which all participants exhibit a commitment to excellence in clinical practice, service to the profession and larger community, and lifelong learning. 

Designed to prepare graduates to serve as generalists, the curriculum stresses clinical decision making through the study of patient problems typically encountered in the clinical setting.  Normal structure and function provide a basis for the study of disease processes and prevention, and the effect of pathology and impairments on function and quality of life.  The modified problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum presents the clinical arts and science of physical therapy in an integrated manner organized around body systems.

Chatham University offers a D.P.T. degree upon successful completion of seven terms of study.  Candidates follow a sequence of courses that includes 36 weeks of clinical field placements.  Below is a listing of courses in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Course Number Course Title Credits
BIO 502 / 502L Human Gross Anatomy and Lab
6
BIO 504 Human Physiology
3
BIO 506/ 506L Principles of Neuroscience and Lab
4
PTH 700 Introduction to Clinical Skills
2
PTH 701 Foundations of Movement Science I
7
PTH 702 Foundations of Movement Science II
2
PTH 703 Management of Musculoskeletal Systems Dysfunction
11
PTH 704 Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology
2
PTH 707 Management of Cardiopulmonary Systems Dysfunction
7
PTH 708 Management of Pediatric Neuromuscular System Dysfunction
4
PTH 709 Management of Neuromuscular System Dysfunction
9
PTH 713 Management of Multi-System Dysfunction
3
PTH 722 Research I
3
PTH 724 Research II
2
PTH 730 Clinical Experience I
7
PTH 733 Clinical Experience II
7
PTH 735 Clinical Experience III
12
 
or
  
PTH 746 and
PTH 747		 Clinical Experience IV and
Clinical Experience V
6

6
PTH 737 Correlative Neuroscience
1
PTH 741 Principles of Practice I: Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice
3
PTH 742 Principles of Practice II: Communication and Ethics
3
PTH 743 Principles of Practice III: Integration of Psychosocial Issues and Social Responsibility
1
PTH 744 Principles of Practice IV: Service Learning
1
PTH 745 Principles of Practice V: Health Care Delivery, Management and Policy
3
PTH 748 Principles of Practice VI: The Art and Science of Physical Therapy Practice
2
  TOTAL CREDITS
105