Courses & Curriculum

Chatham University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is an entry-level 106-credit program. It requires seven terms of study, including 36 weeks of supervised clinical practice. An example of the curriculum progression and courses in the program is shown below.

The below shows an example of a degree progression and schedule for a full-time student. This is for representative purposes only. Students' degree progression is determined by their concentrations, start dates, and other choices in conjunction with an academic advisor. 

Example Full-Time Schedule, Year One

FALL SPRING SUMMER
BIO 502—Human Gross Anatomy (4)  BIO 506—Principles of Neuroscience & Lab (4)     
BIO 502L—Human Gross Anatomy Lab (2)  PTH 691—Clinical Sciences (6)      
PTH 690—Clinical Skills (3)   PTH 706—Clinical Physiology (5)   
PTH 741—Principles of Practice I: Introduction to PT Practice (3) PTH 742I—Principles of Practice II: Communication and Ethics, Parts One (1) and Two (2)
  PTH 703I—Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, Parts One (2) and Two (10)
    PTH 730 & 731I—Clinical Experience I, Parts One (3) and Two (1)
12 credits 18 credits 16 credits

 

Example Full-Time Schedule, Year Two

FALL SPRING SUMMER
PTH 731II—Clinical Experience I, Part Three (3)   PTH 709—Neuromuscular Physical Therapy (9)    
PTH 743—Principles of Practice III: Ethical Action and Social Responsibility (1) PTH 708—Pediatric Physical Therapy (4)     
PTH 707—Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy (7)   PTH 744—Principles of Practice IV: Service Learning (1)    
PTH 702—Movement Science (3)  PTH 745I—Principles of Practice V: Health Care, Management & Policy, Parts One (1) and Two (2) 
PTH 722—Research I (3)   PTH 724I & 724II—Research II, Parts One (1) and Two (1)
  PTH 713I & 713II—Multi-System Physical Therapy, Parts One (1) and Two (2)  
    PTH 733—Clinical Experience II (7) 
    PTH 746I—Clinical Experience III, Part One (1)
17 credits 17 credits 13 credits

 

Example Full-Time Schedule, Year Three

FALL  
PTH 746II—Clinical Experience III, Part Two (5)   
PTH 747—Clinical Experience IV (6)  
PTH 724—Research III: Evidence in Practice (2)   
13 credits