Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy
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The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at 51视频 prepares individuals for entry into the profession of physical therapy. The fully accredited program requires a baccalaureate degree for admission and a three-year full-time commitment, including part of each summer.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of physical therapy. Methods of instruction include classroom lecture and discussion, small group / problem-based learning, and skill development during laboratory and clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical decision-making and critical inquiry skills across the curriculum, culminating in the completion of a Final Research Project (done in small groups) that meets peer review standards for presentation and/or publication.
The clinical education program consists of four extended clinical education experiences (each eight weeks in length) and two shorter blocks (one and two weeks in length) for a total of 35 weeks. Students experience a variety of practice settings and patient populations in preparation for general practice.
The graduate of the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will be prepared to:
1. Synthesize knowledge from the pure and applied sciences, sociology, psychology, and human values with the professional knowledge, theory, and psychomotor skills of physical therapy practice.
2. Perform an initial examination, including patient/client history, relevant systems review, and tests and measures.
3. Perform an evaluation based on the information gathered from the examination.
4. Determine a diagnosis based on evaluation, organizing the data into an identifiable cluster, syndrome or category.
5. Determine a prognosis or prediction of the optimal level of improvement in function and amount of time needed to reach that level.
6. Determine an appropriate plan of care, including goals and outcomes, and interventions that include skilled interaction with the patient/client, and various physical therapy procedures and techniques to produce changes in the condition consistent with the diagnosis and prognosis.
7. Provide appropriate case management including communication, coordination of care, discharge planning, and documentation of all elements of patient/client management.
8. Provide appropriate patient/client-related instruction
9. Provide appropriate consultation services, rendering expert professional or expert opinion or advice, applying highly specialized knowledge, and skills to identify problems, recommend solutions, or produce a specified outcome.
10. Apply principles of the scientific method to read and interpret professional literature; participate in, plan, and conduct research; evaluate outcomes; assess new concepts and technologies that will contribute to the body of knowledge.
11. Provide skilled planning, direction, organization, and effective management of human, technical, environmental, and financial resources.
12. Provide effective direction and supervision of personnel essential to the provision of high-quality physical therapy.
13. Practice physical therapy in a safe, effective, ethical, and legal manner in a variety of health care settings.
14. Provide effective prevention and wellness activities, screening, and the promotion of positive health behavior.
15. Advocate effectively for patients/clients and facilitate necessary change within the health care delivery systems to assure quality health care.
16. Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional development.
The program objectives are adapted from the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice, American Physical Therapy Association and Generic Abilities (May et al. Journal of Physical Therapy Education.9:1,Spring 1995).
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
- An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- An undergraduate grade point average in science courses of 3.0 or better.
- Graduate Record Examination.
- Documented personal experience in a physical therapy setting – 35 hours minimum.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from a physical therapist.
Admission course prerequisites include:
- anatomy and physiology with labs – 2 semesters
- general chemistry with labs – 2 semesters
- physics with labs – 2 semesters
- kinesiology, lab recommended
- exercise physiology, lab recommended
- psychology
- statistics
- computer science or demonstrated knowledge
- pharmacology
Highly qualified applicants are invited for a personal interview.
The DPT class consists of both external and internal (Exercise Physiology graduates from U Mass Lowell) graduates. Highly qualified juniors in the Exercise Physiology program are accepted into the DPT program under expedited or early admission, pending successful completion of their baccalaureate requirements.
Additional Program Requirements
- Proof of yearly physical examination by a physician indicating satisfactory general health status and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B is required prior to clinical education experiences.
- A CORI check (Criminal Offender Record Information) prior to clinical education experiences is required.
- Costs related to clinical education experiences including transportation, housing, meals and tuition/fees are assumed by the student. Students should expect and plan for out-of-state clinical placements.
- Professional behavior (defined as Generic Abilities) is required during all academic and clinical education experiences.
DPT Curriculum (pdf)
DPT Course Checklist (pdf)