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Just the Facts

The philosophy of our physical therapy curriculum supports the potential for expertise in practice for all graduates. It focuses on developing the students' ability to recognize and access relevant knowledge within the context of clinical practice and build a contextual framework for application.

 

  

The coeducational Doctor of Physical Therapy is a 33 month, six semester graduate program offered in a year-round daytime schedule on the Minneapolis campus. The program focuses on clinical decision-making skills and the application of research principles to everyday clinical practice, and includes 40 weeks of full-time clinical experience throughout the three years. Students also participate in part-time clinical experiences throughout the curriculum. A research project is required during the final two years.

After graduating, physical therapist candidates must pass a state-administered national exam to be eligible to practice.

The philosophy of the program rests on the belief that physical therapy education is a process that begins with a liberal arts education. Through a broad-based education, students learn to integrate knowledge from various disciplines and develop their capacities for analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication.

The innovative DPT curriculum breaks away from more traditional curricula by integrating basic and clinical sciences in a way that is relevant and meaningful to today’s healthcare environment. The course work is organized around physical therapy practice settings and methods including problem-based tutorials, small group work, lecture, labs, patient experiences and periods of independent learning. Throughout the curriculum, ethics, leadership and an appreciation for cultural diversity are stressed, interweaving liberal arts and professional education.

Special Features

  • Full-time, year-round, 33-month program.
  • Curriculum designed to best facilitate learning for adult and professional students.
  • Curriculum centered on clinical practice, continually integrating knowledge, clinical experiences and critical reflection.
  • Students are in a clinical setting throughout the program, from part-time to 40 weeks of full-time clinical experience.
  • Team-taught courses bring breadth of the faculty’s scientific and clinical knowledge into highly interactive classes.
  • Ethical leadership and cultural competence developed through service learning and other opportunities.

Accreditation
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education