Doctor of Physical Therapy

College

  • Center City Campus
  • College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Degree Earned

  • Doctorate

Program Length

3 years

Program Type

  • On Campus

Term Start

Pre-Fall (May)

Contact

Name: Catherine M. Certo, PT, MS. ScD, FAPTA, FAACVPR
Positions:
  • Interim Chair, Department of Physical Therapy
  • Professor, Physical Therapy

Curriculum

Credit Summary by Year

Year Total Credits
One 41
Two 45
Three 32
Total Program Credits 118

Year 1

The S-1 Pre-Fall Semester takes place over 12 weeks, from May through mid-August.

Course Title

Credits

PT 507 Advanced Human Anatomy 6
PT 527 Critical Inquiry I  3
PT 534 PT Practice Issues: Introduction to the Physical Therapy Profession (Online) 1
PT 536 PT Practice Issues: Language of Practice I (Online) 1

The S-2 Fall Semester takes place over 16 weeks, from September through December.

Course Title Credits
PT 506 Biomechanics & Kinesiology 4
PT 516 Neuroscience 3
PT 533 Introduction to Physical Therapy Examination 5
PT 538 PT Practice Issues: PTs as Teachers and Learners 2
PT 539 PT Practice Issues: Clinical Decision Making 1
PT 545 Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) I 1

The S-3 Spring Semester takes place over 16 weeks, from January through April.

Course Title Credits
PT 513 Pathophysiology I 3
PT 546 Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) II 1
PT 553 Biophysical Agents 3
PT 556 Therapeutic Interventions 3
PT 518 Physical Therapy Practice and the Movement System 2
PT 624 Critical Inquiry II 2

Year 2

The S-4 Pre-Fall Semester takes place over 12 weeks, from May through mid-August.

Course Title Credits
PT 514 Pathophysiology II 3
PT 607 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I 4
PT 611 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy I 2
PT 613 Pharmacology 2
PT 661 Physical Therapy for the Integumentary System 3

The S-5 Fall Semester takes place over 16 weeks, from September through December.

Course Title Credits
PT 608 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II 4
PT 612 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT II 3
PT 621 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy I 5
PT 645 Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) III (1/2 class) 1
PT 670 Prosthetics and Orthotics 3
PT 628 Capstone Project in Physical Therapy I 1
PT 680 Introduction to Clinical Education 1

The S-6 Spring Semester A takes place over 8 weeks, from January through mid-March.

Course Title Credits
PT 682 Clinical Experience I 4

The S-7 Spring Semester B takes place over 8 weeks, from mid-March through April.

Course Title Credits
PT 609 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy III 4
PT 622 Neuromuscular Physical Therapy II 4
PT 710 Capstone in PT II 1
PT 645 Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) III (1/2 class)  

Year 3

The S-8 Pre-Fall Semester takes place over 12 weeks, from May through mid-August.

Course Title Credits
PT 781 Clinical Experience II 6

The S-9 Fall Semester takes place over 16 weeks, from September through December.

Course Title Credits
PT 632 Healthcare Delivery Systems  3
PT 674 Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice 3
PT 705 Comprehensive Case Analysis I 2
PT 711 Capstone in PT III 1
PT 736 Business and Leadership in PT Practice 3
PT 700 Differential Diagnosis 2
PT 774 Geriatrics in Physical Therapy 3

The S-10 Spring Semester takes place over 16 weeks, from January through April.

Course Title Credits
PT 782 Clinical Experience III 8
PT 706 Comprehensive Cases II 1