Rockhurst University | Learning, Leadership and Service in the Jesuit Tradition

The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum includes nine semesters of coursework and clinical experiences distributed over 36 months.

Most classes meet during the day, Monday through Thursday. Campus-wide activities are centralized in our modern, state-of-the-art, St. Ignatius Science Center, where primary instruction takes place within 6,000 square feet of modern labs and classrooms.

The University is now also offering, in conjunction with the Helzberg School of Managment, a dual degree program that will offer students a chance to earn both their DPT and MBA degrees. 

The cornerstone of our program is the Rockhurst University mission of Learning, Leadership and Service, a philosophy that underscores, inspires and enriches all that we do.

For detailed curriculum information, download and print the Physical Therapy section of the University Catalog.

Our curriculum enhances skills in:

• Decision making
• Communicating
• Critical thinking
• Planning
• Evaluating
• Overall excellence

Rockhurst Physical Therapy Curriculum

1st Year DPT

Summer
PT 6001 - PT Assessment I (2)
PT 6003 - PT Assessment I lab (1)
PT 6009 - Medical Assessment (3)
PT 6501 - Research I (2)
PT 6815 - Professional Development I (2)

Total Hours: 10

Fall
PT 6100 - Anatomy (4)
PT 6102 - Anatomy lab (1)
PT 6112 - Exercise Physiology (3)
PT 6114 - Exercise Physiology lab (1)
PT 6124 - Movement Science I (3)
PT 6126 - Movement Science I lab (0.5)
PT 6411 - Clinical Decision Making I (1)
PT 6502 - Research II (2.5)
PT 6512 - Research II lab (0.5)

Total Hours: 16.5

Spring
PT 6300 - Clinical Procedures I (2)
PT 6302 - Clinical Procedures I lab (1)
PT 6304 - PT Management of Cardio Conditions (3)
PT 6306 - PT Management of Cardio Conditions lab (2)
PT 6311 - PT Assessment II lab (2)
PT 6322 - Movement Science II(2)
PT 6324 - Movement Science II lab (0.5)
PT 6503 - Research III (1)
PT 6825 - Professional Development II (2)
PT 6971 - Clinical Education I (1)

Total Hours: 16.5

2nd Year DPT

Summer
PT 7120 - Neuroscience (4)
PT 7312 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Extremities (3)
PT 7314 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Extremities lab (1)

Total Hours: 8

Fall
PT 7300 - Clinical Procedures II (2)
PT 7302 - Clinical Procedures II lab (1)
PT 7316 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Spine/Pelvis (2)
PT 7318 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Spine/Pelvis lab (2)
PT 7326 - PT Management of Neurologic Conditions I (3)
PT 7328 - PT Management of Neurologic Conditions I lab (1)
PT 7504 - Research IV (2)
PT 7810 - Reflective Practice I (0.5)
PT 7835 - Professional Development III (2)
PT 7972 - Clinical Education II (3 wks) (1)

Total Hours: 16.5

Spring
PT 7322 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Integrated (1)
PT 7324 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Integrated lab (1.5)
PT 7332 - PT Management of Medical Conditions (4)
PT 7334 - PT Management of Medical Conditions lab (1)
PT 7336 - PT Management of Neurologic Conditions II (3)
PT 7338 - PT Management of Neurologic Conditions II lab (1.5)
PT 7342 - PT Management of Pediatric Conditions (2)
PT 7344 - PT Management of Pediatric Conditions lab (1)
PT 7510 - Health Care Management (2)

Total Hours: 16.5

3rd Year DPT

Summer
PT 8820 - Reflective Practice II (1.5)
PT 8973 - Clinical Education III (9 wks) (3)

Total Hours: 4.5

Fall
PT 8830 - Reflective Practice III (3)
PT 8974 - Clinical Education IV (9 wks) (3)
PT 8975 - Clinical Education V (9 wks) (3)

Total Hours: 9

Spring
Block A:
PT 8505 - Research V (1)
PT 8840 - Reflective Practice IV (1)
PT 8976 - Clinical Education VI (6 wks) (2)

Block B:
PT 8441 - Complex Case Studies (2)
PT 8520 - Administration (2)
PT 8845 - Professional Development IV (2)
Elective(s) (1)

Total Hours: 11

Total Credit Hours: 108.5