Physical Therapy Curriculum Overview

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The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum includes eight semesters of coursework and clinical experiences distributed over 30 months.

Most classes meet during the day, Monday through Thursday. Clinical science courses are taught by experienced physical therapists who are specialized in their content areas. The University is now offering, in conjunction with the Helzberg School of Management, a dual degree program that enables students an opportunity to earn both their DPT and MBA or Masters of Arts in Management 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.

Our curriculum enhances skills in:

  • Clinical Decision Making
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • The Movement System
  • Professionalism
  • Service

A sample curriculum flow:

Year 1 - Summer 

  • ​PT 6040 - Foundations of PT Lab - 1.0
  • PT 6050 - Anatomy I - 2.5
  • PT 6051 - Anatomy I Lab - 1.0
  • PT 6060 - Movement Science - 2.0
  • PT 6061 - Movement Science Lab - 0.5
  • PT 6070 - PT Management of Medical Conditions I - 3.0
  • PT 6080 - Evidence Based Practice - 3.0

Total Hours: 13.0

Year 1 - Fall

  • PT 6130 - Clinical Kinesiology - 3.5
  • PT 6131 - Clinical Kinesiology Lab - 1.5
  • PT 6140 - Clinical Examination Lab - 2.0
  • PT 6150 - Anatomy II - 1.0
  • PT 6151 - Anatomy II Lab - 0.5
  • PT 6170 - Professional Practice & Leadership - 3.0
  • PT 6190 - PT Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions - 4.0
  • PT 6191 - PT Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions Lab - 1.5

Total Hours: 17.0

Year 1 - Spring

  • PT 6341 - Lifespan Health & Wellness - 2.0
  • PT 6370 - PT Management of Medical Conditions II - 4.0
  • PT 6371 - PT Management of Medical Conditions II Lab - 1.0
  • PT 6380 - Research Design and Analysis - 3.0
  • PT 6390 - Acute and Critical Care Physical Therapy Lab - 1.5
  • PT 6391 - Acute and Critical Care ICE - 0.5
  • PT 6460 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions - Lower Quarter - 1.5
  • PT 6461 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions - Lower Quarter Lab - 1.5
  • PT 6490 - Neuroscience I - 1.5

Total Hours: 16.5

Year 2 - Summer

  • ​PT 7391 - Older Adult ICE - 0.5
  • PT 7460 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions - Upper Quarter - 1.5
  • PT 7461 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions - Upper Quarter Lab - 1.5
  • PT 7490 - Neuroscience II - 3.0
  • PT 7540 - Clinical Technologies - 1.5
  • PT 7541 - Clinical Technologies Lab - 1.0
  • PT 7550 - Health Care & Practice Management - 3.0
  • Elective Option: SP 6020 - Introductory Spanish for Medical and Healthcare Personnel - 3.0

Total Hours: 12.0-15.0

Year 2 - Fall

  • PT 7170 - Community Engagement & Leadership - 2.0
  • PT 7520 - PT Management of Neurological Conditions I - 3.0
  • PT 7521 - PT Management of Neurological Conditions I Lab - 1.5
  • PT 7560 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions - Spine & Pelvis - 2.0
  • PT 7561 - PT Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions Spine & Pelvis Lab - 2.0
  • PT 7640 - PT Management of Pediatric Conditions - 2.0
  • PT 7641 - PT Management of Pediatric Conditions Lab - 1.0
  • PT 7715 - Clinical Education I - 1.5
  • PT 7716 - Reflective Practice I - 0.5

Total Hours: 15.5

Year 2 - Spring

  • PT 7270 - Advanced Practice & Advocacy - 2.5
  • PT 7720 - PT Management of Neurological Conditions II - 3.0
  • PT 7721 - PT Management of Neurological Conditions II Lab - 1.5
  • PT 7760 - Special Topics - 1.0
  • PT 7761 - Special Topics Lab - 1.0
  • PT 7780 - Simulation in Physical Therapy Lab - 1.0
  • PT 7815 - Clinical Education II - 3.5

Total Hours: 13.5

Year 3 - Summer

  • PT 8815 - Clinical Education III - 3.5
  • PT 8816 - Reflective Practice II - 2.0
  • Elective Option: SP 6020 - Introductory Spanish for Medical and Healthcare Personnel - 3.0

Total Hours: 5.5-8.5

Year 3 - Fall

  • PT 8915 - Clinical Education IV - 3.0
  • PT 8916 - Reflective Practice III - 1.0
  • PT 8900 - Complex Case Studies - 2.0
  • Elective Options (TBD) - 2.0-3.0

Total Hours: 8.0

Overall Hours: 101-102

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