Doctor of Physical Therapy

Program Director: Dr. Mary Anne Riopel

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a graduate program in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Health. In the eight-semester interprofessional program, students work hand-in-hand with other health professionals in the classroom, the clinic, and the community. Moravian's DPT grants an entry-level professional DPT degree and allows graduates to apply for licensure to practice as physical therapists in diverse healthcare and educational environments.

Mission Statement

Based on a liberal arts foundation, the Moravian University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program will develop competent, ethical physical therapists providing client-centered, interprofessional care.  Students and graduates will be reflective and inquisitive lifelong learners and educators. Faculty in the program will be interprofessional leaders with innovative teaching, research, and service. The program and its graduates will positively influence the health and quality of life of diverse populations and the profession through community outreach and advocacy.

DPT Graduate Program Goals

Graduates from the DPT program will:

• Become competent practitioners providing effective, ethical, and safe physical therapy care
• Become leaders in evidence-based interprofessional client-centered practice
• Value lifelong learning and education
• Advance the profession of physical therapy and contribute in positive ways to society

CAPTE Accreditation Statement

Admissions Criteria

1. Baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited 4-year institution.
2. Undergraduate overall minimum GPA: 3.0
3. All post-secondary transcripts must be provided before admission (no more than three outstanding prerequisite courses are allowed at the time of application).
4. Students must earn no lower than a C in each individual prerequisite course.
5. Prerequisite course minimum GPA: 3.0 (Grades will be averaged if a prerequisite course is repeated.)
6. Prerequisites
   1. Biology: Two general biology courses (Biology I and one upper division Biology or Exercise Science course) (8 credits)
   2. Chemistry: Two general chemistry courses (Chemistry I and Chemistry II) with labs or higher (8 Credits)
   3. Physics: Two general physics courses (Physics I and Physics II) with labs or higher (8 Credits)
   4. Anatomy: A human anatomy course with lab (4 Credits)
   5. Physiology: A human physiology course with lab (4 Credits) A full-year sequence of combined Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits) may be substituted for separate anatomy and physiology courses.
   6. Psychology: One course in introduction to psychology, lifespan psychology or higher (3 Credits)
   7. Statistics: One college-level statistics course (3 Credits) (Healthcare or Science-related Statistics are also acceptable)
   8. English Composition or writing course (3 credits).
7. 2 letters of recommendation
8. Successful faculty interview upon invitation  
9. Observational hours in a physical therapy clinical setting are highly recommended.
10. Additional Requirements for International Applicants : IELTS/TOEFL - Students who do not consider English to be their primary language are required to submit official scores of a recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. Minimum scores for each test can also be found below:
    1. IELTS: 6.5 or higher
    2. TOEFL Paper: 577 or higher
    3. TOEFL Computer: 233 or higher
    4. TOEFL Internet: 90 or higher

DPT Curriculum Sequence

To receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, students must earn a total of 121 credits. The following course sequence is required:

Summer Year 1

• DPT 700 Functional Human Anatomy
• DPT 710 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
• DPT 711 Applications of Neuroscience in Physical Therapy
• DPT 720 Foundations of Physical Therapist Practice 

Fall Year 1

• DPT 730 Clinical Musculoskeletal Management of Lumbopelvic Spine and Lower Extremity 
• DPT 735 Biomechanics and Kinesiology 
• DPT 740 Musculoskeletal Imaging I 
• DPT 745 Biophysical Modalities 
• DPT 751 Evidence-Based Practice I
• DPT 760 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism I 

Spring Year 1

• DPT 731 Clinical Musculoskeletal Management of Cervicothoracic Spine and Upper Extremity
• DPT 741 Musculoskeletal Imaging II 
• DPT 765 Pharmacology in Rehab 
• DPT 770 Ethical Issues in Healthcare
• DPT 775 Exercise Physiology Across Lifespan 
• DPT 761 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism II 
• DPT 825 Psychosocial Issues in Clinical Practice

Summer Year 2

• DPT 800 Clinical Experience I 
• DPT 851 Evidence-Based Practice II

Fall Year 2

• DPT 810 Clinical Neurological Management I 
• DPT 815 Human Growth, Development and Genetics in Rehab 
• DPT 830 Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
• DPT 835 Health, Wellness and Nutrition
• DPT 860 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism III 

Spring Year 2

• DPT 780 Functional Mobility in Rehabilitation
• DPT 811 Clinical Neurological Management II  
• DPT 865 Cardiopulmonary Management 
• DPT 870 Integumentary, Lymphatic and Urogenital Conditions 
• DPT 875 Assistive Technology, Prosthetics and Orthotics
• DPT 880 Clinical Management in Pediatrics 
• DPT 885 Advocacy, Business, Teaching and Leadership

Summer Year 3

• DPT 920 Complex Clinical Reasoning in Research and Practice
• DPT 900 Clinical Experience II 

Fall Year 2

• DPT 940 Clinical Experience III
• DPT 951 Evidence-Based Practice III

DPT Graduate Course Descriptions

DPT 700 Functional Anatomy (8 credits). This foundational course develops student knowledge of human gross anatomy with an emphasis on the implications for physical therapy clinical practice. Detailed instruction is provided on the regional organization, structure and function of the head, neck, spine and extremities, and the major organ systems in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Emphasis is placed on functional interrelationships of the anatomical structures and their impact on human movement. Examination of the histology of the various tissues of organ systems is included.

DPT 710 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (2 credits). This course provides an in-depth focus on the anatomy of the central nervous system and the functional organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Case analysis will provide an avenue for reinforcing basic concepts of normal and abnormal functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and skills for correlating neurological structures to deficits and dysfunction seen in rehabilitation practice.

DPT 711 Applications of Neuroscience in Physical Therapy (1 credit). This lab course in conjunction with DPT 710 requires students to apply the material gained in lecture to the investigation of the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological basis for various pathologies commonly encountered in the physical therapy clinic.  The course will emphasize the clinical application of this knowledge through case analysis and clinical correlations.

DPT 720 Foundations of Physical Therapist Practice (3 credits). This course covers the history and values of the physical therapy profession including introductions to the importance of the APTA professional association; the APTA Core Values & Code of Ethics; professional written & oral communication; clinical documentation; physical therapist scope of practice; interprofessional care; medical terminology; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF); and basic patient management skills. An introduction to psychosocial issues is included to provide an early understanding of the psychological and social aspects of health, injury, and rehabilitation.

DPT 730 Clinical Musculoskeletal Management of Lumbopelvic Spine and Lower Extremity (6 credits). This course is the first of a two-part series that will develop students’ knowledge and psychomotor skills in the effective management of individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction. It introduces students to the physical therapy assessment/diagnostic process, differential diagnosis, evaluation, therapeutic intervention, plan of care development, and outcomes assessment for patients/clients across the lifespan emphasizing evidence-based clinical decision-making. The course emphasizes conditions of the lumbopelvic spine and lower extremity and covers available tests and measures and interventions to address dysfunction in range of motion, flexibility, muscle function, balance, joint mobility and other limitations frequently seen in this patient population.

DPT 731 Clinical Musculoskeletal Management of Cervicothoracic Spine and Upper Extremity (6 credits). This course is the second of a two-part series that will develop students’ knowledge and psychomotor skills in the effective management of individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction. It progresses student knowledge and skill in the physical therapy assessment/diagnostic process, differential diagnosis, evaluation, therapeutic intervention, plan of care development, and outcomes assessment for patients/clients across the lifespan emphasizing evidence-based clinical decision-making. The course emphasizes conditions of the cervicothoracic spine and upper extremity and covers available tests and measures and interventions to address dysfunction in range of motion, flexibility, muscle function, balance, joint mobility and other limitations frequently seen in this patient population.

DPT 735 Biomechanics and Kinesiology (3 credits). This course is designed to provide students with detailed knowledge about biomechanics, kinesiology and the analysis of human movement and function during clinical care.

DPT 740 Musculoskeletal Imaging I (1 credit). This course develops students’ knowledge about the utilization of imaging studies in physical therapist patient management for the lumbopelvic spine and lower extremity as an adjunct to guiding patient care.

DPT 741 Musculoskeletal Imaging II (1 credit). This course develops students’ knowledge about the utilization of imaging studies in physical therapist patient management for the cervicothoracic spine and upper extremity as an adjunct to guiding patient care.

DPT 745 Biophysical Modalities (2 credits). This course covers the mechanisms of actions, scientific rationale, and safe application of thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, and mechanical modalities as adjuncts to other physical therapy interventions.

DPT 751 Evidence-Based Practice I (1 credit). This course will introduce the student to the role and importance of research in the rehabilitation professions.  Course content will include defining research terminology, basic epidemiology, development of search terms, human subjects training and the development of a research question.

DPT 760 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism I (2 credits). This course is the first in a series of four part-time integrated clinical education experiences and interprofessional seminars. Students will develop an awareness of the competencies required for interprofessional care and integrate knowledge of clinical skills and professional behaviors in preparation for the first full time clinical education experience.

DPT 761 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism II (2 credits). This course is the second in a series of four part-time integrated clinical education experiences and interprofessional seminars. Students will develop an awareness of the competencies required for interprofessional care and integrate knowledge of clinical skills and professional behaviors in preparation for the first full time clinical education experience.

DPT 765 Pharmacology in Rehab (2 credits). This course discusses the impact of pharmacological interventions on rehabilitation patient management including the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and physiological impact of medications on patient activity, function, and movement.

DPT 770 Ethical Issues in Healthcare (2 credits). Ethical dilemmas will be examined in physical therapist practice, rehabilitation, and the health care system.  It will include application of ethical reasoning using ethical principles and theories to address ethical challenges.

DPT 775 Exercise Physiology Across Lifespan (3 credits). This course is designed to advance student knowledge in the physiology of exercise with activity and the physiological impacts of acute and chronic conditions on exercise capacity across the lifespan to optimize patient/client function and movement.

DPT 780 Functional Mobility in Rehabilitation. (1 credit) Functional Mobility encompasses the theory and evidence for, instruction in and practice of examination and intervention skills that can be applied to a wide variety of clinical settings and patient populations. The course content will include examination and intervention skills related to draping, positioning, body mechanics, bed mobility, transfers, wheelchair mobility, and ambulation all within a context of safety during therapeutic activities.

DPT 800 Clinical Experience I (10 credits). This course is the students’ first full-time 12 week clinical experience under the supervision and mentorship of a physical therapist clinical instructor. Students will apply knowledge and skills that they have obtained in the didactic portion of the curriculum and part-time integrated clinical experiences to real life clinic scenarios. During this experience, students will move from understanding to applying, analyzing and evaluating all components of clinical practice in an outpatient setting.

DPT 810 Clinical Neurological Management I (6 credits). This course is the first of a two-part series that will develop students’ knowledge and psychomotor skills in the effective management of individuals with neurologic dysfunction. It introduces students to the physical therapy assessment/diagnostic process, differential diagnosis, evaluation, therapeutic intervention, plan of care development, and outcomes assessment for patients/clients across the lifespan emphasizing evidence-based clinical decision-making. The course emphasizes the most commonly encountered pathologies in neurologic care and covers available tests and measures and interventions to address dysfunction in mobility, motor control and activation, balance, sensation, tone, coordination, and other limitations frequently seen in this patient population. Instruction on how to modify mobility training techniques and use adaptive equipment/durable medical equipment to maximize function in individuals with neurologic dysfunction will also be covered. The psychosocial impact of neurologic dysfunction and disability on patients/clients and their families/caregivers with attention to the multifactorial limitations present in individuals with neurologic dysfunction will be addressed.

DPT 811 Clinical Neurological Management II  (6 credits). This course is the second of a two-part series that will progress students’ knowledge and psychomotor skills in the effective management of individuals with neurologic dysfunction. The course expands student knowledge and skills related to the physical therapy assessment/diagnostic process, differential diagnosis, evaluation, therapeutic intervention, plan of care development, and outcomes assessment for patients/clients with complex neurologic dysfunction across the lifespan. Progression of knowledge and skills in the available tests and measures and most common evidence based interventions to address dysfunction in mobility, motor control and activation, balance, sensation, tone, coordination, and other limitations seen in complex neurological pathologies and presentations is covered. It will address complex clinical presentations and multifactorial limitations for the complex neurologic patient/client including modifications in mobility training techniques, use of adaptive equipment/durable medical equipment, and incorporation of the psychosocial impact of neurologic dysfunction and disability on patients/clients and their families/caregivers.

DPT 815 Human Growth, Development and Genetics in Rehab (2 credits). This course is designed to prepare students for patient management across the lifespan by introducing the impact of growth, human development, and genetics on function and movement.

DPT 825 Psychosocial Issues in Clinical Practice (2 credits). This course will advance students’ knowledge on the psychosocial impact of injury, disability, and chronic conditions on overall well-being and function for patients and develop student awareness and sensitivity to these concerns.

DPT 830 Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4 credits). This course investigates pathology of all body systems across the lifespan, the impact of disease on movement and function, and management of comorbidities in physical therapy practice. Students review the regulatory mechanisms that underlie normal function of the human body to guide understanding of the homeostatic disruptions that occur in disease. Emphasis will be placed on the chronicity and complexity of disease development over a lifespan.

DPT 835 Health, Wellness and Nutrition (3 credits). This course prepares students to develop wellness plans for individuals or families in community settings and educate these community members on concerns related to health with an emphasis on function and movement.  This course also includes an introduction to nutrition and its impact on overall health.

DPT 851 Evidence-Based Practice II (2 credits). This course reviews research design, methods and statistical issues to prepare the student to assess and appraise healthcare related scientific literature by introducing research sampling, descriptive/inferential statistics, power, type I/II error, reliability, validity, and health informatics.

DPT 860 Integrated Clinical Experience and Interprofessionalism III (2 credits). This course is the third in a series of four part-time integrated clinical education experiences and interprofessional seminars. Students will develop an awareness of the competencies required for interprofessional care and advance knowledge and application of clinical skills and professional behaviors in preparation for terminal clinical education experiences.

DPT 865 Cardiopulmonary Management (3 credits). This course prepares students for clinical management of patients who present with cardiac and/or respiratory conditions.  It includes examination, assessment and evaluation of the cardiorespiratory system, physical therapy management of patients with conditions affecting the cardiorespiratory system, and identification of cardiorespiratory implications in systemic conditions.

DPT 870 Integumentary, Lymphatic and Urogenital Conditions (1 credit). This course is designed to develop student competency in the evaluation and treatment of disorders of the integumentary, lymphatic, and urogenital systems in physical therapist practice.

DPT 875 Assistive Technology, Prosthetics and Orthotics (1 credit). This course prepares students to be able to identify indications for assistive technology, fit patients for various assistive devices, and analyze the use of assistive technology, prosthetics, and orthotics on function and movement.

DPT 880 Clinical Management in Pediatrics (3 credits). This course prepares students for examination, evaluation, and treatment of pediatric patients with an emphasis on typical and atypical development in relation to movement and function.

DPT 885 Advocacy, Business, Teaching and Leadership (3 credits). This course is designed to prepare students to understand the financial/business aspects of physical therapy, the necessity of being advocates in their professional role, how to act as teachers/learners during their careers, and develop an awareness of the challenges of leadership.

DPT 900 Clinical Experience II (8 credits). This course is the students’ second full-time 9 week clinical experience under the supervision and mentorship of a physical therapist clinical instructor where they will encounter a diverse patient population in a variety of settings. Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills that they have obtained in the didactic portion and part-time integrated clinical experiences to the clinic.

DPT 920 Complex Clinical Reasoning in Research and Practice (3 credits). This capstone course allows students to synthesize affective behaviors, cognitive knowledge, and psychomotor skills learned during the curriculum in preparation for their terminal clinical experiences.

DPT 940 Clinical Experience III (12 credits). This course is the students’ third full-time 15 week clinical experience under the supervision and mentorship of a physical therapist clinical instructor. Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills that they have obtained from all didactic coursework and clinical experiences to the clinic. At the culmination of this clinical experience, it is expected that the students will be able to practice as an entry-level physical therapist.

DPT 951 Evidence-Based Practice III (2 credits). This course is designed for students to develop an evidence-based practice presentation on a particular patient through a case study, critically appraised topic or analysis of practice and synthesize the research used in the examination, evaluation and treatment of the patient(s).