The Pacific University doctor of physical therapy program is a full-time program of study that is 32 months in duration. Students enter in a cohort each year in late August, and courses are open to students enrolled in the physical therapy program.
The curriculum includes classroom learning paired with rich clinical experience. Pacific's DPT program has affiliation agreements with more than 600 different clinical facilities, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and private clinics, offering student experiences in acute care, outpatient orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, geriatrics, and pediatrics.
Pacific's curriculum also focuses on evidence-based practice through the critical analysis and application of research. Learn about student outcomes.
A full list of curriculum requirements and options is available in the academic catalog. The following is an example of typical coursework.
Year 1
Fall
DPT 500: Human Anatomy I, 4 credits
DPT 510: Clinical Biomechanics I, 4 credits
DPT 520: Rehabilitation Neuroscience I, 4 credits
DPT 540: Patient Assessment, Intervention & Therapeutic Modalities, 3 credits
DPT 561: Foundations of the Physical Therapy Profession I, 1 credit
DPT 590: Research Methods and Statistics, 2 credits
DPT 750-01: Bioethics Seminar for Physical Therapists, 0.25 credits
Spring
DPT 501: Human Anatomy II, 3 credits
DPT 511: Clinical Biomechanics II, 4 credits
DPT 522: Rehabilitation Neuroscience II and Motor Control, 3 credits
DPT-530: Physical Agents and Mechanical Modalities, 3 credits
DPT 542: Principles of Therapeutic Exercise Progression and Motor Learning, 3 credits
DPT 556: Physiology and Pharmacology I, 1 credit
DPT 562: Foundations of the Physical Therapy Profession II, 1.5 credits
DPT 570: Clinical Education Experience I (5 weeks), 5 credits
DPT 595: Introduction to Evidence Based Practice, 2 credits
DPT 750-01: Bioethics Seminar for Physical Therapists, 0.25 credits
CHP 450/550: Foundations of Interprofessional Practice, 1 credit
Year 2
Fall
DPT 612: Neuromuscular System: Examination & Intervention, 4 credits
DPT 632: Musculoskeletal Examination & Intervention for the Spine, 4 credits
DPT 657: Physiology and Pharmacology II, 4 credits
DPT 685: Pediatric Neuromuscular System: Examination & Interventions, 3 credits
DPT 693: Advanced Evidence Based Practice, 2 credits
DPT 750-02: Bioethics Seminar for Physical Therapists, 0.25 credits
Spring
DPT 613: Adult Neuromuscular System: Examination & Intervention, 3 credits
DPT 633: Musculoskeletal Examination & Intervention for the Extremities, 3 credits
DPT 642: Clinical Education Experience II (6 weeks), 6 credits
DPT 658: Physiology and Pharmacology III, 3 credits
DPT 670: Psychological Aspects of Illness/ Disability, 2 credits
DPT 680: Geriatrics and Gerontology, 3 credits
DPT 694: Critically Appraised Topics, 1 credit
DPT 750-02: Bioethics Seminar for Physical Therapists, 0.25 credits
Year 3
Fall
DPT 701: Principles of Management & Supervision for Physical Therapists, 3 credits
DPT 710: Clinical Reasoning Seminar, 2 credits
DPT 723: Clinical Education Experience III, 10 credits
DPT 730: Professional Lecture Series, 2 credits
DPT 740: Introduction to Medical Imaging for Physical Therapists, 1 credit
DPT 746: Amputation Rehabilitation, 2 credits
DPT 750-03: Bioethics Seminar for Physical Therapists, 1 credit
DPT 792: Educational Strategies for Physical Therapists, 2 credits
Spring (18 weeks)
DPT 724: Clinical Education Experience IV (10 weeks), 9 credits
DPT 725: Clinical Education Experience V (9 weeks), 9 credits
DPT 790: Applied Evidence Based Practice, 1-2 credits