Program Overview

Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at UMass Lowell prepares individuals for entry into the profession of physical therapy. The fully accredited program requires a baccalaureate degree for admission and a three-year full-time commitment, including part of each summer.

Curriculum and Instruction

The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of physical therapy. Methods of instruction include classroom lecture and discussion, small group/problem-based learning, and skill development during laboratory and clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical decision-making and critical inquiry skills across the curriculum.

Clinical Education Program

The clinical education program consists of three extended clinical education experiences (one 10-week and two 12-week) for a total of 34 weeks. Students experience a variety of practice settings and patient populations in preparation for general practice.

Program Goals

1. Prepare entry-level physical therapy clinicians in a manner consistent with contemporary professional norms. Graduates practice as competent, autonomous, collaborative, and doctoral-prepared providers who deliver services along the continuum of care from prevention to the remediation of impairments, activity, and participation restrictions in all populations.
2. Produce, disseminate, and incorporate scholarship that will advance the science, practice, and education of physical therapy.
3. Promote, develop, and maintain effective community partnerships, cultivating proficiency in collaborative practice through modeling and experience in inter-professional education.

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will be prepared to exhibit attributes, characteristics, and behaviors of professionals, including:

• Commitment to learning
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective use of time and resources
• Use of constructive feedback
• Problem-solving
• Professionalism
• Responsibility
• Critical thinking
• Stress management

2. Graduates will practice physical therapy in a safe, evidence-directed, effective, autonomous, mindful, culturally sensitive, ethical, and legal manner consistent with the patient/client management model.
3. Faculty will integrate contemporary practice and current literature to guide curriculum and course content. Faculty employ contemporary teaching and learning strategies with pedagogical principles to physical therapy education.
4. The program adheres to departmental policies and procedures regarding academic achievement and standards of professional behavior and conduct, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet current standards of practice.
5. Faculty will promote, develop, and maintain scholarship associated with clinical, community, and curricular engagement activities.
6. The program will prepare students to apply principles of the scientific method to conduct research and participate in evidence-based practice.
7. The program will develop and maintain local and international partnerships that deepen our commitment to communities and cultures promoting health and wellness.
8. The program will develop, promote, and maintain opportunities consistent with Interprofessional Education and Collaborative practice in accordance with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Core (IPEC) Competencies.

Program Philosophy

The faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy & Kinesiology believe that individuals have intrinsic worth and a right to optimal health and function. Function is defined as those activities identified by an individual as essential to support physical, social, and psychological well-being and to create a personal sense of meaningful living.

Physical therapists provide services to patients/clients with alterations in body structure and function, activity, and participation restrictions or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other causes. Physical therapists utilize prevention and wellness strategies in individuals at risk for developing a reduction in physical function.

The physical therapist is professionally educated in a program that synthesizes graduate study with undergraduate knowledge and experiential learning. The graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is prepared to function as an ethical and competent practitioner who manages include examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes. The graduate is prepared to interact and practice in collaboration with a variety of health professionals, provide prevention and wellness services, consult, educate, and engage in critical inquiry. Finally, the graduate is prepared to direct and supervise physical therapy services, including support personnel. Graduates are expected to assume a leadership role in healthcare and to practice autonomously and cooperatively in a variety of practice settings.

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited university or college within the past 10 years.
2. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.000 or greater.
3. Prerequisite Science GPA of 3.000 or greater.
4. Graduate Record Examination, within the last 5 years. (No minimum score requirement.)
5. Documented personal experience in a physical therapy setting (volunteer or paid). Minimum 35 hours.
6. Statement of Purpose (essay).
7. Three Letters of Recommendation, one of which must be submitted by a licensed physical therapist.
8. Computer literacy in word, excel, power point, etc., is expected.
9. Required prerequisites coursework:

• General:
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
• Science:
  • Anatomy and Physiology with labs, 2 semesters
  • Chemistry with labs, 2 semesters
  • Physics with labs, 2 semesters
  • Exercise Physiology (upper-level course)
  • Kinesiology/Biomechanics (upper-level course)

Additional Program Requirements

1. Proof of yearly physical examination by a physician indicating satisfactory general health status and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B is required prior to clinical education experiences.
2. A CORI check (Criminal Offender Record Information) prior to clinical education experiences is required.
3. Costs related to clinical education experiences, including transportation, housing, meals, and tuition/fees, are assumed by the student. Students should expect and plan for out-of-state clinical placements.
4. Professional behavior (defined as Generic Abilities) is required during all academic and clinical education experiences.

Course of Study

• DPT Degree Pathway