Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

The Physical Therapy program is a professional program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Physical therapists are health care professionals that are movement experts who improve quality of life by prescribing exercise, incorporating hands-on care and patient education.

Overview

The professional curriculum will be 8 semesters in duration, 105 credits and include 34 weeks of full-time clinical education over 4 separate rotations. The rotations will be 6, 8, 8 & 12 weeks in duration. Students will complete these rotations at a variety of clinical sites (e.g. acute care, long term rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedic, etc.). The program has been designed to meet all requirements associated with Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Requirements

To practice physical therapy, students must be licensed in the state in which they desire to practice. To obtain licensure, students must graduate from an accredited program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

Accreditation

Effective April 25, 2023, Colorado Mesa University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses.

Institutional Degree Requirements

• Graduate certificates consist of a minimum of 5 credit hours.
• Master's degrees consist of a minimum of 30 credit hours.
• Doctoral degrees consist of a minimum of 60 credit hours.
• All credits in a graduate program must be minimally at the 500-level.
• At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU.
• Students must achieve a 3.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• Students may not apply coursework with a grade lower than a "B" toward graduation requirements.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Requirements.

Program Specific Requirements

Course List

The following courses are required for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree:

• PHYT 500: Anatomy (4 credits)
• PHYT 501: Histology (1 credit)
• PHYT 502: Physiology (3 credits)
• PHYT 503 & 503L: Kinesiology-Biomechanics I and Kinesiology-Biomechanics I Laboratory (4 credits)
• PHYT 504 & 504L: Kinesiology-Biomechanics II and Kinesiology-Biomechanics II Laboratory (4 credits)
• PHYT 505: Essential Skills and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 506: Professional Practice Considerations I (1 credit)
• PHYT 507: Professional Practice Considerations II (2 credits)
• PHYT 509: Musculoskeletal Conditions I and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 510: Musculoskeletal Conditions II and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 511: Musculoskeletal Conditions III and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 512: Research I: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• PHYT 513: Research II: Applied Statistics (3 credits)
• PHYT 514: Diagnostic Imaging (2 credits)
• PHYT 515: Therapeutic Modalities (3 credits)
• PHYT 516: Pharmacology for Physical Therapy (2 credits)
• PHYT 517: Neuroscience (3 credits)
• PHYT 593: Capstone I (2 credits)
• PHYT 599: Clinical Education I (3 credits)
• PHYT 600 & 600L: Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 601: Neuromuscular Conditions I and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 602: Neuromuscular Conditions II and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 603: Neuromuscular Conditions III and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 604: Medical and Surgical Conditions (3 credits)
• PHYT 605: Lifespan I: Pediatrics and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 606: Lifespan II: Geriatrics (2 credits)
• PHYT 607: Therapeutic Exercise and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 608: Professional Practice Considerations III (2 credits)
• PHYT 609: Professional Practice Considerations IV (2 credits)
• PHYT 610: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 611: Differential Diagnosis and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 612: Prosthetics-Orthotics and Laboratory (3 credits)
• PHYT 693: Capstone II (2 credits)
• PHYT 694: Interprofessional Education Seminar (1 credit)
• PHYT 699: Clinical Education II (4 credits)
• PHYT 793: Clinical Education IV (6 credits)
• PHYT 799: Clinical Education III (4 credits)

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the courses to be taken each semester:

• First Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • PHYT 500: Anatomy (4 credits)
    • PHYT 501: Histology (1 credit)
    • PHYT 502: Physiology (3 credits)
    • PHYT 503 & 503L: Kinesiology-Biomechanics I and Kinesiology-Biomechanics I Laboratory (4 credits)
    • PHYT 505: Essential Skills and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 506: Professional Practice Considerations I (1 credit)
  • Spring Semester:
    • PHYT 504 & 504L: Kinesiology-Biomechanics II and Kinesiology-Biomechanics II Laboratory (4 credits)
    • PHYT 507: Professional Practice Considerations II (2 credits)
    • PHYT 509: Musculoskeletal Conditions I and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 512: Research I: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
    • PHYT 514: Diagnostic Imaging (2 credits)
    • PHYT 515: Therapeutic Modalities (3 credits)
  • Summer Semester:
    • PHYT 510: Musculoskeletal Conditions II and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 511: Musculoskeletal Conditions III and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 513: Research II: Applied Statistics (3 credits)
    • PHYT 516: Pharmacology for Physical Therapy (2 credits)
    • PHYT 517: Neuroscience (3 credits)
• Second Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • PHYT 600 & 600L: Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 601: Neuromuscular Conditions I and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 604: Medical and Surgical Conditions (3 credits)
    • PHYT 605: Lifespan I: Pediatrics and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 606: Lifespan II: Geriatrics (2 credits)
    • PHYT 607: Therapeutic Exercise and Laboratory (3 credits)
  • Spring Semester:
    • PHYT 602: Neuromuscular Conditions II and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 608: Professional Practice Considerations III (2 credits)
    • PHYT 610: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 599: Clinical Education I (3 credits)
  • Summer Semester:
    • PHYT 603: Neuromuscular Conditions III and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 609: Professional Practice Considerations IV (2 credits)
    • PHYT 611: Differential Diagnosis and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 612: Prosthetics-Orthotics and Laboratory (3 credits)
    • PHYT 694: Interprofessional Education Seminar (1 credit)
• Third Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • PHYT 593: Capstone I (2 credits)
    • PHYT 699: Clinical Education II (4 credits)
    • PHYT 799: Clinical Education III (4 credits)
  • Spring Semester:
    • PHYT 693: Capstone II (2 credits)
    • PHYT 793: Clinical Education IV (6 credits)

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.