Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program

The Belmont University Doctorate of Physical Therapy program is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, values, and behaviors necessary for a career in physical therapy. The program's vision is to create a foundation for adapting to future changes in the healthcare environment, with a commitment to lifelong professional learning.

Program Overview

The program is a three-year professional education curriculum that culminates in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The curriculum is designed to provide physical therapists with a strong foundation in basic health sciences and an understanding of the theoretical basis for physical therapy practice.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goals of the program are to prepare physical therapists who can:

• Practice as generalist physical therapy practitioners
• Serve as primary healthcare providers
• Be consumers of research and incorporate findings into clinical practice
• Correlate theory with practice and think creatively about new practice environments
• Act as proactive educators for patients, peers, students, and others
• Be active members of the profession of physical therapy
• Critically evaluate clinical and policy issues

The objectives of the program are to enable graduates to:

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relevant to physical therapy
• Demonstrate mastery of entry-level professional clinical skills
• Correlate existing theory with new or evolving theory relevant to the practice of physical therapy
• Utilize and facilitate the process of critical thinking and inquiry
• Participate in the development and enactment of ethical healthcare regulations and policies

Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

The faculty of the School of Physical Therapy has identified critical thinking, inquiry, and decision-making as essential skills necessary for lifelong professional practice. The curriculum is designed to teach students that the achievement and maintenance of health are best promoted by healthcare practitioners who possess a thorough understanding of how the human body is designed and functions.

Curriculum Design

The curriculum design reflects a "building block design" where a foundation of basic science and applied clinical science serves as the basis for further development of the clinical, social, and behavioral sciences. The curriculum includes courses in:

• Histology
• Kinesiology/Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Critical Inquiry
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Human Anatomy
• Pathophysiology
• Physical Therapy Foundations
• Neuroscience
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
• Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
• Ethics in Healthcare
• Clinical Medicine
• Health and Wellness
• Physical Therapy Practice
• Strategic and Financial Planning in Healthcare

Academic Policies

Admission to the professional entry-level Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree program is based on qualifications and space availability. Admission is awarded without regard to gender, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants must have:

• A completed application form with a non-refundable application fee
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Completion of all prerequisites within ten years prior to application
• A minimum undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0
• Competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Demonstration of familiarity with physical therapy in the form of observational, volunteer, and/or work experience

Limitation on Completion of Requirements

A graduate student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program must complete all degree requirements within a six-year period.

Probation and Suspension

Students who fail to make satisfactory progress toward their degree may be placed on probation or dismissed from the program.

Doctorate of Physical Therapy/Master of Business Administration (DPT/MBA)

Graduates of the Belmont University Doctorate of Physical Therapy program may apply to the Massey Graduate School of Business for the Master of Business Administration program, with the opportunity to transfer credit for some of their DPT coursework.