Program Overview

Overview of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a top-ranked clinical program that prepares students for entry-level practice as Physical Therapists. The program is 36 months in length and begins in May. It includes 33 weeks of clinical experiences, with the first clinical experience occurring at the end of the second year of study, and the remaining three experiences occurring during the third year.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the DPT program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field and a 3.0 or "B" average or better in the following courses:

• English Composition/Writing intensive course (3 credit hours)
• Introduction to Statistics (3 credit hours)
• Psychology (3 credit hours)
• General Biology (3 credit hours)
• General Chemistry I and II each with Lab (8 credit hours)
• General Physics I and II each with Lab (8 credit hours)
• Human Anatomy (3 credit hours)
• Human Physiology (3 credit hours)
• OR Combined Anatomy and Physiology I & II (6 credit hours)

The application procedure involves submitting all application materials to the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) by October 1. Requirements include:

1. Completion of prerequisites or plan to complete by time of matriculation, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Demonstration of knowledge concerning the physical therapy profession by submitting:

• A minimum of 100 hours of first-hand observation and/or work experience related to the practice of physical therapy.
• This experience must be substantiated in writing by a registered/licensed physical therapist.

3. Submission of three to four letters of recommendation from people who can address both the applicant’s moral character and potential as a physical therapist.
4. An interview is required and will be offered to those applicants who have met the admission criteria.

Curriculum Requirements

The DPT curriculum is designed as a first professional degree, furthering the education of students who possess a baccalaureate degree and a background in liberal arts, humanities, and science. The curriculum includes a wide range of courses, such as:

• Clinical Research I and II
• Evaluation and Treatment of Spinal Dysfunctions I and II
• Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy I and II
• Neuroscience I and II
• Biophysical Agents
• Medical Pathology Seminar I, II, III, and IV
• Introduction to Systems Pathophysiology
• Health Systems Science I, II, III, and IV
• Essential Skills I, II, III, and IV
• Clinical Skills in Physical Therapy
• Therapeutic Physiology
• Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics
• Clinical Examination
• Clinical Decision Making I and II
• Medical Screening in Physical Therapy
• Neurological Evaluation
• Normal and Pathological Human Gait and Locomotion
• Clinical Experience I, II, III, and IV
• Neurorehabilitation
• Cardio-Respiratory Physical Therapy
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Foundations of Inclusive Pelvic Health
• Advanced Topics in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
• Medical Diagnostic Tests
• Oncologic Rehabilitation

Suggested Plan of Study

The suggested plan of study for the DPT program is outlined over three years, with specific courses and credit hours allocated to each semester. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1 elective credit in addition to the required courses.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, is to advance physical therapy and human movement through exceptional education, pioneering research, and transformative clinical practice. The overall goal of the curriculum is to produce a highly competent generalist practitioner at the doctoral level, with guiding principles that include:

• Globally educated generalist physical therapist incorporating the patient/client management model
• Competent in the interpretation and implementation of research leading to evidence-based practice
• Capable of providing high-quality care to all who need it
• To be participants and leaders in community service activities

Student Learning Outcomes

The DPT program aims to achieve the following student learning outcomes:

• DPT graduates will demonstrate proficiency for entry-level professional practice at the end of their terminal clinical experience.
• DPT graduates will demonstrate proficiency in patient/client management by the end of their terminal clinical experience.
• DPT students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and interpret research literature as a foundation for the practice of physical therapy.
• DPT graduates will show entry-level proficiency in clinical reasoning, the ability to apply current knowledge, theory, clinical judgment, and the patient's value and perspective in patient management, at the end of their terminal clinical experience.