Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program at Wayne State University is a professional program designed to develop skilled physical therapists who can provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and is committed to excellence in education, research, and clinical practice.

Program Overview

The D.P.T. program is a three-year program that includes both didactic and clinical education. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, as well as the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to practice as a physical therapist. The program includes coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pharmacology, as well as clinical experiences in a variety of settings.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the D.P.T. program is competitive and requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. Applicants must also have earned a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each prerequisite course. A baccalaureate degree is not required for admission to the D.P.T. program, but applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School.

Program Requirements

The D.P.T. program requires satisfactory completion of 121-123 credits, including all courses in the core curriculum. The core curriculum includes coursework in areas such as:

• Clinical Applications I and II
• Foundations of Physical Therapy
• Basic Patient Care in Physical Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise I and II
• Human Growth and Development
• Surface Anatomy
• Basic Examination and Evaluation Procedures
• Neurosciences for Health Care Professionals
• Clinical Medicine I and II
• Kinesiology and Biomechanics
• Pathophysiology for Health Sciences
• Clinical Education I-IV

Clinical Education

Clinical education is an integral part of the D.P.T. program and provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical settings. The program includes four clinical education courses, each of which provides students with a unique clinical experience.

Faculty

The D.P.T. program is taught by a faculty of experienced physical therapists and researchers who are committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to students. The faculty includes:

• ADAMO, DIANE: Ph.D., University of Michigan; M.S., B.S., Wayne State University; Associate Professor
• DICKSON, JENNIFER: D.P.T., M.P.T., B.S., Oakland University; Clinical Assistant Professor
• FRITZ, NORA E.: Ph.D., D.P.T., The Ohio State University; B.S., Miami University; Associate Professor
• HANNUM, NANETTE: D.P.T., Grand Valley State University; B.S., Belhaven College; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
• MAHER, SARA F.: D.Sc.P.T., Oakland University; Ph.D., M.P.T., B.S., Wayne State University; B.A., Western Michigan University; Professor (Clinical)
• MALEK, MOH: Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln; M.S., California State University Fullerton; B.A., The Claremont Colleges, Pitzer College; Professor
• MOUL, ANDREW: D.P.T., Wayne State University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
• PARDO, VICKY: D.H.S., University of Indianapolis; M.H.S., University of Indianapolis; B.Sc., University of Ottawa; Associate Professor
• PEPIN, MARIE-EVE: D.P.T., MGH Institute of Health Sciences; M.S., Oakland University; B.S., McGill University; Clinical Assistant Professor
• POCIASK, FREDRICK: Ph.D., Wayne State University; M.S., B.S., Oakland University; Associate Professor
• REID, KRISTINA: D.P.T., Wayne State University, M.S, P.T., Oakland University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
• ROCHE, JOSEPH A.: Ph.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore; B.P.T., Christian Medical College; Associate Professor
• SCHILLER, MARTHA: D.P.T., University of St. Augustine; M.S.A., Central Michigan University; B.S. University of Western Ontario; Clinical Assistant Professor

Accreditation

The D.P.T. program at Wayne State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national physical therapy licensure examination and are qualified to practice as physical therapists in a variety of settings.

Health and Liability Insurance

All students in the D.P.T. program are required to maintain health insurance coverage and are also required to have liability insurance, which is rolled into the course fees associated with clinical education.

Research

The D.P.T. program at Wayne State University includes coursework and experiences in research, including:

• Research I: Critical Thinking
• Research II: Design & Methodology
• Research III: Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Research IV: Research Practicum

Special Topics

The program also includes special topics courses, such as:

• Special Topics in Physical Therapy I, II, and III
• Professional Development and Reflective Practice

Clinical Decision Making

The program includes a course in clinical decision making, which focuses on refining competencies in peer referral across health care disciplines and developing strategies for clinical decision making.

Health Promotion and Wellness

The program also includes a course in health promotion and wellness, which focuses on the dimensions of health promotion and wellness, including implementation strategies for different populations.

Clinical Education Courses

The program includes four clinical education courses, each of which provides students with a unique clinical experience:

• Clinical Education I
• Clinical Education II
• Clinical Education III
• Clinical Education IV

Program Outcomes

The D.P.T. program at Wayne State University is designed to prepare students to practice as physical therapists in a variety of settings. The program outcomes include:

• Graduates will be able to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings.
• Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other health care professionals.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Wayne State University is a professional program designed to develop skilled physical therapists who can provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and includes coursework and experiences in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pharmacology, as well as clinical experiences in a variety of settings.