Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Florida International University features a progressive, problem-oriented approach, including rigorous coverage of basic medical and clinical sciences, hands-on skills, and research relevant to the current practice of physical therapy.

Curriculum Overview

The DPT curriculum has been streamlined to allow students to complete their degree in less time, reducing housing and living expenses. A 5-6 week, stand-alone, comprehensive exam course is offered during Summer A of the third year, preparing students for the NPTE board exam.

Courses and Syllabi

The curriculum includes a range of courses, which can be found in the FIU Catalog. Students can navigate to the current academic year, enter the course code, or select "Graduate" and "Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences" to access full course descriptions and program requirements.

First Year

• Fall Semester 1: (15 Credits)
  • PHT 5070: Principles of Diagnostic Imaging (1 credit)
  • PHT 5174: Analysis of Movement and Function (3 credits)
  • PHT 5174L: Analysis of Movement and Function Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 5244C: Principles of Therapeutic Exercise (3 credits)
  • PHT 5523: Dimensions of Professional Practice Seminar I (3 credits)
  • PHT 5180: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management I (3 credits)
  • PHT 5180L: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management I Lab (1 credit)
• Spring Semester 1: (12 Credits)
  • PHT 5181: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management II (3 credits)
  • PHT 5181L: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management II Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 5205: Clinical Skills (3 credits)
  • PHT 5205L: Clinical Skills Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6725L: Orthopedic Tests and Measures (1 credit)
  • PHT 6125: Clinical Biomechanics (3 credits)
• Summer Semester 1: (13 Credits)
  • PHT 5027: Clinical Education Seminar (1 credit)
  • PHT 5182: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management III (3 credits)
  • PHT 5182L: Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management III Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6165C: Applied Clinical Neuroanatomy (3 credits)
  • PHT 5303: Principles of Pathophysiology in Physical Therapy (3 credits)
  • PHT 6353: Principles of Diagnostics and Pharmacology in Physical Therapy (2 credits)

Second Year

• Fall Semester 2: (14 Credits)
  • PHT 6163: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management I Lecture (3 credits)
  • PHT 6163L: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management I Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6625: Advanced Physical Therapy Clinical Research Methodologies and Design (3 credits)
  • PHT 6341: Diagnosis and Management of Disease (3 credits)
  • PHT 6341L: Diagnosis and Management of Disease Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 5805: Clinical Internship I (8 weeks) (3 credits)
• Spring Semester 2: (15 Credits)
  • PHT 6164: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management II Lecture (3 credits)
  • PHT 6164L: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management II Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6381: Diagnosis and Management of Cardiopulmonary Systems Lecture (3 credits)
  • PHT 6381L: Diagnosis and Management of Cardiopulmonary Systems Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6970C: DPT Project I (3 credits)
  • PHT 6547C: Case Management in Physical Therapy I (1 credit)
  • PHT 6817: Clinical Internship II (8 weeks) (3 credits)
• Summer Semester 2: (14 Credits)
  • PHT 5373: Advanced Therapy Assessment of the Elderly (3 credits)
  • PHT 6169: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management III Lecture (3 credits)
  • PHT 6169L: Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management III Lab (1 credit)
  • PHT 6127: Advanced Pathological Movement Analysis (3 credits)
  • PHT 6972C: DPT Project II (3 credits)
  • PHT 5336C: Theories in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (1 credit)

Third Year

• Fall Semester 3: (13 Credits)
  • PHT 6009: Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy (3 credits)
  • PHT 6973C: DPT Project III (3 credits)
  • PHT 6548C: Case Management in Physical Therapy II (1 credit)
  • PHT 6325: Advanced Clinical Pediatric Physical Therapy (3 credits)
  • PHT 6827: Clinical Internship III (8 weeks) (3 credits)
• Spring Semester 3: (14 Credits)
  • PHT 6716C: Advanced Orthopedics (3 credits)
  • PHT 5639: Physical Therapy Administrative Techniques and Methods (1 credit)
  • PHT 5960: Comprehensive Exam I (3 credits)
  • PHT 6549C: Case Management in Physical Therapy III (1 credit)
  • PHT 5505C: Physical Therapy Constructs in Health and Wellness (3 credits)
  • PHT 6828: Clinical Internship IV (8 weeks) (3 credits)
• Summer Semester 3: (3 Credits)
  • PHT 6961: Comprehensive Exam II (3 credits)

DPT Project

The DPT project spans three semesters, where students are assigned to a faculty member to assist in their research. The culmination of this research experience is a paper formatted for publication and/or an oral/poster presentation of the work.

Graduation

Students may apply for graduation in accordance with university-wide procedures. The Chair or their designee will support the application if the student shows evidence of the ability to complete their program of studies by the graduation date applied for.

Informed Consent

Students are required to participate in lecture-demonstrations, laboratory classes, clinical observation, and participation in clinical treatments as part of their training to become physical therapists. Many of these activities may pose more than a trivial risk to students' physical and/or mental health and comfort. Students should expect to come into close physical contact with fellow students and wear clothing that maximizes exposure while maintaining modesty.

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.