Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Auburn University provides academic and clinical training commensurate with the DPT degree. Graduates from the entry-level program are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and apply for licensure to practice as physical therapists in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Accreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Auburn University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program has submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional/technical phase of the program.

Program Details

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is housed in the School of Kinesiology, College of Education at Auburn University. The program has modern, well-equipped laboratories for research, teaching, and hands-on clinical training. The human anatomy simulation laboratory provides experiential learning opportunities to complement classroom instruction.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the DPT program is as follows:

• First Year:
  • Summer:
    • KNPT 9000 Anatomy for Physical Therapy I (4 hours)
    • KNPT 9020 Physical Therapy Biomechanics I (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9050 Physical Therapy Foundations, Therapeutic Exercise I (3 hours)
  • Fall:
    • KNPT 9010 Anatomy for Physical Therapy II (4 hours)
    • KNPT 9030 Physical Therapy Biomechanics II (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9060 Physical Therapy Foundations, Therapeutic Exercise II (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9100 Physiology, Pathophysiology, & Pharmacology (3 hours)
  • Spring:
    • KNPT 9040 Physical Therapy Neuroscience (4 hours)
    • KNPT 9310 Therapeutic Modalities (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9320 Differential Diagnosis (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9600 Evidence Based Practice for Physical Therapy I (4 hours)
• Second Year:
  • Summer:
    • KNPT 9200 Lifespan Physical Therapy I- Geriatrics (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9500 Professional Development in Physical Therapy (2 hours)
    • KNPT 9800 Clinical Placement I (4 hours)
  • Fall:
    • KNPT 9110 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9140 Neurological Physical Therapy I (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9160 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy (4 hours)
    • KNPT 9210 Lifespan Physical Therapy II - Pediatrics (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9610 Evidence Based Practice for Physical Therapy II (3 hours)
  • Spring:
    • KNPT 9120 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy II (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9150 Neurological Physical Therapy II (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9170 Acute Care Physical Therapy (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9220 Psychosocial Aspects in Physical Therapy (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9620 Evidence Based Practice for Physical Therapy III (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9900 Grand Rounds I (1 hour)
• Third Year:
  • Summer:
    • KNPT 9130 Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy III (2 hours)
    • KNPT 9340 Orthotics & Prosthetics (3 hours)
    • KNPT 9510 Physical Therapy Administration, Supervision & Management (3 hours)
  • Fall:
    • KNPT 9810 Clinical Placement II (14 hours)
    • KNPT 9910 Grand Rounds II (1 hour)
  • Spring:
    • KNPT 9820 Clinical Placement III (14 hours)
    • KNPT 9910 Grand Rounds II (1 hour)

Total Hours

The total hours required for the DPT program is 118 hours.

Implementation and Accreditation Status

Implementation of this program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Full accreditation is anticipated in Spring of 2028, prior to the graduation of the charter cohort.