Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Program Overview

The University of Indianapolis' Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a 3-year, full-time program that combines in-person and virtual instruction with clinical experiences. The program prepares students for a career as a physical therapist, with a focus on developing their knowledge, skills, and professionalism. Graduates are eligible for licensure across the United States and can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Indianapolis is a 3-year, full-time traditional campus-based program that combines in-person and virtual instruction with real-world clinical experiences to prepare students for a career as a physical therapist. The program's objectives are to:

• Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice physical therapy competently and ethically
• Prepare students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Foster students' professionalism and commitment to lifelong learning

Outline:

The DPT curriculum consists of 115 total credit hours, including:

• Foundational sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, biomechanics)
• Clinical sciences (e.g., musculoskeletal assessment, neurology, pharmacology)
• Professional practice (e.g., patient management, ethics, research)
• Electives (5 credit hours)
Students can choose to complete their electives in either a Research Track or an Independent Professional Project Track. The Research Track allows students to participate in a faculty-designed and advised research project. Students assist with proposal development, data collection, analysis of results, and dissemination of findings. Research projects typically lead to a peer-reviewed publication and/or presentation at a professional conference. The Independent Professional Project Track allows students to advance their professional development through further exploration of an area of practice, further development of leadership or advocacy skills, or through building interprofessional collaborations. This is accomplished through independent study and additional coursework or learning activities arranged with a faculty advisor. The DPT program is structured as follows:
• Year 1: Foundational sciences and clinical sciences
• Year 2: Professional practice and clinical rotations
• Year 3: Advanced clinical practice and research or independent professional project

Assessment:

Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including:

• Exams (written, oral, and practical)
• Quizzes
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Clinical evaluations

Teaching:

The DPT program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Laboratory experiences
• Clinical rotations
The DPT program also benefits from the University of Indianapolis' state-of-the-art facilities, including:
• A dedicated physical therapy clinic
• A human cadaver laboratory
• A biomechanics laboratory
• A research laboratory

Careers:

Graduates of the DPT program are eligible to apply for licensure across the United States. They can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Schools
• Rehabilitation centers
• Sports medicine facilities
• Fitness centers
Physical therapists can work with patients of all ages who have a variety of conditions, including:
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Neurological conditions
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Pulmonary conditions
• Geriatric conditions