DPT/MPH - Mercer Universi

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Duration

48 months

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Physical Therapy | Public Health

Area of study

Health

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Mercer University's DPT/MPH combined degree program prepares students to address complex health issues by combining the principles of physical therapy and public health. Graduates gain skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical practice, enabling them to serve the needs of individuals and communities on both a personal and societal level.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Description:

Mercer University's College of Health Professions offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health (DPT/MPH) combined degree program. This program recognizes the growing roles of physical therapists in health promotion and wellness and public health practitioners in addressing societal health concerns. Sharing goals of promoting wellness and health promotion, advocating for improved health, reducing health disparities, and enhancing the quality of life for communities, the DPT/MPH program challenges students to confront complex health issues. Graduates of this program will gain the skills to serve the needs of humankind on both individual and societal levels.

Objectives:

The objectives of the DPT/MPH combined degree program align with those of the individual DPT and MPH programs. Students will:

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of physical therapy and public health.
Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for effective practice in both physical therapy and public health.
Gain experience in conducting research and evaluating health programs.
Develop a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Outline:

Program Content and Structure:

The DPT/MPH combined degree program is a four-year program that includes the completion of 33 credits in the MPH program in the first year, followed by the required 135 credits in the three-year DPT program. Students will take courses in both physical therapy and public health, including:

MPH Year 1:

Fall (18 hours):
MPH 611 Principles of Epidemiology
MPH 621 Biostatistics and Health Measures
MPH 631 Environmental Health
MPH 641 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
MPH 652 Public Health Systems, Services, and Management
MPH 731 Health Systems and Policy
Spring (15 hours):
MPH 675 Community Health Needs Assessment
MPH 721 Grant and Proposal Writing and Development
MPH 730 Introductory Program Evaluation
MPH 739 Diverse Populations
MPH 740 Health Equity

DPT Years 2-4:

The DPT curriculum consists of 135 required credit hours, including:

Gross Anatomy
Applied Anatomy
Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
Service-Learning
Leadership
Evidence-Based Practice
Medical Conditions and Pharmacology
Clinical Neuroscience
Management of Individuals with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions
Clinical Examination and Interventions
Musculoskeletal Science
Clinical Education
Foundations of Human Movement
Management of Individuals with Integumentary Conditions
Biopsychosocial Considerations
Medical Screening and Diagnostic Imaging
Lifespan Considerations
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Evidence-Based Practice Capstone
Clinical Education Simulations

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

MPH Courses:

MPH 611 Principles of Epidemiology: Introduces the principles of epidemiology, including the study of disease distribution and determinants, and the application of epidemiological methods to public health practice.
MPH 621 Biostatistics and Health Measures: Provides an overview of statistical methods used in public health research and practice, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
MPH 631 Environmental Health: Explores the principles of environmental health, including the assessment and management of environmental hazards and the promotion of environmental health.
MPH 641 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Examines the principles and practices of disease prevention and health promotion, including the development and implementation of health promotion programs.
MPH 652 Public Health Systems, Services, and Management: Provides an overview of the structure and function of public health systems, services, and management, including the role of public health agencies and organizations.
MPH 731 Health Systems and Policy: Examines the structure and function of health systems and policies, including the role of government, healthcare providers, and consumers in shaping health policy.
MPH 675 Community Health Needs Assessment: Introduces the principles and methods of community health needs assessment, including the identification and prioritization of health needs.
MPH 721 Grant and Proposal Writing and Development: Provides instruction on the principles and practices of grant and proposal writing, including the development of compelling proposals for funding public health initiatives.
MPH 730 Introductory Program Evaluation: Introduces the principles and methods of program evaluation, including the design, implementation, and analysis of evaluation studies.
MPH 739 Diverse Populations: Explores the health disparities and unique health needs of diverse populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
MPH 740 Health Equity: Examines the principles and practices of health equity, including the identification and reduction of health disparities.

DPT Courses:

PT 500 Gross Anatomy I: Provides a comprehensive study of human gross anatomy, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.
PT 501 Applied Anatomy I: Focuses on the application of anatomical knowledge to movement and function.
PT 504 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan: Emphasizes the role of physical therapists in promoting health and wellness throughout the lifespan.
PT 508 Service-Learning I: Provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in community settings.
PT 512 Leadership I: Foundations: Introduces the principles of leadership and management in physical therapy practice.
PT 513 Evidence-Based Practice I: Research Methods: Provides an overview of research methods and their application to physical therapy practice.
PT 517 Clinical Neuroscience: Explores the neurological basis of movement and function.
PT 530 Gross Anatomy II: Continues the study of human gross anatomy, focusing on the visceral systems.
PT 531 Applied Anatomy II: Applies anatomical knowledge to the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
PT 535 Management of Individuals with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
PT 536 Clinical Examination and Interventions I: Introduces the principles and techniques of physical examination and intervention.
PT 541 Musculoskeletal Science: Provides an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.
PT 549 Clinical Education I: Integrated Experience I: Offers supervised clinical experiences in a variety of settings.
PT 551 Foundations of Human Movement: Explores the biomechanics and kinesiology of human movement.
PT 565 Management of Individuals with Integumentary Conditions: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with integumentary conditions.
PT 566 Clinical Examination and Interventions II: Continues the development of physical examination and intervention skills.
PT 568 Service-Learning II: Provides additional opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in community settings.
PT 574 Biopsychosocial Considerations I: Explores the biopsychosocial factors that influence health and rehabilitation.
PT 581 Medical Screening and Diagnostic Imaging: Provides training in the interpretation of medical images and the performance of physical examinations.
PT 584 Lifespan I: Pediatrics I: Focuses on the assessment and management of children and adolescents with movement disorders.
PT 613 Evidence-Based Practice II: Appraisal: Develops skills in the critical appraisal of research literature.
PT 617 Management of Individuals with Neuromuscular Conditions I: Non-Progressive Disorders: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with non-progressive neuromuscular conditions.
PT 624 Lifespan II: Older Adults: Focuses on the assessment and management of older adults with movement disorders.
PT 625 Management of Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions I: Lower Quarter: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions.
PT 626 Prosthetics and Orthotics: Provides an overview of the principles and practices of prosthetics and orthotics.
PT 638 Service-Learning III: Offers advanced opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in community settings.
PT 642 Leadership II: Health Systems Science: Examines the role of physical therapists in health systems and policy.
PT 643 Evidence-Based Practice III: Application and Advocacy: Develops skills in the application and advocacy of evidence-based practice.
PT 647 Management of Individuals with Neuromuscular Conditions II: Progressive Disorders: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with progressive neuromuscular conditions.
PT 655 Management of Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions II: Upper Quarter: Examines the assessment and management of individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions.
PT 659 Clinical Education III: Simulation Seminar: Utilizes simulations to enhance clinical decision-making and technical skills.
PT 672 Leadership III: Administration, Consultancy, and Entrepreneurship: Examines the principles and practices of leadership in the areas of administration, consultancy, and entrepreneurship.
PT 674 Biopsychosocial Considerations II: Continues the exploration of biopsychosocial factors that influence health and rehabilitation.
PT 679 Clinical Education IV: Full-Time Experience I: Provides a full-time clinical experience in a variety of settings.
PT 713 Evidence-Based Practice IV: Capstone: Culminates the evidence-based practice sequence with the completion of a capstone project.
PT 719 Clinical Education V: Full-Time Experience II: Offers a second full-time clinical experience.
PT 747 Physical Therapy Elective: Allows students to choose an elective course in a specific area of interest.
PT 749 Clinical Education VI: Full-Time Experience III: Provides a final full-time clinical experience.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The DPT/MPH program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

Exams: Written and oral exams are used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
Assignments: Written assignments, such as essays, case studies, and research projects, are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
Presentations: Students are required to give presentations on their research or other projects to demonstrate their communication and presentation skills.
Clinical Evaluations: Students are evaluated on their performance in clinical settings by experienced physical therapists and public health professionals.
Portfolio: Students develop a portfolio that showcases their work and demonstrates their progress throughout the program.

Assessment Criteria:

Student performance is assessed based on the following criteria:

Knowledge and understanding of course material
Ability to apply knowledge and skills to practical scenarios
Communication and presentation skills
Clinical competence
Professionalism

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The DPT/MPH program employs a variety of teaching methods to facilitate student learning, including:

Lectures: Traditional lectures are used to present foundational knowledge and concepts.
Small Group Discussions: Small group discussions provide opportunities for students to engage with the material and each other in a more interactive setting.
Case Studies: Case studies are used to present real-world scenarios and challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills to problem-solving.
Role-Playing: Role-playing exercises are used to develop students' communication and interpersonal skills.
Clinical Simulations: Clinical simulations provide a safe environment for students to practice their clinical skills.
Independent Study: Students are encouraged to pursue independent study and research to deepen their understanding of particular topics.

Faculty:

The DPT/MPH program is taught by a distinguished faculty of experienced physical therapists, public health professionals, and researchers. Faculty members are committed to providing high-quality instruction and mentoring to students.

Unique Approaches:

The DPT/MPH program incorporates several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

Interprofessional Education: Students have opportunities to collaborate with students from other health professions, such as nursing, medicine, and social work.
Community-Based Learning: Students participate in community-based learning experiences that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Research Emphasis: Students are encouraged to engage in research projects and to present their findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Careers:

Career Paths and Opportunities:

Graduates of the DPT/MPH program can pursue various career paths in the fields of physical therapy and public health. Some potential career opportunities include:

Physical Therapist
Public Health Specialist
Health Educator
Epidemiologist
Health Policy Analyst
Researcher
Academician

Outcomes:

Graduates of the DPT/MPH program are highly sought after by employers in both the private and public sectors. They are well-prepared to make significant contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.