CURRICULUM
| Physical Therapy Hybrid Program in Lafayette

This course introduces students to the role of master adaptive learners, emphasizing evidence-based learning strategies, professional ethics and values, and self-regulated growth. Learners explore biological factors that impact learning as well as the concepts of metacognitive strategies, emotional intelligence, and the development of a growth mindset to encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement. Participants explore the role of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in shaping professional identity, integrating the profession’s core values and code of ethics. Learners are also introduced to the importance of a scientific foundation for the profession and evidence-based practice in physical therapist practice. Students learn about adaptive communication skills effective for use with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare teams.

This course introduces DPT students to essential concepts and models in patient management, including the ICF framework, person-centered care, the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, movement system models, and interprofessional collaborative practice principles. Learners navigate foundational topics necessary for evidence-informed patient management, including pharmacology, screening for medical disease, nutrition, and imaging. Additional focus areas include documentation, compliance, and a history of healthcare in the US with an emphasis on the acute and post-acute care continuum. Learners explore differences across the lifespan through an introduction to both development and aging theories.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy, emphasizing its relevance to physical therapist practice. Students will gain a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, including the structure and function of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Learners will explore the major regions of the body, with a focus on the biomechanics and movement analysis of each region. Students will also learn palpation techniques to assess anatomical structures, reinforce anatomical knowledge, and identify potential impairments. The normal gait cycle is also introduced, including the phases of gait, muscle activity, and differences between walking and running gait cycles.

This seminar offers DPT students an exploration of physiological and pathological concepts that provide the foundation for future learning across all body systems and patient conditions. Physiology topics include cellular histology of body tissues; cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal/genitourinary, and respiratory systems; musculoskeletal and integumentary changes across the lifespan, and the physiology of inactivity and activity/training. Students also explore the pathophysiology of body tissues and body systems, tissue repair, and pain physiological mechanisms, preparing them to apply these concepts to body systems and patient conditions across the curriculum.

This course equips DPT students with the skills to promote health literacy, patient education, and prevention across the lifespan. Learners explore foundational concepts in public health, wellness, and value-based care, along with the roles of prevention and health promotion in transforming society. Key topics include behavior change models, stress and lifestyle management, and patient education tailored to individual learning needs. Emphasis is placed on how physical therapists can address chronic disease prevention, nutrition, physical activity, substance use, and specific health strategies for across the lifespan, including pediatric and geriatric populations. Learners develop skills needed to support comprehensive wellness and prevention in physical therapist practice.

This course provides DPT students with an overview of critical concepts needed for examination and intervention in patient management. Learners gain knowledge and skills in taking a patient history, conducting a systems review, assessing mental function, and performing vital sign assessments. Students learn the clinical rationale and psychomotor skills needed to perform basic examination of all body systems, including specific tests and measures assessing posture, range of motion and flexibility, strength, pain, joint integrity, sensation, balance, coordination, and locomotion (gait and wheelchair navigation). Learners also develop novice knowledge and skills in physical therapy interventions, including exercise prescription, joint mobility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and wheelchair prescription. Students begin to incorporate accurate documentation of the initial examination, plan of care, goals, and interventions.

This course provides DPT students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and individual factors affecting health and disease. Topics include population health management, social determinants of health, and the critical need for person-centered and community-centered care. Learners examine models of healthcare delivery and respectful interpersonal communication. Students navigate psychosocial aspects of physical therapy practice, medical and pharmacologic chronic disease management, mental health, pain management, and the biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation. Essential skills in CPT and ICD-10 coding for physical therapy documentation and billing are introduced to ensure accurate and ethical practice management.

This course equips DPT students with essential skills for safe and effective mobility training. Topics include infection control, body mechanics, safe patient handling, and monitoring the response to mobility training. Learners integrate knowledge with psychomotor skills related to training skills in bed mobility, transfers, sit-to-stand, and gait training on various surfaces using assistive devices. Emphasis is placed on motor learning principles, documentation of assistance levels, and the use of verbal, tactile, and visual cues. The course also covers acute care mobility considerations, including management of lines and leads, chart review, and safety precautions, preparing students to engage in mobility training in acute care and other in-patient environments.

This course advances DPT students’ knowledge in regional anatomy, biomechanics, radiology and osteokinematics of the lumbo-sacral spine, pelvis, and hip in context of the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of these regions. Learners gain knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and interventions for persons with a range musculoskeletal and post-surgical conditions of the lumbar spine, sacral spine, pelvis, and hip. Students learn examination skills in observation, postural assessment, palpation, range of motion, tests for mobility and instability, neural testing, special tests, and functional movement assessment. Intervention skills include manual therapy and exercise prescription for mobility, stability, strength, and neuromuscular control during movement and function. The course includes topics in pelvic health, focusing on examination and treatment of musculoskeletal issues in pregnancy and postpartum care and the patient management of persons with pelvic floor dysfunction.

This course advances DPT students’ knowledge in regional anatomy, biomechanics, radiology and osteokinematics of the knee, ankle, and foot in context of examination and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of these regions. Learners gain knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and interventions for persons with a range musculoskeletal and surgical conditions of the knee, foot, and ankle as well as principles of lower quarter screening. Students advance their examination skills in observation, postural assessment, palpation, range of motion, tests for mobility and instability, neural testing, special tests, and functional movement assessment. Intervention skills include manual therapy and exercise prescription for mobility, stability, strength, and neuromuscular control during movement and function. The course also includes screening for medical disease in persons with lower quarter conditions, psychological approaches to pain management in musculoskeletal conditions, and lifespan-specific considerations pediatric and geriatric populations with lower quarter dysfunction.

The course emphasizes the importance of moral agency, social responsibility, and accountability, preparing students to meet the high ethical and legal standards expected of healthcare professionals. Students learn how moral agents are responsible to act on the behalf of others and to protect society’s most vulnerable populations, including advocating for person-centered care for patients, communities, and populations. Learners explore foundational ethical concepts, principles, and core values of the physical therapy profession, applying ethical decision-making models to real-world scenarios to build ethical reasoning skills. Learners discover ethical principles guiding clinical research while expanding their knowledge and skills needed for evidence-informed practice.

This course introduces DPT students to the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular responses. Topics include exercise prescription, aerobic capacity assessment, effects of pharmacologic agents, and nutrition’s role in exercise. Students explore deconditioning, regenerative medicine, and the relationship between genetics, exercise, and muscle function. The movement science component focuses on movement analysis and intervention planning based on the four-element movement system, preparing students to apply a sound framework for movement analysis across all areas of clinical practice. The normal gait cycle is also introduced, including the phases of gait, muscle activity, and differences between walking and running gait cycles.

This course provides DPT students with foundational knowledge and practical skills for managing impairments through various physical, electrical, and mechanical agents to address impairments of body structure during acute, sub-acute, and chronic phases of healing. Topics include thermal and electrotherapeutic agents, and mechanical therapies such as traction and soft tissue mobilization. Learners will apply best available evidence along with sound clinical decision making while recognizing indications, precautions, and contraindications for each intervention. Students will also expand their skills in appropriate documentation of interventions and legal delegation of components of the plan of care to support personnel. The course also covers exercise prescription, pharmacology related to musculoskeletal and systemic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, and emerging trends in neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

This course equips DPT students with skills needed to assess and treat activity limitations. Students learn examination strategies for bed mobility, sit-to-stand, sitting and standing balance, and dynamic balance assessment techniques, along with targeted physical therapy interventions improving these functional skills. Key topics include fall risk management, home assessment, functional training progression, and mental practice to enhance motor learning. Emphasis is placed on patient and caregiver education, effective delegation to PTAs, and thorough documentation to support safe and effective functional mobility outcomes.

This course advances DPT students’ knowledge in regional anatomy, biomechanics, radiology and osteokinematics of the craniomandibular, cervical, thoracic, and shoulder regions in context of examination and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of these regions. Learners gain knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and interventions for persons with a range musculoskeletal and surgical procedures of the craniomandibular, cervical, thoracic, and shoulder regions. Students advance their knowledge of examination skills in observation, postural assessment, palpation, range of motion, tests for mobility and instability, neural testing, special tests, and functional movement assessment. Intervention skills include manual therapy and exercise prescription for mobility, stability, strength, and neuromuscular control during movement and function. The course also includes skills required for vascular and upper quarter screening.

This course advances DPT students’ knowledge of the anatomy, biomechanics, radiology and osteokinematics of the elbow, wrist, and regions in context of examination and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of these regions. Learners gain knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and interventions for persons with a range of musculoskeletal and surgical procedures of the elbow, wrist, and hand regions. Students advance their examination skills in observation, postural assessment, palpation, range of motion, tests for mobility and instability, neural testing, special tests, and functional movement assessment. Intervention skills include manual therapy and exercise prescription for mobility, stability, strength, and neuromuscular control during movement and function. Course topics also include medical screening and differential diagnosis of the upper quarter, and lifespan-specific considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations.

This course prepares DPT students for effective interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based decision-making in patient care. Learners analyze roles and responsibilities of all members of healthcare environments, apply relational coordination principles, and navigate facilitators and barriers to collaborative practice. Emphasis is on person-centered care, delegation, and instructional strategies for peer and support personnel. Additionally, learners will apply motivational interviewing and health coaching principles to facilitate behavior change. Through critical appraisal of various research designs and literature, students will develop skills in reviewing and assessing evidence that guides diagnosis and prognosis, interventions, and outcomes in clinical practice.

This course prepares DPT students to support individuals across the lifespan in returning to their life roles and return to sport. Students learn early intervention and school-based physical therapy foundations based on IDEA principles, focusing on developmental goals, assistive technology, and family-centered care. For adults, the course addresses community participation, legal policies related to the American with Disabilities (ADA) Act, and advocacy. In sports rehabilitation, students explore late-stage rehabilitation, psychological readiness, return-to-sport testing, and complex cases such as concussion management. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based interventions, interprofessional collaboration, and documentation to enhance participation in diverse settings.

Two hundred forty hours (six-week block) of clinical experience in various settings. Emphasis is placed on the development of professional behaviors, communication skills, and the practice of skills acquired during previous and concurrent courses.

This course introduces DPT students to the healthcare system's structure, policy impacts, and the role of contextual factors in shaping health outcomes. Learners explore the Quadruple and Quintuple Aims of healthcare, examining healthcare access, the clinician experience, and person-centered care. Key topics include healthcare costs, fiscal models, health informatics, and telehealth policies. Learners investigate the importance of interprofessional collaboration and health advocacy for all persons, communities, and populations. Students analyze the impact of policy on healthcare quality and access, preparing them to advocate for health solutions for all communities.

This course introduces Doctor of Physical Therapy students to the foundational anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical interventions of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems across the lifespan. Students learn the requisite knowledge and skills for examination techniques, including auscultation, pulmonary function tests, and cardiovascular tests and assessments. Key topics include respiratory mechanics, oxygen delivery, heart disease, vascular conditions, and pharmacology for managing cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. This course also addresses pediatric considerations of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, covering congenital heart anomalies, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Learners will apply both knowledge and skills to patients across the healthcare system ranging from intensive-care to out-patient and home settings.

This course advances DPT students’ competence in assessing and managing persons with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions across the lifespan. Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to perform pulmonary interventions including breathing exercises, airway clearance, postural drainage, and energy conservation techniques for persons with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions. Learners also assess and apply intervention skills for persons with cardiovascular risk factors as well as those with acute or chronic cardiovascular conditions. Cardiac interventions emphasize exercise prescription (endurance training, high-intensity interval training, resistance training, blood flow restrictive training), functional mobility training, patient education, and effective monitoring of the patient’s response to mobility and exercise. Learners also integrate information regarding pulmonary and cardiovascular pharmacology, patient education, risk stratification, prevention, and differential diagnosis through case-based scenarios that enhance clinical decision-making for complex cardiovascular and pulmonary patients. Exercise and treatment considerations specific to children with congenital or acquired heart and lung defects are also addressed from the acute care setting through return to sport/play.

This course equips DPT students with foundational leadership skills for self, team, and organizational development within healthcare settings. Learners engage in self-assessment, explore leadership theories, and develop personalized leadership plans. The course covers team-building strategies, communication techniques, and the application of leadership constructs to foster collaborative, motivated teams. At the organizational level, students learn about strategic planning, adaptive leadership, and the impact of different backgrounds and perspectives on leadership. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, including strategies for research dissemination and the use of qualitative research in physical therapy.

This course teaches Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to manage patient care across healthcare settings, from acute care to in-patient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient and specialized environments such as the Emergency Room. Across all settings, learners apply the ICF model, engage in interprofessional collaboration, and create culturally responsive plans of care. Topics include caregiver support, goal setting, functional assessments, equipment needs, and documentation requirements specific to various settings. The course also covers Medicare, Medicaid, and supervision of support staff, preparing students for seamless transitions and continuity of care throughout the healthcare continuum.

This course provides DPT students with a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the integumentary and lymphatic systems, as well as the patient management of individuals with limb loss. Learners gain knowledge and skills regarding etiology of wounds, types and measurement of wounds, phases of healing, system interactions impacting healing, and interventions such as debridement, dressings, physical and electrical agents, and compression therapies. Students also learn about the etiology of lymphatic disorders and lymphedema management, including manual lymphatic drainage and compression techniques. For limb loss, learners gain knowledge and skills in the types and etiology of amputations, examination techniques related to pain, mobility, balance, strength, and function. Learners apply interventions for persons with limb loss including pre/post operative care, prosthetic design and fit, and prosthetic training, with emphasis on residual limb management, functional mobility, exercise, balance, and gait.

This course prepares DPT students to manage medically complex patients in settings such as the ICU, acute and subacute rehabilitation, and community-based care. Students learn about PT roles in the ICU, discharge planning, and outcome measures specific to acute environments. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional communication and decision-making, safe handling techniques, and managing patients with multiple comorbidities. Through case studies, students explore strategies for mobility training, equipment management, and comprehensive care for complex patient populations.

This course prepares DPT students to assess and address community health needs through targeted program planning. Learners explore the roles of public and population health in physical therapy, investigate national health initiatives, and apply a nine-step needs assessment process. Emphasis is placed on collaborating with community members and varied populations in the design, implementation, and evaluation of community-based programs, including workplace wellness. The course covers funding strategies, formative and summative assessments, and collaborative planning with stakeholders, equipping students with skills to support community health and wellness initiatives.

This course introduces DPT students to the foundational principles of neuroscience as related to motor control frameworks, and neurologic physical therapist practice for adults and aging adults. Students learn how to conduct a systems review, communicate clearly, and the elements of the Core Outcome Measure Set developed by the Academy of Neurologic Practice. Learners also explore principles of examination and specific skills in assessing muscle tone, sensation, coordination, cranial nerves, motor function, and postural control assessment, and interventions-including vestibular dysfunction and treatment.

This course advances DPT students’ knowledge and skills in clinical reasoning and patient management of adults with a wide range of neurologic disorders and movement dysfunction. Learners enhance knowledge and skills in examination, evaluation, and interventions for persons with peripheral nerve and spinal cord pathologies as well as those with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and progressive neurological disorders. Students apply contemporary examination and treatment approaches across the lifespan, with special topics in mobility and gait training, wheelchair prescription, and assistive technology. Course content also includes principles of upper extremity examination and treatment, clinical practice guidelines in neurologic practice, and movement system diagnoses. Cases are used to apply learning and facilitate clinical reasoning across the lifespan and across clinical settings.

This course provides DPT students with essential skills for managing physical therapy practice in diverse healthcare settings. Topics include navigating APTA standards, applying professional and legal scope of practice when making decisions, and strategies for patient advocacy. Students explore the use of health informatics, clinical data, and clinical practice guidelines to enhance patient outcomes and negotiate with payers. Key aspects of employee and fiscal management, risk management, and quality improvement frameworks are covered, along with emerging practice models and technologies. Learners review healthcare marketing principles, business strategies, and ethical considerations in promoting physical therapy services.

This course provides DPT students with a comprehensive understanding of cancer care and the role of physical therapists on the oncology team. Students explore cancer prevention, diagnosis, staging, as well as medical management, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and biologic interventions. Emphasis is placed on oncologic rehabilitation models, managing cancer-related fatigue, pain, and end-of-life care. Students also explore specialized interventions and precautions related to different types of cancers, oncologic emergencies, and compassionate care across all stages of cancer treatment as well as for cancer survivors. Learners will recognize signs and symptoms that require immediate medical management in persons with cancer and cancer survivors.

This course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the cognitive and psychomotor readiness to participate in their terminal clinical experiences occurring after the completion of the didactic component of the program. Students will be evaluated across all topics and skills taught during the didactic portion of the program.

This course prepares DPT students to evaluate and manage pediatric clients across a broad spectrum of neuromuscular conditions, emphasizing evidence-based and family-centered care. Learners will explore typical and atypical motor development, postural control, and functional mobility from infancy through early childhood, applying principles of motor learning, dynamic systems theory, and movement analysis. Learners will integrate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework and emphasizes the use of standardized assessments, movement system diagnoses, and pediatric-specific intervention strategies. Learners will examine clinical presentations including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental coordination disorder, muscular dystrophy, and autism spectrum disorder. Additional focus areas include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) competencies, adaptive equipment prescription, assistive technology, and culturally responsive care in natural environments. Experiential activities such as case-based learning, lab experiences, and clinical reasoning exercise facilitate the learner’s ability to create individualized plans of care that promote participation, development, and quality of life for children and their families.

A ten-week block of full-time clinical practice in one or more settings. The practicum is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the curriculum content presented during the two years of study.

A ten-week block of full-time clinical practice in one or more settings. The practicum is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the curriculum content presented during the two years of study.

A ten-week block of full-time clinical practice in one or more settings. The practicum is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the curriculum content presented during the two years of study.

A course designed to finalize the clinical education component of the program. The course covers PEAT (Practice Exam and Assessment Tool) examinations and the development of study programs, as well as final clinical assessments and Inservice/Project Evaluations.