Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy DScPT

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Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT)
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• The scope of clinical practice has expanded and
  includes establishing evidence for current
  practice patterns.

• Health promotion and disease prevention have
  become an integral part of delivery of services.
• Responsibilities of therapists have increased
  because physical therapy is an entry point to the
  health care system (direct access without
  physician referral).
• Employment settings include consultative services
  to industry, government, and third party payers.

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American Physical Therapy Association Vision
Statement

• By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by
  physical therapists who are doctors of physical
  therapy, recognized by consumers and health care
  professionals as practitioners of choice for
  consumers who have direct access for the
  diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention
  of impairments, functional limitations, and
  disabilities related to movement, function, and
  health.

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At the completion of the program, graduates of
the program will be able to

• Function as a PT diagnostician for complex
  movement-related disorders, who is able to

• discern and classify dysfunctions that guide
  physical therapy intervention
• identify and refer persons with conditions beyond
  the scope of physical therapy practice

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At the completion of the program, graduates of
the program will be able to

• Function as a PT diagnostician for complex
  movement-related disorders

• Serve as consultants for both program enhancement
  of existing clinical programs and development of
  new programs

• needs assessment
• program planning
• implementation
• program assessment

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At the completion of the program, graduates of
the program will be able to

• Function as a PT diagnostician for complex
  movement-related disorders
• Serve as consultants for both program enhancement
  of existing clinical programs and development of
  new programs

• Contribute to the knowledge base of physical
  therapy through clinical research.

• Design and implement programs for prevention of
  disease, dysfunction and disability that consider
  improvement in quality of life issues.

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At the completion of the program, graduates of
the program will be able to (continued)

• Analyze organizational, financial and social
  policies that impact rehabilitation services.

• Critically and efficiently analyze information
  and apply findings to physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate leadership skills that positively
  influence physical therapy practice and policy.
• Serve as junior faculty members in physical
  therapy educational programs.

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Program Completion Requirements
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Additional Requirements

• Successful performance on qualifying exam
• Practicum in a focus area/community health
  setting
• Clinical Research Project/Dissertation

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Major Courses
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Support Courses

• PT 720-22 PT Clinical Outcomes Research
• Series
  (9 cr hr)
• Focus area
  (6-8 cr hr)
• Advanced Musculoskeletal Content
• Advanced Neuromuscular Content
• Advanced Clinical Outcomes Content
• Electives
  (3-6 cr hr)

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Delivery Method

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Web based