Receive your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree with Graceland’s flexible hybrid learning experience.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Graceland University is a hybrid, accelerated physical therapy program that provides students with an innovative and collaborative learning community. The mission of the program is to develop movement system experts who lead and serve their communities with justice, compassion, excellence, and a sense of belonging through a thorough, advanced doctor of physical therapy degree. The innovative, two-year hybrid DPT program curriculum develops an adaptable, collaborative, evidence-informed, socially responsible, and reflective learning community of practitioners. Students will graduate as empowered physical therapists who can provide transformational care and leadership that serves and positively impacts society.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
Program start: Onsite Orientation: December 15-17, 2024, classes begin: January 6, 2025
Lab Immersions held in Mission, Kansas just outside of Kansas City, MO
The degree requirements consist of a core set of courses in foundational and clinical sciences, evidence-based practice, and specialty areas (i.e. geriatrics, pediatrics, etc.). Students can expect to complete physical therapy clinical practice hours within the field under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Find more information on how clinical education experiences work.
The hybrid format of instruction is provided through online education and face-to-face onsite lab immersion sessions that allow students to live anywhere in the country. The program is designed to be in full compliance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE).
While you’re a DPT student at Graceland, learning is expected to be your full-time job. You can anticipate to attend classes online and complete coursework during the day, and you’ll need to find time in your schedule to study. Some students may chose to work part-time during the program, but we recommend waiting until after the first trimester and fully committing yourself to this innovative and fast learning experience
Lab immersions are full-time (8-5 p.m.) 7 days a week for up to 2 weeks in duration. During the first year, there are 6 lab immersion sessions held in the Kansas City area (Mission, Kansas). During the second year, there is 1 lab immersion (June) and 3 full-time clinical education rotations that require full-time work according to your assigned site’s schedule. Please see the Academic Calendar for the cohort you are interested in for more detailed information including dates for all sessions. All distance learning classes will be scheduled based on Central Standard Time and will occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
| Term | Trimester Session | Course Number | Course Name | Course Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-A Spring |
DPTP 8130 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| DPTP 8101 | Human Anatomy I | 4 | ||
| DPTP 8310 | Physical Therapy Fundamentals | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8411 | Professional Competencies I* | 1 | ||
| 1-B Spring |
DPTP 8102 | Human Anatomy II | 3 | |
| DPTP 8140 | Pharmacology | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8150 | Movement Science | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8321 | Therapeutic Interventions I | 2 | ||
| 2 | 2-A Summer |
DPTP 8501 | Musculoskeletal Practice I | 3 |
| DPTP 8322 | Therapeutic Interventions II | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8330 | Health Promotion & Fitness Management | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8201 | Clinical Neuroscience I | 1 | ||
| 2-B Summer |
DPTP 8302 | Clinical Neuroscience II | 2 | |
| DPTP 8401 | Evidence-based Practice I | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8502 | Musculoskeletal Practice II | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8640 | Integumentary I | 2 | ||
| 3 | 3-A Fall |
DPTP 8503 | Musculoskeletal Practice III | 3 |
| DPTP 8601 | Neuromuscular Practice I | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8620 | Cardiopulmonary Practice | 4 | ||
| DPTP 8412 | Professional Competencies II | 1 | ||
| 3-B Fall |
DPTP 8720 | Pediatric Practice I | 2 | |
| DPTP 8504 | Musculoskeletal Practice IV | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8602 | Neuromuscular Practice II | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8402 | Evidence-based Practice II | 2 | ||
| Total credit hours – Year 1: | 58 |
| Term | Trimester Session | Course Number | Course Name | Course Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4-A Spring |
DPTP 8701 | Physical Therapy Practice I (8 weeks) | 8 |
| 4-B Spring |
DPTP 8721 | Pediatric Practice II | 1 | |
| DPTP 8660 | Business Management & Leadership | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8700 | Integrative Pain Sciences | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8740 | Primary Care PT: Tools & Technology | 3 | ||
| DPTP 8760 | Integumentary II | 3 | ||
| 5 | 5-A Summer |
DPTP 8730 | Management of Complex Patients | 2 |
| DPTP 8710 | Management of the Aging Adult | 2 | ||
| DPTP 8750 | Advanced Therapeutic Interventions | 2 | ||
| 5-B Summer |
DPTP 9702 | Physical Therapy Practice II (10 weeks) | 10 | |
| DPTP 9412 | Professional Competencies III | 1 | ||
| 6 | 6-Fall | DPTP 9703 | Physical Therapy Practice III (14 weeks)* | 14 |
| DPTP 9711 | Capstone | 2 | ||
| DPTP 9710 | PT Independent Study** | 1 | ||
| Total credit hours – Year 2: | 54 |
This course introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the trunk and lower quarter. Explores the clinical application of genetics, embryology, histology, and basic joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for tissue differential identification. This course addresses the content of the anatomical regions, including the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Emphasis is on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
This continues to develop foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the cervicothoracic spine and upper quarter. Explores the clinical application of joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for differential tissue identification. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and immune systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity, and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces pharmacologic principles and studies medications used in the management of common patient conditions encountered during physical therapy care, and their influence on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content includes common medications for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, psychosocial, and integumentary systems. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement by introducing the fundamentals of movement science focused on the areas of kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning. Integrating theory with basic principles of motor behavior and motor development will be applied to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, neurophysiological functions and developmental sequence of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course deepens neuroscience understanding of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, pathways and neurophysiological functions that regulate the senses, reflexes posture and the viscera. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course prepares the student for patient care activities including patient-centered communication, use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework and introduction to its use in various clinical settings. Students will begin to develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures. Use of the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) model for critical thinking and data categorization is introduced. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, basic exercise instruction goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces and integrates biomechanical principles of joint structure and function, movement analysis, and tissue healing and response to stress. Application of these principles is used to develop basic intervention prescription for the management of patients with acute pain and mobility impairments across the lifespan, with a focus on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and selected physical agents. Patient cases are presented to build a framework for identifying tissue specific intervention needs based on identified impairment(s) and activity/participation limitations. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Progra
This course further develops the principles and application of selected physical-agents and therapeutic interventions for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control deficits across the lifespan. Integrates tissue healing principles, current evidence, and case presentation into the clinical decision-making framework to appropriately select, instruct, and progress interventions. Concepts for developing therapeutic alliance and empathy are introduced. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces preventive health, wellness, and fitness concepts as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, social determinants of health, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on examination results and deliver these to the client using proper procedures and patient-centered communication. Through live or virtual cases, students will learn to modify programs to meet the needs of those with various health literacy and health center access. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces the foundation of general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians by creating clinical questions, searching appropriate literature sources, and assessing the evidence quality. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
The course defines professional conduct and teaches professional formation and application of lifelong learning skills necessary for developing towards a physical therapy practitioner. Throughout this course, students explore the ethics, core values, and roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, and the importance of optimizing communication with respect to others' individual and cultural differences, and abilities. Creating an initial professional and lifelong learning skills development plan prepares the student for the professional physical therapy curriculum. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The second course in this series prepares students professionally and emotionally for physical therapy clinical practice through exploring roles as a lifelong learner, patient advocate, clinical educator, and a member of the interprofessional care team. Students investigate major health care payer models, billing and coding practice, patient care optimization, and health care regulations, and their impact on physical therapy services. This course blends topics through case applications focused on communication, cultural safety, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, safety, and risk management perspectives across all practice settings. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop strategies for systems differential identification, neuromuscular differential diagnosis and for interprofessional collaboration when needed. This course introduces examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing for select conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions and develops critical reasoning through use of clinical cases. This course emphasizes application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions targeting patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course continues to develop students' use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework in the examination, evaluation, and treatment sequence of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the lower quarter. Focus is placed on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. This course builds on culturally competent, patient centered care through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
The third course in this series continues use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the head and cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient centered care and use of sound critical reasoning strategies is developed through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This The final course in this series continues to integrate critical reasoning for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. This course concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient-centered care is advanced through clinical presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course introduces examination and management of movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from central nervous system pathology, with emphasis on traumatic and acquired brain injury, concussion management, and vestibular conditions. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to build on the student’s critical reasoning strategies is integrated through use of clinical cases. Lab experiences develop patient-centered management skills and recovery-based treatment techniques built on neuroplasticity principles for patients with neurologic dysfunction. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances examination, evaluation and management of specific movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from nervous system pathology. Emphasis is on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other acquired, genetic, and degenerative nervous system disorders common to physical therapist practice. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework through clinical cases is used to strengthen students critical reasoning for developing comprehensive, patient-centered care plans for patients across the continuum of clinical practice settings. Lab experiences continue integration of critical reasoning for selection, performance and adaptation of examination and interventions skills for treatment and management of patients with neurologic diseases/conditions. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses.
This course builds on the use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop evaluation, examination, and management skills for patients with common cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction. Lab activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management, application of evidence for practice, and discharge planning skills across a variety of clinical settings. Students develop appropriate observation and clinical skills necessary for completing a comprehensive evaluation and formulating a comprehensive plan of care with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course provides a foundation for physical therapist evaluation and management of integumentary health and decision-making related wounds and vascular diseases that impacts patients/clients across the lifespan. Communication and collaboration with the interprofessional care team to manage patients with integumentary impairments, wounds, and limb amputations is a focus in this course. Combining understanding of lifestyle, psychosocial and social determinants (drivers) of health from prior courses is advanced through direct instruction and case application. Specific principles for management of patients with limb differences and prosthetic needs, including early post-operative management, prosthetic materials, design, fabrication, and technology, and ongoing physical therapy interventions to optimize functional performance is a focus of this course. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course provides an overview of basic business principles, as they relate to the practice of physical therapy with a systems-based thinking approach. Students will gain knowledge on assorted topics related to leadership, healthcare business management and health informatics. There is a specific focus on understanding payer relationships, diagnostic coding, current procedural terminology, clinical productivity, and operating margin. The course will prepare students to be stewards of fiscal responsibility and leaders in the field of physical therapy. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course provides an overview of managing people with neuromusculoskeletal chronic pain syndromes and the associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Use of case simulations builds on previous pain management knowledge and core competencies while advancing motivational interviewing and therapeutic alliance skills. This course emphasizes the core knowledge necessary for offering best care of patients and provides integrated interprofessional perspectives on comprehensive pain management designed to improve patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This integrated clinical education course develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student initiates teamwork and communication with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated experience that builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. Students begin practice using evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses and demonstrated readiness for clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course strengthens the students' understanding of normal and abnormal physiology of aging, and the sociologic and economic consequences on the individual and society. Use of clinical cases that focus on prioritization and management of co-morbidities (e.g., vascular, or visual compromise, falls, depression, etc.) common in the aging adult strengthens students' clinical reasoning. Advancing patient-centered care and use of motivational interviewing skills is reinforced through live and simulated cases. Lab activities develop patient management skills for care of the aging adult across practice settings, and with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
Using a framework of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Current evidence is applied to examination, evaluation, documentation and management of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of common pediatric conditions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are explored using live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course further develops the framework for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include plan of care development and family centered care strategies to enhance functional outcomes and participation for clients with select acquired and developmental conditions. Advancing clinical reasoning and use of evidence is progressed through live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This course advances management strategy prioritization for medically complex patients and integrates culturally competent and mindful patient management concepts throughout. Clinical cases present patients across the lifespan with primary movement system impairments due to diseases, conditions, and comorbidities of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, lymphatic, pulmonary, metabolic /endocrine, reproductive/urologic, and immune systems to strengthen clinical reasoning. Students will incorporate community health informatics and risk mitigation strategies in the design of individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and optimal disease management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. By integrating the evidence for medical screening methods, clinical diagnosis, and imaging modalities with clinical cases, students will develop efficient and effective processes for collecting, evaluating, and communicating examination data while advancing differential diagnostic reasoning. Building on prior coursework, clinical scenarios will advance data driven decision-making, applications for wearable and emerging technology, and effective management of patients across all spectrums in the continuum of care. Students will apply wellness, screening, and patient/client education skillsets to improve the health of the GU and/or their local community. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course expands on the students’ critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and management of patients with movement system dysfunctions. This course is a progression of techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of exercise therapy, manual therapy techniques, dry needling, manipulation, mobilization, muscle energy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and proprioceptive/vestibular treatments. Students are provided with expanded knowledge and skills from foundational content previously taught. Lab activities use case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the development and progression of comprehensive treatment plans. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses
This course introduces management strategy prioritization for patients with primary oncologic, integumentary, and lymphatic conditions with secondary co-morbidities across all body systems commonly seen in physical therapist practice. Advancing evidence supported clinical reasoning and building skills to enhance the therapeutic alliance for collaborative decision making with patients and the interprofessional care team is a focus of this course. Use of clinical cases reinforces integration of culturally competent, mindful, and evidence informed care for patients across the lifespan and spectrum of physical therapist practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This seminar course allows students to engage in curricular study that meets identified student learning needs. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop learning and assessment of learning necessary for ongoing development. This course may be taken more than once to guide specific student learning in the DPT program. Course credit hours will be determined by the program director. Course graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the DPT Program Director
The final course in this series advances student's leadership, and practice management roles across the spectrum of care, and investigates those as a clinical researcher, advocate, educator, and primary care provider. The student explores medical ethics, health care regulations, and practice risk management strategies and how they interact with provision of physical therapy services. Refining strategies to manage fraud and abuse, difficult conversations, situational safety, and challenging clinical scenarios will be a focus of this course. Students will refine a development plan focused on professional growth for the first year of practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, subsession 5-A courses
This course advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during a 10-week mentored clinical education experience. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, sub session 5-A courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during a 14-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals while advancing critical reasoning and use of evidence for optimizing patient management. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course allows students to explore contemporary topics in physical therapy practice, professional formation, and preparedness for entry to practice by integrating prior knowledge with evidence on selected topic. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop a learning contract of autonomous study and products of this study sufficient to meet course hour requirements. Students must have a signed learning contract before beginning coursework. Course graded as pass/ fail. May be taken in any semester of the second program year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior DPT coursework
This course integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students engage in reflective practice in three principal areas including integration of content learned throughout the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth to prepare for practice. Students will compile this reflection into a format that demonstrates their professional formation and articulates how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as they move into practice. Students develop and implement a study plan to prepare for taking a simulated National Physical Therapy License Exam just prior to graduation. Use of lifelong learner skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses.
This course introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the trunk and lower quarter. Explores the clinical application of genetics, embryology, histology, and basic joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for tissue differential identification. This course addresses the content of the anatomical regions, including the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Emphasis is on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
This continues to develop foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the cervicothoracic spine and upper quarter. Explores the clinical application of joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences include use of 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, synthetic human anatomical models, and other resources to develop sound strategies for differential tissue identification. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and immune systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity, and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces pharmacologic principles and studies medications used in the management of common patient conditions encountered during physical therapy care, and their influence on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content includes common medications for the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, psychosocial, and integumentary systems. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement by introducing the fundamentals of movement science focused on the areas of kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning. Integrating theory with basic principles of motor behavior and motor development will be applied to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision making in physical therapist practice. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, neurophysiological functions and developmental sequence of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course deepens neuroscience understanding of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures, pathways and neurophysiological functions that regulate the senses, reflexes posture and the viscera. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course prepares the student for patient care activities including patient-centered communication, use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework and introduction to its use in various clinical settings. Students will begin to develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures. Use of the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) model for critical thinking and data categorization is introduced. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, basic exercise instruction goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This course introduces and integrates biomechanical principles of joint structure and function, movement analysis, and tissue healing and response to stress. Application of these principles is used to develop basic intervention prescription for the management of patients with acute pain and mobility impairments across the lifespan, with a focus on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and selected physical agents. Patient cases are presented to build a framework for identifying tissue specific intervention needs based on identified impairment(s) and activity/participation limitations. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Progra
This course further develops the principles and application of selected physical-agents and therapeutic interventions for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control deficits across the lifespan. Integrates tissue healing principles, current evidence, and case presentation into the clinical decision-making framework to appropriately select, instruct, and progress interventions. Concepts for developing therapeutic alliance and empathy are introduced. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces preventive health, wellness, and fitness concepts as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, social determinants of health, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on examination results and deliver these to the client using proper procedures and patient-centered communication. Through live or virtual cases, students will learn to modify programs to meet the needs of those with various health literacy and health center access. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course introduces the foundation of general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians by creating clinical questions, searching appropriate literature sources, and assessing the evidence quality. Development and use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
The course defines professional conduct and teaches professional formation and application of lifelong learning skills necessary for developing towards a physical therapy practitioner. Throughout this course, students explore the ethics, core values, and roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, and the importance of optimizing communication with respect to others' individual and cultural differences, and abilities. Creating an initial professional and lifelong learning skills development plan prepares the student for the professional physical therapy curriculum. Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The second course in this series prepares students professionally and emotionally for physical therapy clinical practice through exploring roles as a lifelong learner, patient advocate, clinical educator, and a member of the interprofessional care team. Students investigate major health care payer models, billing and coding practice, patient care optimization, and health care regulations, and their impact on physical therapy services. This course blends topics through case applications focused on communication, cultural safety, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, safety, and risk management perspectives across all practice settings. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop strategies for systems differential identification, neuromuscular differential diagnosis and for interprofessional collaboration when needed. This course introduces examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing for select conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions and develops critical reasoning through use of clinical cases. This course emphasizes application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions targeting patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course continues to develop students' use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework in the examination, evaluation, and treatment sequence of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the lower quarter. Focus is placed on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. This course builds on culturally competent, patient centered care through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
The third course in this series continues use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and treatment sequencing of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for the head and cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient centered care and use of sound critical reasoning strategies is developed through clinical case presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This The final course in this series continues to integrate critical reasoning for the differential diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system for musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. This course concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan. Ongoing integration of culturally competent, patient-centered care is advanced through clinical presentations and management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course introduces examination and management of movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from central nervous system pathology, with emphasis on traumatic and acquired brain injury, concussion management, and vestibular conditions. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to build on the student’s critical reasoning strategies is integrated through use of clinical cases. Lab experiences develop patient-centered management skills and recovery-based treatment techniques built on neuroplasticity principles for patients with neurologic dysfunction. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course advances examination, evaluation and management of specific movement disorders and neurological conditions stemming from nervous system pathology. Emphasis is on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other acquired, genetic, and degenerative nervous system disorders common to physical therapist practice. Application of the patient management clinical reasoning framework through clinical cases is used to strengthen students critical reasoning for developing comprehensive, patient-centered care plans for patients across the continuum of clinical practice settings. Lab experiences continue integration of critical reasoning for selection, performance and adaptation of examination and interventions skills for treatment and management of patients with neurologic diseases/conditions. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses.
This course builds on the use of the patient management clinical reasoning framework to develop evaluation, examination, and management skills for patients with common cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction. Lab activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management, application of evidence for practice, and discharge planning skills across a variety of clinical settings. Students develop appropriate observation and clinical skills necessary for completing a comprehensive evaluation and formulating a comprehensive plan of care with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course provides a foundation for physical therapist evaluation and management of integumentary health and decision-making related wounds and vascular diseases that impacts patients/clients across the lifespan. Communication and collaboration with the interprofessional care team to manage patients with integumentary impairments, wounds, and limb amputations is a focus in this course. Combining understanding of lifestyle, psychosocial and social determinants (drivers) of health from prior courses is advanced through direct instruction and case application. Specific principles for management of patients with limb differences and prosthetic needs, including early post-operative management, prosthetic materials, design, fabrication, and technology, and ongoing physical therapy interventions to optimize functional performance is a focus of this course. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 1 courses
This course provides an overview of basic business principles, as they relate to the practice of physical therapy with a systems-based thinking approach. Students will gain knowledge on assorted topics related to leadership, healthcare business management and health informatics. There is a specific focus on understanding payer relationships, diagnostic coding, current procedural terminology, clinical productivity, and operating margin. The course will prepare students to be stewards of fiscal responsibility and leaders in the field of physical therapy. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course provides an overview of managing people with neuromusculoskeletal chronic pain syndromes and the associated psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. Use of case simulations builds on previous pain management knowledge and core competencies while advancing motivational interviewing and therapeutic alliance skills. This course emphasizes the core knowledge necessary for offering best care of patients and provides integrated interprofessional perspectives on comprehensive pain management designed to improve patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This integrated clinical education course develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student initiates teamwork and communication with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated experience that builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. Students begin practice using evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses and demonstrated readiness for clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course strengthens the students' understanding of normal and abnormal physiology of aging, and the sociologic and economic consequences on the individual and society. Use of clinical cases that focus on prioritization and management of co-morbidities (e.g., vascular, or visual compromise, falls, depression, etc.) common in the aging adult strengthens students' clinical reasoning. Advancing patient-centered care and use of motivational interviewing skills is reinforced through live and simulated cases. Lab activities develop patient management skills for care of the aging adult across practice settings, and with consideration of relevant educational, social, economic, and cultural patient factors. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
Using a framework of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Current evidence is applied to examination, evaluation, documentation and management of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of common pediatric conditions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are explored using live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 2 courses
This course further develops the framework for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include plan of care development and family centered care strategies to enhance functional outcomes and participation for clients with select acquired and developmental conditions. Advancing clinical reasoning and use of evidence is progressed through live and virtual clinical cases. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses
This course advances management strategy prioritization for medically complex patients and integrates culturally competent and mindful patient management concepts throughout. Clinical cases present patients across the lifespan with primary movement system impairments due to diseases, conditions, and comorbidities of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, lymphatic, pulmonary, metabolic /endocrine, reproductive/urologic, and immune systems to strengthen clinical reasoning. Students will incorporate community health informatics and risk mitigation strategies in the design of individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and optimal disease management. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses.
This course explores the physical therapist’s role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. By integrating the evidence for medical screening methods, clinical diagnosis, and imaging modalities with clinical cases, students will develop efficient and effective processes for collecting, evaluating, and communicating examination data while advancing differential diagnostic reasoning. Building on prior coursework, clinical scenarios will advance data driven decision-making, applications for wearable and emerging technology, and effective management of patients across all spectrums in the continuum of care. Students will apply wellness, screening, and patient/client education skillsets to improve the health of the GU and/or their local community. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This course expands on the students’ critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and management of patients with movement system dysfunctions. This course is a progression of techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of exercise therapy, manual therapy techniques, dry needling, manipulation, mobilization, muscle energy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and proprioceptive/vestibular treatments. Students are provided with expanded knowledge and skills from foundational content previously taught. Lab activities use case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the development and progression of comprehensive treatment plans. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 4 courses
This course introduces management strategy prioritization for patients with primary oncologic, integumentary, and lymphatic conditions with secondary co-morbidities across all body systems commonly seen in physical therapist practice. Advancing evidence supported clinical reasoning and building skills to enhance the therapeutic alliance for collaborative decision making with patients and the interprofessional care team is a focus of this course. Use of clinical cases reinforces integration of culturally competent, mindful, and evidence informed care for patients across the lifespan and spectrum of physical therapist practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 3 courses.
This seminar course allows students to engage in curricular study that meets identified student learning needs. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop learning and assessment of learning necessary for ongoing development. This course may be taken more than once to guide specific student learning in the DPT program. Course credit hours will be determined by the program director. Course graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the DPT Program Director
The final course in this series advances student's leadership, and practice management roles across the spectrum of care, and investigates those as a clinical researcher, advocate, educator, and primary care provider. The student explores medical ethics, health care regulations, and practice risk management strategies and how they interact with provision of physical therapy services. Refining strategies to manage fraud and abuse, difficult conversations, situational safety, and challenging clinical scenarios will be a focus of this course. Students will refine a development plan focused on professional growth for the first year of practice. Use of lifelong learning skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, subsession 5-A courses
This course advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during a 10-week mentored clinical education experience. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5, sub session 5-A courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course progresses students to entry-level patient management skills during a 14-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals while advancing critical reasoning and use of evidence for optimizing patient management. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team. Course is graded as pass/ fail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)
This course allows students to explore contemporary topics in physical therapy practice, professional formation, and preparedness for entry to practice by integrating prior knowledge with evidence on selected topic. Students will work with assigned faculty to develop a learning contract of autonomous study and products of this study sufficient to meet course hour requirements. Students must have a signed learning contract before beginning coursework. Course graded as pass/ fail. May be taken in any semester of the second program year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior DPT coursework
This course integrates and applies cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students engage in reflective practice in three principal areas including integration of content learned throughout the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth to prepare for practice. Students will compile this reflection into a format that demonstrates their professional formation and articulates how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as they move into practice. Students develop and implement a study plan to prepare for taking a simulated National Physical Therapy License Exam just prior to graduation. Use of lifelong learner skills is expected. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trimester 5 courses.
| Term | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 1A |
Travel/Arrive for Orientation | January 3 |
| Orientation (onsite) | January 4-5 | |
| Travel/Depart for Orientation | January 6 | |
| Subsession Begins | January 8 | |
| Holiday: MLK Day | January 15 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | February 20 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | February 21-29 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | March 1 | |
| Subsession Ends | March 2 | |
| Spring 2024 1B |
Subsession Begins | March 4 |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | April 13 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | April 14 – 25 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | April 26 | |
| Subsession Ends | April 27 | |
| Summer 2024 2A |
Subsession Begins | May 6 |
| Holiday: Memorial Day | May 27 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | June 11 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | June 12 – 26 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | June 27 | |
| Subsession Ends | June 27 | |
| Summer 2024 2B |
Subsession Begins | June 28 |
| Holiday: July 4 | July 4 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | August 3 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | August 4 – 15 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | August 16 | |
| Subsession Ends | August 24 | |
| Fall 2024 3A |
Subsession Begins | August 26 |
| Holiday: Labor Day | September 2 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | October 2 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion October | October 3 – 17 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | October 18 | |
| Subsession Ends | October 19 | |
| Fall 2024 3B |
Subsession Begins | October 21 |
| Holiday: Thanksgiving | November 27 – 29 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | December 1 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | December 2 – 13 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | December 14 | |
| Subsession Ends | December 14 | |
| Spring 2025 4A |
Subsession Begins | January 6 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP I) | January 6 – February 28 | |
| Subsession Ends | March 1 | |
| Spring 2025 4B* |
Subsession Begins | March 3 |
| Subsession Ends | April 26 | |
| *No lab immersion | ||
| Summer 2025 5A |
Subsession Begins | May 5 |
| Holiday: Memorial Day | May 26 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | May 31 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | June 1 – 12 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | June 13 | |
| Subsession Ends | June 13 | |
| Summer 2025 5B |
Subsession Begins | June 16 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP II) | June 16 – August 22 | |
| Subsession Ends | August 23 | |
| Fall 2025 6A |
Subsession Begins | August 25 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP III) | August 27 – December 3 | |
| Fall 2025 6B |
Subsession Begins | December 4 |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | December 9 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | December 10 – 13 | |
| Subsession Ends | December 13 | |
| Graduation – Independence, MO | December 13 | |
| Term | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 1A |
Travel/Arrive for Orientation | December 14, 2024 |
| Orientation (onsite) | December 15–17, 2024 | |
| Travel/Depart for Orientation | December 18, 2024 | |
| Subsession Begins | January 6 | |
| Holiday: MLK Day | January 20 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | February 18 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | February 19–27 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | February 28 | |
| Subsession Ends | March 1 | |
| Spring 2025 1B |
Subsession Begins | March 3 |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | April 13 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | April 14–25 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | April 26 | |
| Subsession Ends | April 26 | |
| Summer 2025 2A |
Subsession Begins | May 5 |
| Holiday: Memorial Day | May 26 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | June 10 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | June 11–25 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | June 26 | |
| Subsession Ends | June 28 | |
| Summer 2025 2B |
Subsession Begins | June 30 |
| Holiday: July 4 | July 4 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | August 3 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | August 4–15 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | August 16 | |
| Subsession Ends | August 23 | |
| Fall 2025 3A |
Subsession Begins | August 25 |
| Holiday: Labor Day | September 1 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | October 1 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion October | October 2–16 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | October 17 | |
| Subsession Ends | October 18 | |
| Fall 2025 3B | Subsession Begins | October 20 |
| Holiday: Thanksgiving | November 26–28 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | November 30 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | December 1–12 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | December 13 | |
| Subsession Ends | December 13 | |
| Spring 2026 4A |
Subsession Begins | January 5 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP I) | January 5–February 27 | |
| Subsession Ends | February 28 | |
| Spring 2026 4B* |
Subsession Begins | March 2 |
| Subsession Ends | April 25 | |
| *No lab immersion | ||
| Summer 2026 5A |
Subsession Begins | May 4 |
| Holiday: Memorial Day | May 25 | |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | May 30 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | May 31–June 11 | |
| Travel/Depart for lab immersion | June 12 | |
| Subsession Ends | June 13 | |
| Summer 2026 5B |
Subsession Begins | June 15 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP II) | June 15–August 21 | |
| Subsession Ends | August 22 | |
| Fall 2026 6A |
Subsession Begins | August 24 |
| Clinical Experience (PTP III) | August 26–December 2 | |
| Fall 2026 6B |
Subsession Begins | December 3 |
| Travel/Arrive for lab immersion | December 8 | |
| Onsite Lab Immersion | December 9–12 | |
| Subsession Ends | December 12 | |
| Graduation – Independence, MO | December 12 | |
The following tuition rates and associated costs are for the 2023-2024 academic year and apply to students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) program starting in January 2024. The costs indicated below are only an estimate and may be different from the student’s total expenditures. Variable costs of the program include lodging, food, and travel to/from lab immersions and clinical education rotations. In addition, textbooks, computer requirements (laptop computer & mobile device) and hardware/software will vary slightly based on individual student preferences.
| Item | Fee |
| Tuition (6 trimesters) | $17,640 per trimester ($945/credit hour) |
| Program Support Fee: |
$18 per course |
| University Technology Fee: | $4 per trimester hour |
| Graduation Fee: |
$100 |
| Program Fees: | |
| General fees (CPR, technology, textbooks, support services, student kit, apps, library, APTA student membership, etc.) | $750 per trimester |
Pre-matriculation fees – student responsibility: |
|
| Application fee (PTCAS) | $150 |
| Health Insurance (annually) | $1,250 |
| Lab clothes (estimated, variable) | $500 |
| Background check (annually) | $100 |
| Immunizations | $100 |
| Lab immersion travel (variable) | $7,000 |
| Computer/technology | $1,500 |
Physical therapists are movement experts who practice in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, fitness facilities, and nursing homes. Learn more about the salary, practice settings, and career outlook of a physical therapist on the American Physical Therapy Association’s careers page.
Effective December 1, 2023, Graceland University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 816-423-4700 or email dpt-program@graceland.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT’s website).
Complaints to the Accrediting Body
Any individual who would like to file a complaint with CAPTE regarding what appears to be the Graceland DPT Program’s inability to meet an evaluative criterion may do so by following the directions provided on the CAPTE website (capteonline.org/Complaints) or may call the Department of Accreditation of APTA at 703.706.3245.
Complaints
Complaints involving faculty, staff or students, discrimination or harassment, or complaints involving grades or academic integrity, should follow the procedures outlined in Graceland University Lamoni Campus Student Handbook (for students) and Graceland University Employee Handbook (for faculty and staff), both found on mygraceland.edu. Graceland University faculty, staff and students are protected from retaliation for complaints made in good faith.
Any individual external to the University may file a complaint regarding aspects of the Graceland University DPT Program. Complaints should be referred to the DPT program director without fear of retaliation. Contact DPT Program Director Dr. Leigh Murray at 816.423.4681 or lmurray1@graceland.edu. The DPT program director will determine the appropriate course of resolution with consultation from the other Directors within the DPT program. In instances where there is an apparent or perceived conflict of interest, individuals may recuse themselves from the proceedings. In instances where the program director is the source of concern or complaint, issues should be referred to interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Jacqueline McGlade at 641.784.5115 or gim6@graceland.edu.
Graceland University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education.
Preparation for Professional Licensure
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Graceland DPT will provide outcomes for licensure exam pass rate, graduation rate, and employment rate beginning in 2026.
Questions?
