Overview
The UVM Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program's mission is to prepare graduates to lead and collaborate in the quest of promoting the health of individuals, communities and society through movement and exercise in order to optimize function, activity, and participation across environments. UVM graduates provide ethical, evidence-based, client-centered services in a culturally sensitive manner as they serve society to enhance quality of life. Graduates are decision-makers in the primary care team who have a clear understanding of the importance of lifelong learning that will support their client, patient, and professional needs. Faculty model and support student learning of these expected educational outcomes.
The program's vision is to be recognized for leadership in its contribution to the creation, advancement, and dissemination of translational research while striving toward excellence to educate DPT scholars who collaborate to "transform society by optimizing movement," for the promotion of individual and population health of our communities and society.
Degrees
Escorpizo, Reuben; Clinical Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; DPT, Des Moines University
Failla, Matthew; Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; PHD, University of Delaware
Ouellette-Morton, Rebecca; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; DPT, University of New England
Peters, Denise; Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; PHD, DPT, University of South Carolina
Smith, Paula; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; PHD, Virginia Commonwealth University
Courses
DPT 7030. Health Policy & Business Mgmt. 3 Credits.
Physical therapist practice management including evidence-based business and financial management, administration, and health informatics. Topics will incorporate business management from a physical therapist perspective, while expanding knowledge on health systems and the role of physical therapist in various practice settings. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7040. Health Sys IV-Health Promotion. 3 Credits.
Fundamental concepts of health behavior, health education, and health promotion. Examination of health promotion programs at the level of policy, community, social spheres, and individuals. Experiential learning through health promotion in consideration of health behavior science and evidence-based practice. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7050. Clinical Medicine. 4 Credits.
Foundational knowledge and application of pathophysiology as it pertains general health and systemic disease and its relationship to the role of the physical therapist as a movement system expert and a primary care practitioner. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7060. Exercise Science. 3 Credits.
Principles and applications of exercise assessment/testing, prescription and progression of the exercise program, including response to exercise. Course will emphasize understanding and application of the ACSM guidelines to exercise testing and prescription to individuals across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7070. Pharmacology and Nutrition. 2 Credits.
Foundational knowledge of pharmacology and nutrition pertinent to physical therapist practice. Introduction to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action of various drugs, and adverse reactions. Topics will also include nutrition in relation to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7080. Fundamentals Critical Inquiry. 3 Credits.
In-depth application of scientific inquiry inclusive of research design, statistical methods, research question development, critical appraisal and interpretation of evidence related to clinical practice are explored. Diagnostic, intervention, and prognostic studies are used in the application of the inquiry process. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7090. Foundations of Imaging for PT. 1 Credit.
An introduction to medical imaging for the physical therapist. Topics include principles of diagnostic imaging, imaging equipment, and application of imaging in physical therapy. Imaging modalities covered include: plain radiographs, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, bone scan, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7100. Fundamentals of Clinical Pract. 3 Credits.
Fundamental skills for physical therapists including patient/client management principles and practices such as examination techniques, history taking and interviewing skills, fundamental patient handling skills, clinical documentation and patient handling skills. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7110. Movement System I. 3 Credits.
Application of kinesiology and biomechanical principles to the analysis and management of human movement, posture, joint structure and function, and gait. Examination of mechanical properties of tissue with respect to lifespan, injury and healing, and principles of diagnostic imaging. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7120. Movement System II. 3 Credits.
Motor control/learning and development across the lifespan, and a theoretical framework to develop intervention strategies. Principles of examination and evaluation of normal and dysfunctional movement will be discussed, including posture, gait, reach and grasp. Electrodiagnostic testing will also be covered. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7130. Movement System III. 3 Credits.
Utilize a movement systems approach to address the management of patients with multi-system involvement. Focus on the role of the physical therapist as primary care practitioner including emergency scenarios across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7140. Clinical Reasoning. 2 Credits.
Fundamental clinical-decision making frameworks in contemporary physical therapy practice, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Hypothesis Oriented Algorithm for Clinicians within the context of patient/client management model. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7150. Psychsoc Aspcts Hlth Wellbeing. 3 Credits.
Psychosocial dimensions of health, illness, and disability across the lifespan and in consideration of diverse perspectives. Consideration of physical therapy implications for management of common mental health conditions and integrate patient and family-centered communication skills in simulated clinical situations. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7160. Rehabilitation Technology. 3 Credits.
Evaluation, prescription, and patient / client education of rehabilitation technology used in physical therapy management of individuals to address or enhance movement across the lifespan. Topics will include prescription of and training with technology, devices, and environmental modifications. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7200. Musculoskeletal Management I. 4 Credits.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, management and outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction of the extremities are covered. Topics include pathophysiology, risk appraisal, medical and surgical management, and biopsychosocial considerations in the management of these conditions across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7210. Musculoskeletal Management II. 4 Credits.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, management and outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction of the spine are covered. Topics include pathophysiology, risk appraisal, medical and surgical management, and biopsychosocial considerations in the management of these conditions across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7220. Musculoskeletal Management III. 4 Credits.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcomes for patients with complex musculoskeletal system dysfunction are covered. Case management as movement system experts of patient/client populations with complex primary or underlying conditions across the lifespan are explored. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7230. Neurological Management I. 3 Credits.
Focus on movement system dysfunction among individuals with neuromuscular conditions across the lifespan. Introduction to the principles and components of neurological examination and interventions emphasizing body structure/function with neuropathology considerations will be discussed and practiced. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7240. Neurological Management II. 3 Credits.
Screening, examination, diagnosis, prognosis, management and outcomes for individuals with neurological impairments across the life span are covered. Evaluation and interventions of the movement system deficits considering pathophysiology and biopsychosocial framework will be addressed through case-based learning. Emphasis will be on neuroplasticity, postural control, gait, clinical reasoning and diagnosis-specific considerations. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7250. Neurological Management III. 4 Credits.
Incorporate advanced clinical decision making in the plan of care of complex patients across the lifespan. Consideration of differential diagnosis, patient environment and case management will be discussed. Prevention, risk reduction strategies and continuum of care will be emphasized. Co-requisites: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7260. Cardiovasc and Pulmonary Mgt. 4 Credits.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, management and outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions are covered. Topics include pathophysiology, risk appraisal, medical and surgical management, and biopsychosocial considerations in the management of these conditions across the lifespan. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7270. Integmnt, Endocrine, Multi Sys. 3 Credits.
Screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, management and outcomes for patients with integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, oncology, autoimmune and multisystem conditions are covered. Topics include pathophysiology, risk appraisal, medical and surgical management, and biopsychosocial considerations across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7500. Professional Form/Leadershp I. 2 Credits.
Introduces professionalism, leadership, ethics, cultural competence, interprofessional education-practice and teaching-learning within the role of a doctoring professional, physical therapist contemporary practice and the healthcare environment. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7510. Prof Formation/Leadrshp II-ICE. 2 Credits.
Advanced study of professional formation and personal leadership development within the role of a doctoring professional. Focuses on role identity, professional practice expectations within ethical/legal standards of practice, teaching-learning, supervision/delegation, and introduces IPE role within Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICE). Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7520. Prof Formatn/Leadrshp III-ICE. 2 Credits.
Advanced concepts of professional formation and personal leadership development within the role of a doctoring professional. Focuses on collaborative practice expectations within ethical/legal standards of practice, teaching-learning, supervision/delegation, and IPE. Prepares for assuming responsibilities within Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICE). Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7600. Clinical Edu Experience I. 3 Credits.
Eight week supervised clinical experience in one of the following settings: outpatient, inpatient, or specialty clinics. Experience will include safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. Students will demonstrate proficiency with skills applying foundational knowledge associated with patient care and management. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7610. Clinical Edu Experience IIA. 3 Credits.
First of terminal clinical education experiences. Six week supervised clinical experience in one of the following settings: outpatient, inpatient, or specialty clinics. Experience will include safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. Students will demonstrate proficiency with skills applying foundational knowledge associated with patient care and management. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7620. Clinical Edu Experience IIB. 3 Credits.
Six week supervised clinical experience in one of the following settings: outpatient, inpatient, or specialty clinics. Experience will include safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. Students will demonstrate proficiency with skills applying foundational knowledge associated with patient care and management. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7630. Clinical Edu Experience III. 6 Credits.
Twelve week supervised clinical experience in one of the following settings: outpatient, inpatient, or specialty clinics. Experience will include safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. Students will demonstrate proficiency with skills applying foundational knowledge associated with patient care and management. Prerequisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7700. Seminar: Integrative Health. 1 Credit.
Explores integrative health (IH) in the context of the patient/client management model, where physical therapists may collaborate with or refer to other health care practitioners to optimize patient health outcomes utilizing the principles of IH. Examines specific IH disciplines and modalities such as tai chi, etc. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7701. Seminar: Oncology Rehab. 1 Credit.
Examination of the heterogeneity of cancer, and cancer treatment, as well as life after cancer and cancer treatment. Explores oncology rehabilitation including phase II and phase III exercise programs, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and lymphedema management. Introduces evidence-based oncology rehabilitation patient management. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7930. Doctoral Research Project I. 2 Credits.
Covers research principles and design relevant to rehabilitation and physical therapy practice as it relates to systematic reviews, clinical epidemiology, intervention, diagnostic, and prognostic studies. Students will apply outcomes measurement science, comparative effectiveness research, and critical appraisal of original research studies, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines. Co-requisite: Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
DPT 7990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
DPT 7993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
DPT 7995. Graduate Independent Research. 1-18 Credits.
Graduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.