- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Mary I. Fisher, Department Chairperson
The physical therapist professional education program at the University of Dayton aims to graduate knowledgeable, service-oriented, self-assured, adaptable, reflective practitioners who, by virtue of critical and integrative thinking, lifelong learning, and ethical values, render independent judgments concerning patient/client needs that are supported by evidence; promote the health of the client; and enhance the professional, contextual, and collaborative foundations for practice. The three-year (8 semesters) Physical Therapy Program integrates didactic, hands-on and clinical experiences that culminate in a practitioner ready for today's state of practice and beyond. The didactic portion of the curriculum is enhanced by 39 weeks of full-time clinical training that is divided into four different clinical rotations providing immediate "real-world" reinforcement for classroom and lab instruction. A primary method of curriculum delivery is problem-based learning (PBL). This case focused, small group learning format facilitates the student's ability to identify, utilize, and manage learning resources and contributes to a smooth transition from the classroom to the clinic. Problem-based learning integrates knowledge and skills from various disciplines to facilitate the development of a reflective practitioner in a manner that emphasizes professional decision-making and the use of critical analysis in problem solving. In order to qualify for admission to the DPT Program, students must have an undergraduate degree and meet admission requirements. Students attend classes on a year round basis.
Clinical Experiences
Students complete 39 weeks of full-time clinical training throughout the curriculum. The first 3 rotations of 7, 8 and 12 weeks respectively follow specific core clinical modules focusing on general medicine, neurology and orthopedics. The final 12 week rotation focuses on a specialty area and is completed just prior to graduation. Clinical training may require travel and students are responsible for all expenses.
Faculty
Eight of the nine core faculty hold terminal Doctoral Degrees and five are certified clinical specialists. Our faculty has many years of experience teaching in higher physical therapy education and a rich history of clinical experience, research and scholarship. Six faculty are currently involved in clinical practice. Adjunct faculty, 69% with Master's or Doctoral degrees and 43% being a board certified clinical specialist, assist with tutorials, labs and specialty lectures.